20 best superhero TV shows of 2018, ranked
Black Lightning — “Equinox: The Book of Fate” — Image BLK107b_0378b.jpg — Pictured: Cress Williams as Black Lightning — Photo: Mark Hill/The CW — © 2018 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.
7. Black Lightning
The CW’s newest superhero show made a huge impression on fans and critics when its electrifying first season arrived at the beginning of the year and received universal acclaim.
The series centers on retired superhero Jefferson Pierce, who now devotes his time to helping the young people of Freeland as the principal of Garfield High School. However, when the level of crime accelerates at an alarming rate (due to the rise of The 100 gang), Jefferson is forced to take a stand and protect his family, his community and his city from the violence. As a result, he breaks a promise that he made to his wife almost a decade prior and once again becomes Black Lightning.
With the ability to harness electricity, the veteran hero makes a shocking impression on the evildoers, attracting the attention of media outlets, the police and even his old nemesis Tobias Whale.
Renowned for its gritty realism, Black Lightning is a far cry to some of The CW’s other superhero shows and, although it is produced by Arrowverse mastermind, Greg Berlanti, it is set in a completely separate universe, allowing it to have complete freedom in regards to the events that take place. Furthermore, this lends itself nicely to the more realistic tone, as the series has tackled many important real-life issues, including racism.
With a strong hero that is equally matched by a strong villain, and an underlying feud that eventually brings them together, Black Lightning is a revelation that only gets better as it goes on.
In case you hadn’t heard, “Black Lightning’s back!”.