Black Lightning Review: The Resurrection and the Light: The Book of Pain (Season 1 Episode 12)

On Black Lightning Season 1 Episode 12, “The Resurrection and the Light: The Book of Pain,” Tobias returns to Freeland to assist Proctor in capturing Black Lightning, yet with clandestine plans of his own; Khalil becomes a pawn with super powers, and Jennifer gets closer to utilizing her powers fully.

As the hunt for Black Lightning continues, all the living villains return to Freeland. The plot thickens, with both sides of the divide assembling their arsenal for the impending battle.

The symbolism of ‘pain’ is depicted in the characters of Lala, Tobias and Khalil.

Lala is overcome with immense sadness at still existing under the shadows of Tobias, Tobias is recovering from injuries sustained during the event of Lady Eve’s death, as well as the loss of his sister, Tori. He is also angry at being under the authority of Proctor.

Khalil for his part, has returned to unleash mayhem on Black Lightning. Pain inspires bad behavior and as usual, the atmosphere is tense.

Though not the most thrilling, this penultimate episode is one that shakes up the tempo and aligns the different subplots with the central theme, more like going full-circle.

Here’s the pattern: Freeland is the main subject of interest in the grand scheme of events. The theme of the show borders on trying to save the people of Freeland from the ASA and The One Hundred.

Black Lightning has been the target of assault, only because he has been the hindrance to the illicit operations of the villains.

With the return of Tobias, that scramble for Freeland is reignited, and he has mentioned that he plans to eliminate Proctor and usurp his powers, just to gain monopolized access to Freeland.

He has helped solve the mystery surrounding Lady Eve’s death by owning up to being the mastermind. Yet, it remains to be seen if Black Lightning has been completely vindicated.

Without leaving details shrouded in mystery, this episode does the good job of explaining Khalil’s ability to walk again.

This does not, however, excuse the fact that the reality of Lala’s return from the dead has not been unraveled. One thing we know right now is that Tobias is responsible for his return, and has him grounded in fear and forced loyalty.

We have still not established the relationship between his return and the images of Lawanda and Will tattooed on his chest. What is the significance of that subplot to the overall discourse?

I thought those torturous moments would mean a change of character for Lala but he still seems set in his old ways. His mission is to kill Tobias but what is the motivation behind that?

Like Tobias, he may only be interested in overthrowing to overtake, not for the cause of justice. I hope the show does not entirely sweep that storyline under the carpet.

Khalil’s transformation is impressive, by the way. Not so much a change of clothing style but his appearance, facial expressions, and athletic stature, all strike the impression of a trigger-ready hitman.

It is still unclear the measures through which he now has superpowers, although all fingers point to Green Light, but the almost sure bet is that the ASA will harvest him like the other missing kids after he is done executing their commands.

Faced with other options, he would not attack his own people, let alone, his classmates, but he made a deal with the devil, which lends credence to the age-long practicality that desperate situations call for desperate measures. He needed a cure, the ASA needed Black Lightning, his fate was sealed.

His frustrations towards Freeland are valid, given the circumstances under which he was shot, the fact that he felt like he didn’t receive substantial assistance from people, and the lies Tobias fed him concerning Black Lightning. Most adults would feel the same animosity, given the context.

At the home front, Jennifer is still hoping to be free from her meta form, with the help of her mother, Lynn. It is remarkable that Jennifer’s coming of age story is receiving the slow burn treatment it deserves, especially because of her age.

A bit of a surprise there that Khalil would jump back into Jennifer’s arms, even after he chided her for neglecting him at his worst. Jennifer now knows not to trust him but she could also be the one that redeems him. He is just a good boy caught in a trap, and deserves a second chance at life.

The symmetry between the three main superhero characters is presented in a way that makes each one important in their distinct abilities. Matter of fact, it appears that Jefferson needs his daughters more than they need him.

For one, Jennifer generates electric currents, which Jefferson has the privilege of benefitting from, and on this episode, she literally saves his life.

This dynamic subverts the trope of a superhero that can do everything all by himself. It may be the springboard that motivates Jennifer to finally embrace her abilities and join forces with Jefferson and Anissa.

It is also inspiring to see not just one now but two black female superheroes, playing significant roles on a mainstream show like Black Lightning.

One aspect that has not been given adequate attention, however, is the romantic arc. But the truth is, no one seems to be complaining, which is unusual in the current social climate.

This episode, Jefferson and Lynn begin an ‘affair’, the first time they have been sexually intimate, and the fact that fans don’t care about sexy times as much as they care about the drama is suggestive of the brilliance of the show.

Nevertheless, it is a tad worrisome that no mention has been made about the much-anticipated relationship between Anissa and Grace. You don’t build up such momentum and let it come crashing without a cogent reason.

Granted, Anissa has been busy with saving Freeland, but even a casual mention of them keeping in touch or occasional text messages would do the trick of keeping that story alive. I mean, we all carve out time for the people and things we love right? It’s part of self-care.

As the season finale approaches, the battle line is drawn. Annihilation lurks in every corner, with the villains silently aiming at eliminating one another.

Will Jennifer step up to the plate? What will become of Khalil after the hunt for Black Lightning is over? Will Tobias succeed in gaining absolute control of Freeland? So many questions, yet very few answers.

What did you think of this episode of Black Lightning? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Catch the season finale of Black Lightning next Tuesday at 9/8c on The CW.

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