Black Lightning season 3, episode 6 review: Knocking on Heaven’s Door

Anissa is on the brink of death. Lynn is losing her husband. Black Lighting goes rogue.

Previously, in Black Lightning, we got another glimpse of what the A.S.A. thinks of the people of Freeland.

Furthermore, Jefferson (Black Lightning) was standing up to the A.S.A. and was beaten for it. It looked like he was going to unleash his powers on him until he looked over and saw Jennifer – a reminder that there was more at stake. A little bit of satisfaction wasn’t worth putting his family in danger.

Back in the A.S.A. base, Lynn using Tobias as a lab rat to help cure the disease in meta-humans. There’s also Painkiller who was ordered by Agent Odell to kill Black Bird. What’s going to happen next?

An emotional Black Lightning opening

In the previous episode, Anissa was hit with some of Painkiller’s venom while trying to get Tavon back to his parents. This episode starts with us seeing the effects of the venom; Anissa talking into her phone and recording her farewell just in case she dies. The last thing she says is,

"“You all taught me to stand up for what’s right. Even when it’s difficult. Because evil triumphs when good people do nothing. And I damn sure wasn’t gonna do nothing.”"

A very gloomy moment. Anissa is a strong woman. Seeing her sick was new. However, she wasn’t weak – she remained strong despite sweating and shivering. Another example of how Black Lighting showcases mighty women on this show.

Even with a deadly venom coursing through her veins, Anissa refused to just die. You have to respect that. She’s tough and won’t give up.

This writer sure feels bad for Painkiller when the super-Pierce’s get their hands on him.

What’s eating Lynn Pierce?

Right after the quick title screen and song, they rewind to 30 hours earlier. Jefferson (whose face is badly bruised after the beating he took in the previous episode), Lynn, and Anissa are at Tavon’s funeral. Lynn said she was proud of Jefferson for not avenging Tavon’s death, but both he and Anissa were confused. Jefferson storms off after claiming that this is now bigger than them.

Unfortunately, they don’t know what’s going on with Lynn. She’s been brainwashed by the A.S.A. Who knows what exactly is running through her head? Although, she’s never really been big on Jefferson being Black Lightning in the first place. That, on top Tobias starting to put things together, may have her more worried than normal. Especially since he’s now blackmailing her into giving him what he wants.

The stubborn and strong Anissa Pierce

Anissa is in her house trying to recover, even though Gambi said that she may only have weeks to live. While she’s on the couch, Jefferson visits. It takes Anissa a while, but she gets to the table and opens the door. Jefferson came to apologize, and this shocked her. He said that he blames himself for putting her in danger. Anissa rudely tells him that it’s on her. Her words hit Jefferson in the heart. He asks if it’s like that and she says it does. When he leaves, she passes out on the floor.

The venom is getting worse. After she talks to Grace, we see the toxin is spreading up her arm. She’s denied to everyone close to her. This is a time when being strong and stubborn are two different things – she’s an important part of her community and family. Thankfully, Gambi finds out where the venom came from before things got critical.

High Voltage takes

After everything that happened in the previous episode, you’d expect things to calm down a bit. Nope. Things keep getting ramped up. The Markovians are in Freeland. Anissa’s life hung in the balance. Gambi found out Khalil is alive. And so much more! Seriously, it’s like every episode gets better for different reasons.

This one was entertaining while still managing to maintain the deep moments. Things started with the normal opener to get you invested, but then became even more exciting and intense. There were so many twists, turns, and crazy moments in this episode that it’s clear the show is continuing to go from strength to strength. Though there wasn’t a lot of action, that scene with the meta teleport Instant was more than enough.

This was too important not to mention. Jennifer breaks into Brandon’s house looking for answers. He’s a meta that’s avoided imprisonment. When she gets into his computer, she finds pictures of her mother. Just as she sees that, Brandon walks in. Jennifer questions him, before he can explain, he attacks her with her power. Brandon absorbs like he did in the previous episode. After a stalemate (and Jennifer calms down), they talk. He’s not looking for Lynn. He’s looking for Dr. Jace – she killed his mom and he wants revenge.

Lighting Round

• Jennifer found Brandon. A meta who may be able to help her not hurt when she doesn’t use her powers. She’s needed someone her own age who can relate to her.
• Even money says Brandon dies. There’s no way anything good happens to Jennifer and it stays that way.
• Of course Gambi finds out that Khalil is alive. Will he tell Jennifer, Jefferson, or does he keep it to himself?
• What else will Tobias make Lynn do? He has control of her to a point. But what will be her breaking point?
• What will Jefferson do when he finds out Lynn has been working with the man who killed his father? Even worse, that he knows who he is?
• Not only will there be a fight with Painkiller and one of the Pierces, we’ll be getting Black Lighting vs Instant. This writer can’t be the only one excited about this.

What did you think of this week’s episode of Black Lightning? Let us know in the comments below!