Black Lightning season 3, episode 8 review: The Battle of Franklin Terrace

Seriously, the A.S.A. is just the worst. Thankfully, Black Lightning is around.

Previously, on Black Lightning, things got heated. Black Lightning took a stand against the A.S.A. – going as far as attacking their agents and personally escorting people out of Freeland. This, however, lead to Painkiller’s newest assignment of eliminating Black Lighting – that should be a good fight.

There’s more complicated things going on with Painkiller. Gambi showed Lynn Pierce that Khalil (Painkiller) is still alive and doesn’t remember who he is. Thankfully his memories are still available. Jennifer still didn’t have her powers and was furious that she couldn’t help anyone.

This is only a glimpse of what’s been going on. Let’s get into what happened in this episode.

The Black Lightning intro

"“Is that what they’re calling slavery these politically correct days?”-Tobias Whale"

That’s how you open a show. With Tobias Whale. Tobias is getting the interrogation the way every meta has while in the A.S.A.’s custody. But in true Tobias fashion, he’s being defiant. He tells the A.S.A. that he knows they’re looking to use the metahumans to do their dirty work, reminding them that he’s not a meta. He responds with a prophecy from the Bible, “I ride the pale horse and Hell follows with me.” He laughs as his part ends.

This may not seem telling, but it is. Tobias has been abused and imprisoned by the A.S.A. Despite that, he’s continued to be who he is. One tough and determined so and so. Nothing seems to be able to destroy his spirit and will to live.

This is what makes him great. The best villains remain defiant no matter what’s happening to them. There was more of that when he talks to Lynn about her knowing what she’s doing to the black kids in the A.S.A. When he escapes, and he will, his words will come true. He will bring Hell with him.

They keep getting worse

"“This is more than an apartment. This is part of me”- Ms. Shepherd"

The A.S.A. just keeps proving how horrible they are. Henderson comes to Jefferson’s house to try and enlist Black Lightning again. Jefferson is still against it since Henderson seems to be using more extreme methods than he’s willing to accept. This time, Henderson is coming with something Jefferson is willing to get involved in. The A.S.A. is forcing people out of their homes to make a base (as if they need another one). One of the tenants is an old third grade teacher who refused to leave. This gets Jefferson to spring into action.

It’s obvious that the A.S.A. is bad news. However, they seem to be getting worse as time goes on. Removing people from their homes is disgusting. All so they can have a new base? We shouldn’t be shocked by this considering everything else they’re doing. But there it is. Commander Carson Williams saying that this is war just proved how brainwashed he is.

Watching Ms. Shepherd talk about what her home meant to her was great. It wasn’t about her home. It was about what it meant. A lot of her proudest moments came in that home. She wasn’t willing to give it up. Strong black elders are a big part of the black community. Happy that they showed this.

High Voltage Takes

"“I think Thunder would go better with Black Lightning. Don’t you?”-Gambi"

Black Lightning hasn’t shied away from topics that affect everyone. The government kicking people out of their home is unconstitutional. Hiding what’s really going on in Freeland is something we deal with every day. Do we really know who to trust? It should be the news, but how much can they be trusted?

Black Lighting taking another stand was important. Even stopping things from escalating in the previous episode wasn’t a stand like this. He was standing up for the people who want something to him. He may have been able to turn back then. Not anymore.

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We also got two fights we’ve been waiting for. First, Thunder Vs. Painkiller round 2. This was more than a fight, as Anissa found out Khalil is alive. As for the second fight, Commander Carson Williams Vs. Black Lighting, Black Lightning did more than beat him; he embarrassed him. Their next fight won’t be as easy as this one. He’ll be better prepared.

Every episode keeps getting better and this is proof of that. It’s a fun, action-packed outing, and helped the season progress. If you’re reading this and not watching the show, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

Lighting Round

• Jennifer and Brandon are getting close. What happens if Khalil gets his memories back?
• Gambi has been important to the team than before. He may be more dangerous working from the shadows.
• You know things are bad when the people in the A.S.A. are starting to question their orders. After every episode more A.S.A. agents are wondering what’s really going on. It’s only a matter of time before the A.S.A. soldiers start to quit or switch sides.
• Brandon made the entire house shake when he got mad. How powerful is he?
• Did Tobias get the upgrade? All we need is for him to become more powerful.

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