Black Lightning Review: The Book of Reconstruction: Chapter Two (Season 4 Episode 2)

In the aftermath of the war that was Black Lightning Season 3, everyone fights for ultimate power while picking up the pieces of the broken town of Freeland. Although it is a battle on a much smaller scale, the vendettas are equally bloody and much more personal. 

Black Lightning Season 4 Episode 2, “The Book of Reconstruction: Chapter Two,” pits several characters in a power struggle not only with each other, but also with themselves.

There are several examples throughout the episode of the meaning of power and how to obtain it. The episode shows that the need for power can lead us down the darkest of paths. 

The 100 and the Kobra Cartel are mostly worried about each other, not caring about the casualties that equal mere collateral damage. It doesn’t matter to them how bad they look as long as it supplies great amounts of fear in their spectators. After all, fear is one of the most powerful weapons.

Tobias, on the other hand, wants to be more sneaky about gaining the upper hand. He wants the admiration and respect of the community not because he needs it, but because he doesn’t want them to know his motives. Setting this trap fuels Tobias’ ego exponentially. 

Jefferson Pierce already has power, but he feels his powers have let him down. The superhero lifestyle has led to many casualties that are close to Jefferson’s heart. With the loss of his good friend, Henderson, Jefferson has no idea what to do with the power he has been entrusted with.

These three examples of a power struggle highlight the duality of power.

Power can give us many things like fame and fortune, but it often comes at a price. These prices can include loss of innocence, greed, and the neverending battle to remain on top. 

Eventually, everyone looks like a power-hungry villain trying to steal your seat at the table. Everyone has a motive, waiting for the right time to strike. 

This is where the 100 and the Kobra Cartel are at right now. They simply see each other as competitors for the same prizes. What they fail to see until later on in the episode is that the more civilians they end up killing, the less clientele they have.

What is the point of having power if there is no way to use it? 

Taking out powerless people in no way adds to their strength, if anything, it diminishes it. 

Tobias already has infamy and fear. He isn’t worried about killing everyone in his way. He would rather ensnare them slowly until they have no way out — except through him. 

His greatest power is knowledge, which enables him to manipulate whatever he can. This includes everything from business transactions to people’s minds. The problem with this type of power is that it is never enough.

The more influence you have over people, the more you want to have. You want to become a part of their every waking thought, affecting every minute decision they make. Once you have that with one person you immediately have to move on to the next — growing your army of followers constantly. 

With Jefferson’s disappointment in himself and his powers, he is having trouble deciding where to go next. The powers he was infused with gave him great strength and responsibility. Looking back on the events of the last three seasons, Jefferson feels his efforts were nothing but a waste of time. 

People are dead, Freeland is lost, and Tobias Whale still walks free. So what good are Jefferson’s powers if they haven’t helped him achieve his mission? 

Jefferson: I don’t need a suit to kick your ass, so let’s go!

This way of thinking affects Jefferson’s motives negatively. He decides to go about his objective in a different matter, setting aside his morals like a piece of trash.

The problem is, when we forget our morals we forget ourselves and where we came from. 

Our morals and goals are ultimately a part of our soul. They make us who we are and draw a line in which we won’t cross. With them out of our way, the sky is the limit but not in a good way. 

There is no one we won’t hurt when putting ourselves in these kinds of predicaments. This includes family, friends, and even ourselves. 

Jefferson turns on Gambi by going behind his back to get information on the shooter. He has all but emotionally abandoned his family when they need him most. And he refuses to wear the suit that keeps his powers in check. 

This all adds up to a ticking timebomb. The best example of this is when Jefferson passes out while using his powers. His body is on the fritz unable to handle the extreme stress he is under. Combine that with a lack of power usage, and it is essentially a short circuit. 

When negative energy zaps away our positivity, our bodies react in very much the same way. We run low on energy and high on emotional instability. Everything falls out of whack, and we are far from living our best lives. 

The trick is to catch this before you hit rock bottom. Unfortunately, Jefferson is still falling fast. Although his family sees him, he refuses to grab their hands as they reach out to him. 

Never be afraid to call out for help. It isn’t a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Knowing your limits, and stepping aside to curtail the impact may be one of the most powerful things we can do.

What did you think of this episode of Black Lightning? How long will it be until Jefferson finally puts the suit back on? 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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