Black Lightning Review: The Book of Secrets: Chapter Four: Original Sin (Season 2 Episode 14)
Black Lightning Season 2 Episode 14, “The Book of Secrets: Chapter Four: Original Sin,” is an exciting episode that does a lot to add to the lore of Black Lightning. It gives us insight into actions that took place long before we knew Black Lightning even existed.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t add much to the current story arc.
It is great to see Lala make his presence known before this season comes to a complete close. My only real question is, why now?
There are multiple different angles the show has chosen to take over the last 13 episodes. Many of them are quite interesting as they unfold, but enough is enough. It seems at this point, that they are just trying to pack in every possible situation they can.
I will admit, I have wondered why they showed a glimpse of Lala at the beginning of the season. I wasn’t sure if it had some sort of intent, and I am glad it was at least a form of foreshadowing.
I love when a show has enough direction to give a small glimpse ahead of time, of someone or something that will come into play later. So seriously, great job on that. But with the season wrapping up in the next couple of weeks, this act of filler actually makes me a bit angry.
I want to see things really come to a head at this point. I want to see story-lines collide in new and different ways that I didn’t see coming. Instead, I get this.
A decent villain — who isn’t much more than a menace — comes back from the dead and shoots Jefferson in the shoulder.
Sure, I guess I can say that is a decent lead-in, but it does come to a flat ending. Spoiler alert: Lala remembers that he was the one who killed Earl after all.
At least they add in that Mr. Pierce has a hand in his death, by telling the boy to go to the cops. The thing is, they already established that Jefferson was Black Lightning at this point. Couldn’t he have given Earl some sort of personal protection?
Adding to that dud of a truth bomb, Lala decides to just walk out, leaving Jefferson wounded — but in no fear of his life.
Wait, what?
All this buildup for a simple walkout?
No grand exit. No gut-wrenching speech. No lesson learned.
Nope. None of these.
Instead, we get Earl’s ghost showing up and adding his face to Lala’s body. Which I must add, I always find a bit cheesy.
If this wasn’t the main focus of the episode, I wouldn’t really be complaining about it. It seems to take up a good 30 minutes of the plot though. That is way too long to spend on something that may or may not be relevant in the coming weeks.
I want solid facts. I want things coming full circle. What I don’t want is more questions.
I love backstory. Seriously, I really do. But with a show like Black Lightning that has a shorter episode count, it needs to be done more strategically.
As far as the rest of the family goes, they only fare a bit better in keeping things moving forward.
Jen’s excitement over the design of her suit is kind of fun. It reminds us that at the end of the day, she is still a teenager. Even the most mature teenagers, can get caught up in fashion trends and the like.
It is good to see her enjoying herself after the tragedy she has been through. I also like that she does mention Khalil once or twice in passing, showing that his death will have a lasting impact on her.
Jennifer: My hope died with Khalil.
Her sister Anissa, is still on the hunt for Grace. I’m nearly positive at this point, that this whole side segment will fail to wrap up anytime soon. Fortunately, it is exciting enough that it doesn’t really have to.
I’ll be satisfied if the two have one last conversation before we take a break for the season. Something that answers a small question or two, but leaves it open for the future.
Lynn however, I kind of just want to shake. How could she not have seen all this coming? I know I did!
She is locked out of her own experiments by her evil boss, who wants to use the child as a weapon. Has Lynn never seen a sci-fi movie before?
This happens every time.
Every. Damn. Time.
So no, I will not give anyone points for creativity on this one. Nope, I refuse. Nada.
Instead, I will deduct points for Lynn being blind to the possibility of this happening. She should have put a fail-safe in place. Some sort of “plan b” for when things went awry.
When you have kids, you make a fire escape route in case your house catches on fire. This is practically the same scenario.
With all said and done, we are left with a decent episode that still seems to leave a bit of a bad taste in my mouth.
There are a couple intense action scenes — and just an inkling of plot advancement.
It just makes me doubt the season finale. I don’t foresee any sort of satisfying conclusion making its way towards us.
I figure there will be some sort of epic showdown between most of the interested parties, but I’m really thinking that is going to be about it.
I love a good fight between heroes and villains — I really do. But it doesn’t answer questions — and at this point that is all I really want.
What did you think of this episode of Black Lightning? Did you see it as filler or fodder? 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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Charles E Henning
Charles E. Henning lives in a quaint town of Illinois with his ever-loving wife since 1998. He is new to writing reviews, but has over thirty years of fictitious writing for his own personal fulfillment. His interests range from science fiction to character-based dramas, but he is a sucker for anyone in a cape.