TV Review: Black Lightning Series 1 Episode 4 "Black Jesus" [Emz]

So here is Episode 4. I am a few episodes behind in writing, but I will be reviewing all episodes asap.

So this episode is called Black Jesus. The episode aired on Netflix on the 13th February 2018.

Here is the synopsis:

Black Lightning is recruited to rally against the 100 gang; Anissa investigates the new drug hitting the streets; familiar faces begin to reappear.

Review:

This episode has very strong themes of Gang Violence and Drug Use.

The theme of drug use start at the beginning of the episode with Jefferson responding to a situation in the boys bathroom. Jefferson arrives to see a student acting irrationally, to stop the boy from hurting himself on anyone else, Jefferson has to use his powers to knock him out. As it later turns out the boy was high on a new drug called Green Light.

Anissa later spots some of her students being sold Green Light and manages to get them away from the drug dealers empty handed.

Jefferson, as Black Lightning interrogates a drug dealer to find out who is supplying them. He is given the name 2-Bits.

After hearing the boy is going to be expelled for the school, Jefferson tries to get him a second chance at the school.

Tobias finds out that Black Lightning is not dead and has the Mortician who identified him originally killed.

Following the previous episode Jennifer visits Khalil during Physio therapy and overhears that Khalil may never walk again.

After a heated discussion over dinner with her parents and the Inspector, Anissa confronts two drug dealers and uses her power on them. She ends up knocking them unconcious and then calls 911 and leaves the scene..

The episode ends with Jefferson greeting 2-Bits.

I enjoyed this episode. Emotions are everywhere though, you feel angry about the damage the drug is doing and how easy it is for kids to get their hands on it, sad for Khalil and the situation he is in and at the same time sad for Jennifer who is trying to be there for him. 

I can't wait to see Anissa grow in confidence and eventually learn who Black Lightning actually is, that will be interesting.

I will have the next episode up next week.

Till then

Emz x

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TV Review: Black Lightning Series 1 Episode 3 "LaWanda: The Book of Burial" [Emz]

On to episode 3 of Black Lightning.

This episode picks up not too long after episode 2 and we begin with the funeral of Lawanda White.

Here is the synopsis:

HOLDING OUT HOPE — As Jefferson Pierce tries to determine if the community can survive without the help of Black Lightning, Anissa starts to come into her own. Meanwhile, Jefferson and Lynn try and figure out their new dynamic. Finally, Jennifer reveals to her parents that she has been grappling with something big.

Review:

The theme of Gang violence is a strong theme throughout this series and continues once again in this episode. Sex is also a theme of this episode.

Following the death of Lawanda White, a march is planned, which Jefferson is against. But both of his girls and his ex-wife plan on attending.

The theme of Sex comes into this episode. Jennifer discusses having sex with her boyfriend and proceeds to inform her parents that she will be having sex with her at the weekend.

Anissa is looking into what is happening to her, she records herself testing out her strength at the city dump. for the reason she is suddenly bulletproof and super-strong. She then meets Grace at the library and gets invited to a costume party. During the costume party he is accused on cheating by her girlfriend. We later learn that she broke up with her.

During the March which, Lyn, Anissa, Jennifer and Khalil attend, Jefferson as Black Lightning stops a shooter, but whilst protecting them, Tobias and his associate, try another attempt. They manage to shoot the Pastor and the bullet goes straight through and hits Khalil.

I enjoyed seeing Anissa testing out her powers but found it emotional seeing Jennifer getting upset over Khalil.

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: Black Lightning Series 1 Episode 2 "Lawanda: The Book of Hope" [Emz]

So here we are with episode 2. This episode is called "Lawanda: Book Of Hope."

This episode picks up not too long after the first episode.

Here is the synopsis:

IS HE BACK? — As the community struggles with the violence surrounding them, a glimmer of hope appears: Is Black Lightning back? Lynn Stewart, noticing the changes in the community, is also left wondering. While Jefferson Pierce struggles with his decision, Gambi urges him to take up the mantle once more and return to life as Black Lightning. Anissa and Jennifer try to deal with the aftermath of their jolting experience.

Review:

This episode keeps the recurring themes of Gang Violence, drugs and alcohol. There is also the theme of sexuality as we delve a little deeper into Jefferson's daughters love lives.

Gang violence is shown in quite a but of this episode.

Following the last episode, Jennifer stays at home and gets threatened by a young child that has been sent by Lala. This scares not only Jennifer but also Jefferson and sparks him into going to see Lala, but as himself, not Black Lightning.

We meet Lawanda who is the mother of a missing person who was a former student at the High School. She is asking the question that is on many peoples lips, why did Black Lightning save his children only? She ends up becoming a bit of a Vigilante in order to save her daughter. This results in Lala killing her.

The themes of alcohol are recurring as the pressure of having to act 'perfect' being the Principal's daughter constantly leads Jennifer to act out and drink.

The theme of Sexuality is explored through the love lives of Jefferson's daughters. I mean Jefferson's love life is clearly complicated with his ex-wife but we don't really know much about his daughters. We discover that Anissa has a long term girlfriend and that her parents are aware of her sexuality. Also Jennifer starts a relationship with her friend Khalil.

The death of Lawanda eventually leads Jefferson to become Black Lightning again after feeling guilty for her death as he feels he could have helped.

I think this series grows with each episode and there is more to uncover.

Till next time

Emz x

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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

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TV Review: The Flash Season 3 Episode 7 "Killer Frost" [Emz]

Now this episode was definitely the start of an interesting character arc. The episodes from the beginning of this season have been leading up to this and we had glimpses of this happening from previous seasons  when we met their Earth-2 counterpart.

I am of course talking about Caitlin Snow becoming Killer Frost. 

Here is the Synopsis:

Caitlin's inner Killer Frost is unleashed after she uses her powers to save Barry; on a rampage, Killer Frost goes looking for Dr. Alchemy, kidnaps Julian and battles both The Flash and Vibe; Joe and H.R. have an honest discussion.

Review:

Blimey this episode really kicked this season up a notch. Last episode we had the revealing of the main villain Savitar and we saw Wally become encased in a cocoon.

So how does Caitlin become killer Frost you ask? Well we see Savitar kidnap Barry (The Flash) and seemingly teleport him all over the city, once they arrive at a nearby destination Iris asks Caitlin to help stop Savitar from killing Barry by using her powers, (she informed the team about them last episode) Caitlin was unsure but she helped him anyway.

This is what caused her to lose control over her powers. she manipulates Joe in to thinking that Wally was awake so she could gather information on Doctor Alchemy, what for we don't know in the beginning. 

She abducts Julian to help her search for Doctor Alchemy and she inadvertently reveals that she wants to get rid of her powers. Of course she learns from a follower that Alchemy would not get rid of her powers and that Savitar would have plans for her.

After a battle with Cisco and The Flash, Caitlin is eventually captured. During this time we see Joe and H.R. break open the Cocoon that Wally is in and he hasn't yet completely bonded with his powers. Barry tries to convince Caitlin to help them by giving her the freedom she wants, but only if she kills him. Unable to do this Caitlin rejoins the team and creates a serum which will help Wally stabilize his powers.

Following this Julian blackmails Barry to quit his job else he will tell the Police about Caitlin.

This definitely was quite an episode, there was so much going on but it all interlinked at some point or another. 

I really enjoyed Danielle Panabaker's portrayal of Killer Frost/ Caitlin Snow and look forward to what's to come.

Till next time

Emz x

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