Black Lightning is more than just a superhero show

Black Lightning is a superhero show in every sense of the word, but it also manages to do things its counterparts don’t.

Superhero projects have become a big deal, especially when it comes to TV shows. The CW has been the foremost spot for DC Comics programs. Arrow, Flash, and Supergirl have continued to be popular for the last few years. Adding crossover events have certainly helped, as well. Three years ago, The CW debuted Black Lightning. It was a strange choice. Black Lightning isn’t a character that the casual fan would know or unfamiliar fans would care about. Nevertheless, it premiered, and people loved it. Black Lightning is currently in its third season and is better than ever; mostly because it continues to be more than just a show about people with superpowers.

In episode 5 of this season, one of the characters’ peers (Tavon) was detained for being a metahuman. However, Tavon’s parents showed Jefferson proof that he tested negative for the gene. He was later killed by Painkiller. After the students of Garfield High found out he was killed by an A.S.A. agent, they protested outside the school. The kid leading the protest was attacked by one of the A.S.A. agents. Jefferson stood up to them, yelling that he was just a kid and they are supposed to be protecting the community; not hurting them. Jefferson was then beaten down in front of his students and youngest daughter for his troubles.

It’s moments like this that make Black Lighting one of the better CW shows. Unfortunately, things like this happen in the real world. It’s not an easy thing to watch, but that’s the reality of life. Black people are sometimes abused by the people who are paid to protect us. This occasionally happens during peaceful protests. Moments like this bring awareness to the world. Typically, having reality shown in a TV show reminds people of real life.  It isn’t just the violent moments that make Black Lightning. It’s also their views on acceptance.

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Jefferson’s oldest daughter, Anissa, is gay. She hasn’t hid it from the world or her family. She’s had girlfriends on the show and a few one-night stands with women. In season one, we see that her family doesn’t treat her any differently. It was beautiful to know that her family supports who she is. Some parents and siblings will look at who their family members are dating and have a fit; unable to accept that this is who they are, especially when it happens in the black community. To the Pierce family, love is love. The way it should be.

We can also look at how they’re raised. When Lynn and Jefferson were no longer married, they still met as a family. This instilled a sense of togetherness, even when times were rough. They always raised his daughters to be more than just their physical forms. They know their history. Anissa and Jennifer learned from the black freedom fighters that came before them. These lessons showed them that doing the hard thing is usually the right thing to do, and all of this has made them the heroes they are today.

Anissa has recently taken up the name Black Bird. While using this persona, she’s been taking people out of Freeland and into another town where they can be safe. Jefferson smiled when he realized that calling Anissa Harriet Tubman for years became more of a prophecy than just a name. She had an underground railroad of sorts. Even small things like bringing up prominent black legends make this show incredible. These nods happen every episode, and it makes me smile every time.

On the other side of things, Jennifer stands up outside of her costume. When she saw someone being picked on by a few kids, she stepped in. At first, she tried to reason with them but then ended up having to fight them all. As bullies do, they ran away once was a fair fight. And when Jennifer was cheered, she told them people clapping. She was disgusted. Jennifer couldn’t believe what she was witnessing. No one stepped in to help that kid. What would have happened if she didn’t walk past that room? Thankfully, she was there to make certain that didn’t happen.

This was a personal article for this writer. Shows like this are needed on television. It isn’t just the black experience (though that does help). Black Lightning highlights the idea of having love for each other and how important it is. It teaches that things will be tough but that you can survive it if you try. There are going to be dark times, but, “This too shall pass.” Family (not just the ones connected by blood) will be there for you. There are so many examples of the deepness within the program, but why give away all of the good that Black Lighting has? Check it out for yourself and enjoy.

What do you think of this season of Black Lightning? Let us know in the comments below.