Black Lightning season 3 finale review: Liberation

Black Lightning’s Book Of War concludes in the epic and emotional season finale, but did it bring the brilliant third season to a satisfactory end?

Previously, on Black Lightning, we found out a lot of about Gravedigger’s past. First, he was the first metahuman created by the American government. We also learned that he’s crucial to Jefferson having powers: Yes, Gravedigger and Jefferson are related. He’s his great uncle and the reason that Black Lightning, Thunder, and Lightning are pure metas.

Now, Gravedigger is in Freeland. Jennifer slipped away to confront him before anyone else, but was easily defeated. Jefferson showed up right on time to make sure his daughter wasn’t killed.

Now, it’s Black Lightning versus a Gravedigger loaded up with multiple powers in the season 3 finale of Black Lightning. The question is: Who’s going to win?

The intro: Black Lightning versus Gravedigger

If you wanted an intense fight, you got it. Black Lightning and Gravedigger trade hard-hitting punches, kicks, and knees. Jefferson tries to reason with his opponent by telling him they’re related. At first, Gravedigger doesn’t believe it, but Jefferson then reminds him of things that only family would know. Unfortunately, that isn’t enough to stop the fight.

Gravedigger says he’s on a mission, and orders his troops to kidnap Jennifer, telling Jefferson that she’s now a prisoner of war. With that, they take her away. However, after fending off Gravedigger’s attack, Black Lightning hits him with a giant surge of lightning and goes after his daughter.

This may not have been the greatest fight of the season, but it sure was another great opening. Gravedigger shows that he doesn’t care about anything except for his mission – not even family will stop him. We also see how tough Jefferson is because, despite being outmatch and overpowered, Jefferson stood up to his great-uncle and stood tall. If he didn’t have to save his daughter, who knows how this confrontation would have ended.

I also like that this season started with people against Black Lightning, now, he’s their only line of defense. The government isn’t helping and the A.S.A. is nowhere to be found. The shot ending with the reporter being shot by a Markovian was sad. All her hard work just to be gunned down from behind.

“Is this moment in Black History over?” – Jennifer Pierce

Jennifer wakes up and finds herself in a cage and her powers aren’t allowing her to escape. Gravedigger walks in and explains to her that he’s on the right side. Saying that this country was built for and by white men and that’s never going to change. Thankfully, Jennifer knows her history.

She reminds that even though there isn’t enough change, there has been some. Gravedigger scoffs and insults Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr.’s accomplishments by calling Obama a paid off liberal and MLK a coward. Jennifer checks him accordingly, explaining how great and important their accomplishments are. The verbal battle continues until Gravedigger proves he’s outmatched.

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Another example of Jennifer being one of the best characters on the show. She may not have been able to beat him in a physical fight, but Jennifer certainly knows how to debate. By pointing out that Gravedigger isn’t seeing the bigger picture and is too set-in-his-ways to see the truth, she proves that she isn’t going to become either version that she saw in the midseason finale. An incredible moment.

Henderson

Bill Henderson was on his way to help the resistance. While there, he sees Markovian agents getting ready to take a kill shot on Black Lightning. Henderson does the heroic thing and stops them. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned. He thwarts the assignation attempt, but dies in the process.

There isn’t much to say about this moment. Henderson was a hero from the very first episode to the last. This is the saddest moment of the season, but Henderson died the way he would have wanted. He sacrificed himself saving his friend and protecting all of Freeland. Respect. Jennifer crying in the background, the music, (Leon Bridges River) combined with Henderson saying wasn’t ready to die just added to the moment.

High Voltage Takes

This is how you do a season finale – you give everyone exactly what they could have asked for from the show. The action continued to be the best in the Arrowverse while the emotional moments kept hitting you the whole way throughout.

And it’s not just the ones that made us sad; there were moments that made us happy, excited, and flat-out belly laugh. Gravedigger really gave us the Thanos, “You should’ve gone for the head” line.

In the end, it’s doubtful that we could have gotten a better season finale. A lot times the ending of seasons can leave something to be desired. Not this time, however. Kudos to the creators and the actors for putting on a fantastic ending to a standout season.

Lightning Round:

Gotta love how Lala and his crew came through in the clutch. At the end of the day, he still loves Freeland.

Jefferson and Jennifer unlocking her cage was incredible. A subtle and heartwarming moment.

Lynn backhanding Williams was satisfying. That guy was the worst.

Khalil finally beat Painkiller. How long can he keep him at bay?

How is Brandon going to find out who his father is? Are we seeing the beginning of a villain.

What’s going to happen with Tobias? How will his knowledge of the Pierce family hurt everyone?

Black Lightning will now take its annual summer hiatus before returning for its fourth season next year. What did you think of the season 3 finale? Let us know in the comments below!