Black Lightning season 4, episode 2 review: Unacceptable Losses

Jefferson’s retirement is affecting his relationship with Lynn, Tobias becomes even more dangerous, and Jennifer may be addicted to her powers in the latest episode of Black Lightning season 4.

Previously on Black Lightning season 4, Jefferson’s struggles over giving up his superhero identity resulted in his actions getting significantly worse as the episode went on. At first, it seemed like this was the result of sadness. Considering his best friend, Detective Henderson, just died, it made sense that he would be hurt. As the episode progressed, however, we saw that sorrow turn to anger and rage.

First, he put two cops in the hospital for being overly aggressive towards an innocent black kid. Normally, he’d find a way to talk to them or subdue him without major injuries. This time, he didn’t even try – he just lashed out. The same thing happened when he went after the guy who shot his daughter. He’s losing his well-known calm, cool, and smooth demeanor.

It appears that he was right. Black Lightning is dead. Let’s see what happens in this episode of the Arrowverse show.

Lala is a irrational and Tobias is logical in Black Lightning season 4

Soon after the credits, we see the first attack between criminal and criminal. Lala takes his shot at a newcomer named Destiny but he fails. It seems like things are back to the way that things were in the first season. It’s more about the war for the soul of Freeland than anything else. Lala’s declaration that he’s going to own Freeland and kill everyone is nothing new the problem is that he’s incredibly irrational. Lala lacks the patience or people to make it happen. He may not be able to die, but his crew can be killed. It’s actually pretty shocking that people have followed him this long.

Meanwhile, Tobias is shooting himself up with the serum that keeps him young and strong and continuing his plan to take over. This time, he’s doing it smoother – buying up property in Freeland and appearing like a legitimate business man. Instead, he’s buying up properties to do nothing with them. He’s creating chaos.

When the villain meets Jefferson, the latter hits him with a stream of lighting that Tobias just shrugs off. He didn’t come for a fight – he simply wanted to tell Jefferson that he didn’t forget and that he was going to take everything away from him.

Tobias is back to where he was as a villain. He’s the king – someone that’s feared for more than just his incredible power. Tobias is very much like the true crime bosses of comic books. His strength comes from his intelligence and his patience. He knows the benefit of making certain that his plans are on-point before making a move. It’s one of the reasons that Black Lightning couldn’t catch him for so long. He was too smart.

The Pierce family are losing each other

Jefferson still refuses to be Black Lightning. It didn’t matter that Freeland was losing itself to crime or that Jennifer and Anissa still need training. No, unfortunately Jefferson is done. But the internal conflict didn’t stop there.

Lynn finally tells Jefferson that she’s injecting herself with meta-human DNA to protect the city. This time, she secretly stops Jennifer from getting shot while she’s on patrol. She sees Jennifer getting hurt and flies away. What Lynn doesn’t see is Jennifer healing herself and her costume all while she’s in the air.

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The Pierce family dynamic is slowly breaking. Jennifer isn’t sure if she’s going to pursue higher education. That’s not bad, the part that’s worrisome is how she’s spending her time. She continues to use her powers and it’s becoming like a drug to her. At the end of the previous episode, she fell from the sky with a very euphoric look and this has viewers wondering if she may be becoming addicted to being Lightning.

Meanwhile, Lynn and Jefferson’s relationship is sinking fast. They aren’t talking to each other about their problems and, even when they do speak, it’s not a positive conversation. No good is coming out of anything they’ve done.

Final thoughts

This is the final season. Fans knew that things were going to get rough. The Pierce family have had their moments, but not like this. Whenever they’ve defeated their enemies in the past, they have done so as a family – but this time, they are in complete disarray.  Things are certainly going to get worse before they get better. However, what’s scary is how dark and awful things can get for the Pierce family. With Gambi seemingly leaving the team, they lose yet another helpful hand and it’s not out of the realm of possibility that someone could die midseason.

And then there’s Tobias. He’s physically, politically, and financially stronger than he’s ever been. That’s on top of him plotting something dastardly to ruin Jefferson, Black Lightning, and the Pierce family.

This episode truly let fans know that the Pierce family has a treacherous road ahead of them in Black Lightning season 4.

Lightning Round

• Seeing Jefferson attempt to console his friend was painful. You could see the pain in Jefferson’s eyes. He wanted to help, but knew couldn’t.
• Chief Ana Lopez is acquiring weapons that have a high mortality rate.
• Jefferson seems to have lost faith in things getting better. Saying that Freeland is lost isn’t something I never thought he’d say.
• Gambi’s claim that Jefferson’s refusal to put on the Black Lightning suit (in spite of the fact that he is still using his powers) is affecting his mind. How much truth is there to that?
• Is Gambi truly done helping the Pierce family? Or did he take the job to look out for them?
• Is the therapist helping Jefferson and Lynn working for Tobias? Something doesn’t seem right with her.

What did you think Black Lightning season 4, episode 2? Was it as dark and depressing as it seemed? Have you been enjoying Black Lightning season 4 so far? Let us know in the comments below!