Black Lightning Review: The Book of Secrets: Chapter One: Prodigal Son (Season 2 Episode 11)

Black Lightning Season 2 Episode 11, “The Book of Secrets: Chapter One: Prodigal Son,” finally gives us some connective pieces to a few story lines that have been presented this season.

A lot of what has happened throughout Season 2 so far, seems random. Ideas are thrown at us — and then disappear all together. It is a bit of a relief, to see that there are actually more pieces to the puzzle out there — just waiting to be discovered.

The first one that strikes me, is the team up with Henderson. 

At the opening of the season, Henderson discovered that Jefferson Pierce is the vigilante hero he has hunted for years. After his discovery, nothing really develops. Except for a couple drop-ins at the Pierce family house — that never seemed quite necessary.

Now that Jefferson shows Henderson the hidden lair underneath Gambi’s storefront, things seem to be headed in a more interesting direction.

So much more can happen now that all the cards are out on the table. Jefferson and Henderson can be straightforward with every aspect of their crime fighting outings. No more sneaking around the shadows when Henderson turns his head the other way.

As long as they don’t give Henderson his own superhero uniform, everything should stay smooth. This aspect will hopefully be used repeatedly and for more important things down the line. 

While it was fun to have the two share a Batman and Commissioner Gordon vibe, an actual full-fledged and hands on partnership, may be the best thing for this bromance.  

Okay, bromance might be a strong word, but frenemies doesn’t seem to fit either.

Another connective piece that bridges a gap, is the pairing of Tobias and Dr. Jace.

Before I get too deep in discussing this part, I must say that I really love the parallels they continuously draw between Tobias and Jefferson. When something happens to one, something similar happens to the other. Both characters teaming up with outside sources to further their mission, is a great way to contrast the two characters who are so similar and different in many ways.

When Dr. Jace was sent back to confinement — after her tricky scheme that cost many of the pod kids their lives — I figured we wouldn’t see much of her for a while. Truth be told I was right —  for the most part. 

She was shuttled offscreen, and rarely mentioned since that point. In fact, I haven’t even given her any thought since then. I just figured her stint this season was over.

Her evil scientist shtick should  work well with the nasty schemes of Tobias. Hopefully, this will throw the show back into more of a comic book feel. And I’m sure — if things go awry — Tobias will have no problem throwing Dr. Jace under the bus.

Because seriously, if an undercover criminal has the opportunity to point the finger at a more clear felon, there is no doubt they will.   

This game of cat and mouse wouldn’t be as fun if there isn’t some sort of exit strategy.

The last major tie-in from this episode I want to mention, is the attempt to put Khalil into a pod to save him.

Unfortunately, things don’t work out as planned because of him being unstable — but that really isn’t the point. 

By even mentioning this option and opportunity, things are brought full circle — practically placing a bow on top. And honestly, if things went exactly as hoped, it would have all been a bit too coincidental. 

I’m glad they are able to cinch the beginning of the season together with the second half in these ways. It makes things seem as if they were done on purpose, and not just thrown together haphazardly. It goes to show, that just because something looks rather random  — doesn’t mean it is. 

But then again, maybe it is all just a bit of controlled chaos.

I’ll be really impressed if at some point they are able to tie-in Master Lowry and the Sange. These were really interesting story arcs that have fizzled out completely. It will be a shame if something more exciting isn’t done with them — besides using them as filler.

Good stuff aside, there is one overarching theme of the episode that seems more than a bit off to me.

Khalil: You were always there, I just couldn’t see you.

I understand Jennifer’s concern for Khalil. Her heart must be completely broken to see her man hanging on for dear life. The problem is the rest of the Pierce family.

Just last week, they all nearly hated Khalil because they believed he kidnapped Jennifer. Even though that was proven to be false, he put Jen’s life in danger. 

This is something I believe most families wouldn’t be so forgiving with. True, nothing happened to her. Also true, he put his life in danger to protect her.

But still, people usually aren’t this forgiving that quickly. 

Yes, Khalil is mortally injured. But for Jefferson and the rest of the family to be this distraught, seems a little overboard. And realistically, I doubt the hospital would be that accommodating to allow friends such easy access to him.

This doesn’t destroy the entire episode though, and maybe I’ve just grown a little cynical in my old age. 

Either way, they manage to tug on our heartstrings with great force. Keeping us misty-eyed throughout the ordeal. 

The flat-line at the end doesn’t help matters. 

I can’t bring myself to believe he is dead yet. Jennifer’s original plan may still come into play — at least it should. Because really, at this point there isn’t anything left to lose.

But then again, maybe this is the reason Jennifer finally realizes she needs to be a hero. Not only to protect others, but to avenge the love of her life.

Honestly, I could see it playing out either way.

What did you think of this episode of Black Lightning? Do you think Khalil is gone for good? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Black Lightning airs Mondays at 9/8c on the CW.

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