Black Lightning Review: The Book of Blood: Chapter Two: The Perdi (Season 2 Episode 6)

Black Lighting Season 2 Episode 6, “The Book of Blood: Chapter Two: The Perdi,” is an action-packed episode, that unfortunately has a handful of flaws. At first glance, they don’t look like much, but it may spell disaster for the rest of the season.

I must admit, I was a latecomer to the Black Lightning fandom. During the summer, I binge-watched the first season on Netflix and quickly grew attached. Watching episode after episode, one is able to see the story for what it really is. Sometimes that is good, and other times, not so much.

Halfway through the first season, it became clear to me that the show takes a left turn, and chooses to focus on new plot points — rather than the ones they already established.

From the events of this episode, it seems they are gearing up to do the same thing.  

The introduction of the Perdi and Sange dilemma, seems to be just another layer of science fiction to add to the already bloated storyline. Over the last few episodes, many of the segments have already become choppy. Petty arguments in the Pierce household are being split into several scenes — when in reality — half of them could be completely cut in the first place.

Some may argue that it breaks up some of the drama with a dose of action, but I disagree. It instead confuses the viewer,  making it difficult to keep the facts straight. 

How can I enjoy a good fight scene, when it keeps getting interrupted by Jennifer and Lynn bickering? The truth is, I can’t. My attention becomes too divided to be completely invested in either event.

The scenes become so segregated, it is like being interrupted by a news break — or even worse, a commercial! 

Another problem with this episode, may not be clear to everyone. The writers commit a faux pas by breaking a well-known rule to all writers. That rule is: show, don’t tell.

After Anissa helps deliver Anaya’s twins, they sit and talk  about the life of the Perdi and the Sange. No flashbacks are seen, not even an organic dialogue. It is like the two are just sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories. 

I hate to say it, but this is lazy writing.  

A full on information dump is not compelling in the least. Things would work better if the information was peppered throughout multiple different people, during different transactions.

Yes, I know you think I’m contradicting myself with the earlier point I made — I guess in some ways I am. That is why these two problems are so glaring to me, they contradict each other.

All I ask is to stick with one way of storytelling. 

One problem can be more easily overlooked. Two problems really get the ball rolling downhill.

Maybe both of these things could be overlooked if our main man got a little more screen time.

It has been 6 episodes into the season, and we are lucky to have a complete 20 minutes combined of Jefferson Pierce suited up as Black Lightning. I know that a hero doesn’t always have to be in costume to fulfill his duties — Arrow’s Oliver Queen is doing a fine job in prison for crying out loud.

But Jefferson Pierce has barely even used his superpowers this far in the game! My only hope at this point, is that the last few episodes of the season are going to be so crazy and “electrifying,” that they are saving all their money for when it counts most. 

Still, the finale is a decent length down the road — so please give me a taste of what’s to come!

Lynn Pierce: All I could do is stand there and watch them die.

With all that being said, there are definitely some high points to the episode.

The shared scenes of Khalil and Tobias are quite intense. I’m glad to see Khalil finally piece together what really happened the night he was paralyzed. So often, we see the hero have issues with their morality and where to draw the line.

What a pleasure to see it from a different angle!

Finally we get to see Tobias totally cut loose, instead of walking around spreading his philosophy to his underlings. This fight is choreographed quite well, giving it a good amount of urgency and impact.

I don’t think Khalil will ever completely evolve into a full-fledged hero, but hopefully he can be a decent anti-hero. He, along with Jennifer, could be the edge that Jefferson needs to put Tobias down for good. 

The other great duo of the episode is Lynn and Jennifer. It is great to see Jennifer’s maturity level increase, as she talks to her mother in a respectful, yet non-sugarcoated way. 

She doesn’t beat around the bush in telling Lynn that even though she isn’t to blame, she does hold a part of the responsibility to what happened to those children. Of course, the truth hurts, and Lynn lashes out a bit. I love a good role reversal.

The stellar performances of Marvin “Krondon” Jones III, Jordan Calloway, and Christine Adams really make the episode. They are nearly enough to make up for the shortcomings . That is, until you factor in that Gambi is still alive. 

What did you think of this episode of Black Lightning? Was there a performance that stood out to you? 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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