Black Lightning Review: Shadow of Death: The Book of War (Season 1 Episode 13)

On Black Lightning Season 1 Episode 13, “Shadow of Death: The Book of War,” Jefferson survives death yet again, the Pierces team up to defeat Proctor, and Tobias achieved his goal of becoming Freeland’s terrorist-in-chief.

As the title suggests, Jefferson passes through the ‘shadow of death’, but the aspect of ‘war’ is a tiny exaggeration. Though stylishly executed, the fight scene feels lighter than some others before it. When Tobias and his crew head out, and the police get summoned, it feels like the beginning of a real battle that never came to be.

Barring a conflict of titles, another befitting title for this episode would be “The Book of Revelations,” because an attempt is made to explain most of the stories and plot lines that had been shrouded in mystery.

Tobias’ strength and agelessness are shown to be a result of the serum he injects into his body. Looking on the bright side, losing access to that serum could be his downfall, if Jefferson decides to attack him from that angle.

The circumstances surrounding Lala’s return from the dead are finally discussed, including the tattoos on his chest. Apparently, Tobias killed him and remodeled him for his own selfish gains, and at the end of the finale, there is no word on what has happened to him, following that explosion – – a puzzle that Season Two will have to solve.

We get to know Syonide a little better, as the helpless kid raised by Tobias to be an assassin, which is unarguably the reason she pledges strong allegiance to Tobias.

In the same vein, we get a disclosure on the procedure that resulted in the transformation of Khalil, who now goes by the name: “Painkiller.”

Tobias has assumed the outlook and personality of a proper villain, a deviation from what was obtainable in earlier episodes. He is indeed the devil that deals the cards, and his character has been instituted as a dreadful force.

There is some seriousness to him that seemed to have been lacking, and the reason may have been because he was initially playing to the whims of the ASA and the other overlords.

We are taken back to Jefferson’s childhood and his interactions with his father, who was as woke as ever, and also did everything he could to save Freeland.

The relevance of that throwback is that it explains the motivations for Jefferson’s desire for social justice and his level of social awareness.

The training he acquired from his father, coupled with helplessly watching him get killed, are all strong factors that propelled Jefferson into becoming Black Lightning, apart from his love for Freeland.

Going back to the origin of his powers, which are a result of the rogue vaccine developed by the ASA, sheds more light as to some of the shortcomings he has to deal with.

Fortunately, he has Jennifer, who internally generates electricity, to keep him lit. So far, she has saved his life twice, which is a testament to the fact that the Pierces are a formidable team.

On this “book of war,” they all team up, Lynn and Gambi inclusive, to ward off Proctor’s attack and later kill Proctor.

Lynn’s story also gets a little reveal when she states that she used to go hunting with her father.

The way she holds that rifle and pulls the trigger, it would have been unrealistic to imagine that she didn’t have some sort of corresponding backstory. Besides, it takes a brave heart to marry and stand in solidarity with a superhero husband, and two equally superhero children.

Speaking of, Jennifer’s development is a little too much of a slow burn. She went through the motions very carefully, which is relatable, but for some reason, it feels like it has been dragged out for so long.

Thank goodness, there will be another season, otherwise, it would have been a waste of characterization. In all the 13 episodes, she only got to make her mark a few times, with all the potential her powers possess.

Be that as it may, the Pierces end on a happy note, and in typical finale fashion, some things come full circle, notably the infamous jog from the pilot, though with a deeper meaning this time.

Jennifer also delivers the closing monologue, just like she did the beginning, and Black Lightning is recognized once again for his heroism, this time, in connection with the missing children.

But did the flow of events build up enough suspense for season two? Not really, although the possibilities are endless.

Khalil has become a monster by Tobias’ design, Vice Principal Kara Fowdy is still on the loose and extremely dangerous, Jennifer has slowly but surely started appreciating the essence of her powers, Tobias is now the criminal kingpin and has vowed to take down Black Lightning, and Lala’s status is unknown at this time.

These are catalysts for intense drama, and there is no doubt that Black Lightning will deliver in no small measure.

On the flip side, it lacks a pulsating cliffhanger. Tobias is still the villain, with Khalil as his only added weapon. At the end of the day, he still does not know that Jefferson is Black Lightning, so it’s still a long road ahead.

Hence, season two would feel like business as usual, albeit under different circumstances.

It would have been more intriguing if Tobias had discovered the identity of Black Lightning at the very last minute, or if the ‘war’ had put one of the Pierces at risk.

Not to be a ‘Debbie Downer,’ but we watch movies for the drama and anticipate new seasons due to the weight of the cliffhanger, and I don’t think Black Lightning hit the right chords there.

At the same time, the slow pacing means that the show may stay on the airwaves for a longer span of time.

Black Lightning stands out in its depiction of a loving family, who have powers, yet remain very humble, staying true to the message of the show, a message of hope and sacrifice to the masses. It pays homage to its roots, the black community, through music, language, and the imagery presented.

Women empowerment is still at the forefront, championed by the three main women on the show. Lynn is a Medical Doctor, not some lay-about, Jennifer and Anissa are Jefferson’s lifelines, it couldn’t get more inspiring for women and young girls.

To have a male superhero considerably dependent on women is no mean feat — it screams subtle feminism.

Also, a special shout out to the brilliant choice of songs each episode, particularly on this one. The sounds match the tempo and the information being disseminated.

The song, together with the slow motions and lighting lend support to the dramatic scenes, especially the beautifully-choreographed fight scene. I can only hope that we get more of that creative chemistry in the future.

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Black Lightning airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.

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