TV Review: Black Lightning Series 1 Episode 1 "The Resurrection" - Series Premiere [Emz]

So this is the latest TV show to come from the DC TV universe, following after Arrow, The Flash, Legends Of Tomorrow and Supergirl.

The show is currently airing on The CW in america and unlike the other DC shows which air on Sky One in the UK, it is currently airing weekly on Netflix.

The first episode was released on the 23rd January on Nexflix.

The show stars Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce/ Black Lighting, China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce, Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce, Christine Adams as Lynn Stewart, Marvin "Krondon" Jones III as Tobias Whale, Damon Gupton as Billy Henderson and James Remar as Peter Gambi.

Here is the Synopsis

A former superhero with the power to control and harness lightning, Jefferson Pierce, otherwise known as Black Lightning, unrolls the secrets of his past to protect his city and his family.

Review:

So there are a couple of familiar faces in this show. Cress Williams has previously starred in Hart Of Dixie, China Anne McClain has starred in ANT Farm on Disney Channel and most recently portrayed Uma in Disney's Descendants 2. Finally I recognized the actress who plays Jefferson's ex-wife Lynn Stewart, She is portrayed by Christine Adams, I remember her from an episode of Doctor Who in 2005 called The Long Game, her characters name was Cathica.

Anyway, I have currently watched 3 out of 4 episodes that have been released on Netflix ( I will watch the latest one tonight.)

So I find the themes of this show interesting, Gang Violence, Racism, drugs and alcohol to name but a few. 

Racism is shown when Jefferson gets pulled over by Police and is handcuffed before he is identified as not being the culprit behind a robbery. Drugs and Alcohol are shown when Jefferson's youngest daughter Jennifer, goes to a club and uses drugs and drinks alcohol, Gang Violence is shown when Jefferson's daughters are kidnapped by a member of the 100 gang and are to be used as prostitutes.

So When the show first airs we are treated to flashbacks of Jefferson as Black Lightning almost dying after trying to kill Tobias Whale and he tell Lynn (his then wife) that he is going to give it all up. (Jefferson has the ability to harness and control lightning). So when we return to present day, he hasn't masqueraded as Black Lightning in quite some time. In his retirement he has become the Principal of Garfield High School.

Jefferson bring Black Lightning out of retirement to save his daughters lives, his tailor, Peter Gambi is behind the Black Lightning outfit and has given him an upgrade.

Following Jefferson reusing his powers to save his daughters, we are treated to a clip of Anissa having a panic attack and breaking the bathroom sink, this could be a sign of things to come as in the comics both Jefferson's daughters are superhero's also.

I will be posting about the following episodes soon.

Till then

Emz x