Black Lightning Review: The Book of Consequences: Chapter One: Rise of the Green Light Babies (Season 2 Episode 1)

The worst thing about Black Lightning Season 2 Episode 1, “The Book of Consequences: Chapter One: Rise of the Green Light Babies,” is definitely the clunky name. Seriously guys, couldn’t we have shortened this a bit?

“The Book of Consequences” or “Green Light Babies” would do the trick just fine. A title like this really sounds like the name to a Panic! At The Disco song to me, but what do I know.

Fortunately, most of the pitfalls end here, and we end up with a rather exciting episode.

Strangely enough, the 42 minutes of this episode spares the superhero action, and focuses mainly on the family drama. That for me is a good thing — because last seasons action sequences often came off a bit cheesy in comparison to The Flash and Arrow.

The few moments of superhero theatrics we do get, are well choreographed this time around and feel mostly believable. Two thumbs up for the women kicking butt! It nearly makes up for not seeing Jefferson in action.

Sure, he suits up for five minutes — just to reveal himself to Deputy Chief Henderson— but I would feel better if they ran into each other during a drug raid or robbery attempt. While it is good that Henderson now knows the truth, I wish that it could have happened differently.

Jefferson just giving up his identity so easily, takes away from the suspense built up in the first season. It’s like building a love triangle over time, and in the end, the girl saying she just wants to be friends. I wouldn’t call it weak exactly, maybe just lukewarm.

At least Henderson isn’t happy about the ordeal. I’m really glad they don’t hug it out — this is a show on The CW after all.

Lynn Pierce: What is happening to this family is not normal!

Action aside, let’s talk drama.

While not the tearjerker that is This Is Us, this show is always at its best during the family drama.

The actors that play the Pierce family work so well together. There is not a moment where you don’t believe they could actually be a real family  — that truly care for each other.

The only moment that seems a little off kilter, is when Jennifer accidentally shoots her mother with her powers.

Jennifer’s reaction doesn’t come off as concerned as she should be. Luckily, the scene cuts to the roof, where Lynn comforts her daughter. I would prefer if this scene happened a bit later in the show, nonetheless, it is still a very powerful moment.

The inevitable return of Tobias Whale this early on is intriguing. It makes one wonder if Tobias will be the central villain this time around, or if he will be sidelined again halfway through the season. Marvin ‘Krondon’ Jones III and Cress Williams play well off each other, and I hope they share more screen time together this season.

While it is fun to have a bad guy always looming in the corner, it only works for so long — before you learn to ignore him. Let the lion out to play for a while — show us what he is capable of.

If Tobias isn’t afraid of Black Lightning, then prove it.

I’m personally hoping for a public showdown in the middle of town. Thousands of bystanders rooting for our hero, as he has to make the decision to kill the man — or let him live another day.

The heavy emphasis on Jennifer’s still developing powers, is my favorite plot point.

Since the debut of the series, Jennifer has been my favorite character. Her spunky attitude — is the perfect way to topple the Pierce family on their heads.

With Jennifer, we are getting the origin story that we never got for Jefferson. Anissa’s rise to heroics was a bit rushed, where as they are taking their time with Jennifer.

I found it a little unbelievable, when Anissa accepted her powers so easily, and flipped the switch to become a superhero. The approach they are taking with Jennifer, is so much more realistic.

Jennifer’s fear and anger about the situation — really rings true. Most of us think it would be awesome, to wake up one morning and have some sort of superpower. In reality, it would be a lot to come to terms with.

I hope they continue to show this aspect in Jennifer’s story. Maybe they could make her have a short-term team-up with the villains, before realizing what she is really meant to be. This would be a great reckoning for the character — and cause her to explore her morals.

Fingers crossed that they keep up this momentum — and don’t sideline it after a few episodes. Superhero shows have a tendency to do this, and I never had much of a liking for it. If something is important to a character, it should stay that way — don’t just make it a throwaway story arc.

When the episode wraps up, we are left with so many directions this season can go. Almost every single angle seems provocative to a degree, with a multiple array of conclusions possible to each one. I have my seat belt buckled to the couch, as I prepare for it all to unfold.

What did you think of this episode of Black Lightning? What did you feel was the most exciting moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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