Black Lightning Review: The Book of Resurrection: Chapter One (Season 4 Episode 12)

The Pierce family has plenty to be angry about right now. Tobias Whale has launched a full-frontal attack on their characters and mental well beings. Anyone in their situation would want to lash out in anger, but instead, the Pierce family approaches the situation with level heads.

Black Lightning Season 4 Episode 12, “The Book of Resurrection: Chapter One,” propels us into the final stages of the series — and the stakes remain quite high. 

Lynn and Jefferson have always been pillars of the Freeland community embodying the perfect picture of honor, truth, and family. Their dedicated work to their friends and neighbors has earned them social status among other things. With Tobias’ well-placed lies, he has done much to unravel the reputation they have created.

Jen and Anyssa are an extension of who their parents are, and Tobias knows that by verbally attacking them he further destroys other’s mental picture of who the Pierce family truly are.

How frustrating! The bad guy has flipped the script on the heroes making them out to be liars and cheats. With all of Tobias’ underhanded schemes over the seasons, this has to top the cake as most diabolical.  It is enough for me to want to throw a fist at the television screen!

Fortunately, the Pierce family doesn’t resort to the unadulterated violence that I would like to expel upon this organized criminal. Instead, they use their minds to outthink the masterclass of villainy.

Gambi and Lynn combine their knowledge of tech and science to try and locate the device that is dampening all the metahuman’s powers. As each one poses a question, the other answers with logic and reasonable deduction. Even when they reach beyond their expertise, Gambi leans on Lauren, another close friend, to fill in their gaps of knowledge.

What a well-thought-out strategy. When a group of friends comes together in the darkest of nights, their ability to form a think tank rivals some of the best laid out plans. Multiple points of view attacking a single problem is much better than one mind charging at what seems to be a brick wall.

Three to one keeps the odds in their favor — practically eliminating chances of leaving parts of the equation out. 

Anyssa and Grace act similarly when they come into a dispute about revealing terrible information to involved parties. In this situation, Anyssa is shown to be acting within emotion. She hates the situation that has been revealed to them and feels that the truth must be exposed to the mothers of these poor children. 

Anyssa and Grace’s life experiences widely differ. Anyssa grew up in an accepting family that acknowledges her power and her worth. Grace, on the other hand, grew up alone and in fear. 

While Anyssa values the truth above all else, Grace feels that omission works better in this scenario. Grace thinks that this truth will harm people, causing only negative effects.

I can’t say that I agree with the ultimate decision here. I feel these mothers have the right to know that they were manipulated and that the cells of their children are misused. But that doesn’t take away from the point being made.

Sometimes the situations we are in are deeply affected by our emotions. By coming together with someone of a different upbringing and viewpoint, we can see past the emotions that are blinding us and lead ourselves on the proper path with a clearer view.

Jen’s attack on Red appears to be one of emotion as well. The murder of Uriah weighs heavily on her heart and conscience. She feels responsible for the attack on his life, and I’m sure it seems to her that revenge is the best tactic in this war. 

Once again, who could blame her? 

Jen’s trip to the ionosphere charges up her superpowers and it appears her anger as well. Rage and fury surge through her eyes along with streaks of lightning. She is practically foaming at the mouth when she tackles Red to the ground — ready for an all-out brawl.

It is great fun when Jen psychs Red out by pretending that her powers falter. I get a surge of excitement as Jen readies to pounce once and for all on her prey.

I am truly convinced that Jen will cross the line here. Red begs for mercy, and Jen seems unable to give him what he wants. But as I said before, a level head prevails. 

Although it appears that Jen went in with only a plan for revenge, she proves that she has truly grown as a hero choosing to turn him in instead of spilling his blood. 

Jen realized long before their showdown that if she murders Red then she is no greater than he is. Motive changes every situation, and what motivates Jen here is a need for justice. 

Jen: Being a superhero sucks!

Revenge would satisfy the innermost beast at the moment, but justice served ultimately trumps that.  Emotions come and go, but what right is right, no matter what.

Lynn, Gambi, Jen, and Anyssa all go into their situations similarly. They use their minds over emotions and refuse to go in alone. Unfortunately, Jefferson doesn’t take the same stance.

Jefferson has had enough and believes he comes up with a plan that can undermine Tobias’ entire plot against them. He goes in with one plan — and one plan only — refusing backup and relying on emotions as his guide. 

As Tobias destroys the device concocted to defeat him, we can see all hope fall from Jefferson’s eyes. This plan, his only shot, goes up in flames. Instead of admitting defeat and running out of there, Jefferson stays and fights even though it is obvious he is grasping at straws.

Without any amount of superpowers, Jefferson proves to be no match for Tobias’ fists of fury. A battered and bloodied Jefferson perfectly mirrors his dying father from years past — such a sad sight to see. 

With Tobias’ announcement to Jen that her father is indeed dead, my heart drops. Black Lightning — another fallen hero.

He went in all bullheaded, forgetting the lessons he has taught his daughters over the years. A backup plan and support group always serve us well when the chips fall. A level head calculating the risks and benefactors may not be a superpower, but it can equally be a lifesaver. 

With just a still of Jefferson’s body, it is hard to tell if he is dead or if he is bluffing Tobias out. One episode remains until we see the fate of the Pierce family.

Will it be a bittersweet ending with the defeat of Tobias and Jefferson simultaneously? It is still unclear at this point, but I’m sure Anyssa, Jen, and Lynn will refuse to go down without a fight.

What did you think of this episode of Black Lightning? Who will be the one to deliver the finishing blow to Tobias? 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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