Black Lightning season 4, episode 5 review: Black Lightning’s back!

Jefferson Pierce becomes Black Lightning again to save his daughter Jennifer. Is it enough or will this be another sad moment from a very emotional season?

Previously, on Black Lightning season 4, we were finally given some glimmers of hope: Jefferson and Lynn finally talked to each other in a civil way and Jefferson admitted that he hasn’t been the same since his best friend (Henderson) died. While they still have some work to do with making their relationship stronger, this was a good start.

After that, Jefferson proposed an idea, asking Lynn to accept Tobias’ offer so that they can spy on him and, for the first time this season, they’ll be one step ahead.

However, as positive as Jefferson and Lynn coming together is, things are looking grim otherwise. Tobias set up for the Mayor’s death. Since Blackbird and Grace were there, they were blamed for interfering. Then there’s Jennifer – who went up to the ionosphere despite people telling her it’s affecting her. In the end, it cost her big. She turned into energy and dissipated into the air.

Black Lightning is back!

Black Lightning season 4 immediately gets into Jennifer exploding in the ionosphere. Jefferson could feel her with his connection to energy. After confirming, he called in a favor from The Flash (who we didn’t see but the Arrowverse hero was hinted at). Then, Jefferson suits up for the first time this season.

Honestly, if nothing else great happened in this episode, it was worth it just to see Jefferson put on the uniform again. It instantly brought a smile to this writer’s face. Not just because of him putting the suit on but because of how it highlighted a father’s willingness to do anything for his family. He was willing to risk permanent injury to save her.

Meanwhile, Chief of Police in Freeland Ana Lopez puts Detective Hassan Shakur in charge of tracking down meta-humans in Freeland. The detective declines. Too bad because Police Chief Lopez tells him it wasn’t a request. This seems like a gift and a curse. On one side, Detective Shakur is going to do his job even though he feels like it’s wrong. On the flip side, Black Lightning now has someone on the inside.

Family drama

With everything going on, the last thing the Pierce family needs is fighting amongst themselves. Jefferson may have gotten Jennifer back to Earth, but her life still hangs in the balance. Lynn tells him that she knew about Jennifer going to the ionosphere – who which he lashes out, calling it addict behavior. Soon after, we find out that the guy Jefferson put in the hospital died and Police Chief Lopez is blaming Lightning. That’s when Jefferson admits to his family that he did put him there, he was alive when he left him.

Three steps forward and two steps back. That’s what it feels like here. Lynn and Jefferson start talking again, now Jennifer’s life hangs in the balance. Then they’re blaming each other for who’s responsible. Is it Lynn for not telling Jefferson about what she was doing or Jefferson for not being Black Lightning?

Black Lightning’s enemies

This writer says this weekly, but Tobias Whale is a phenomenal antagonist. He seems to always have a grasp on everything or, at the very least, a well thought-out plan. This season is no different. In fact, he’s stepped his game up. However, here’s the part that’s always going to be his downfall: His obsession with Black Lighting – and now the Pierce family – as a whole is interfering with his plans.

One of his workers, Val, tells him that his need to take down the Pierce family is getting in the way of business. It’s true, but if we’re being honest, this isn’t all that shocking. It’s how most villains lose. Everyone from Doctor Doom to Lex Luthor are defeated due to their need to be better than their nemesis. And, as great as Tobias is, he’s no Luthor or Doom.

As the phrase goes, game recognizes game. After Black Lightning takes down Lala’s fighting ring, Lala says something shocking, telling him that it was good to see him back in the uniform because Freeland needs someone to look up to. This is a villain saying that – someone Black Lightning has fought multiple times. Yet, he understands what Black Lightning means to Freeland. It’s a respect that we didn’t know Lala had for his rival.

Final thoughts

This was easily the best episode of Black Lightning‘s short season thus far. The emotions, action, and the return of Freeland’s hero were all executed the right way. The best part is that, once again, everything matters – from the heroes all the way to the antagonists. Look away for a second and you’ll miss something important. Hopefully, the audience appreciates what they’re watching.

Episodes like this don’t happen often on this show – especially the ending. Just when you think that everything is going right, things change in an unexpected way.

Jennifer isn’t the one who steps out of the machine… well, sort of. Jefferson can feel her essence and energy, meaning that it must be her… even if it isn’t China Anne McClain playing her. Are we in for a full-time recast?

Black Lightning round

• Lala’s evolution continues to be impressive. It’s disappointing that they waited until the final season to make him a better villain.
• Tobias hits us with the quote of the season. “If one would have power, one must recognize the hierarchy in all things.”
• Black Lightning being back in his uniform feels feel like they’re getting back to normal. Whatever normal is.
• Lynn and Jefferson show what relationship goals really are. They may fight, they may argue, but they make certain to come together.
• No one is shocked that Destiny double crossed Lala, right?

What did you think of this week’s episode of Black Lightning? Is it going in the direction you wanted? What were your thoughts on the episode’s ending? Let us know in the comments below!