Black Lightning season 4, episode 6 review: Theseus’s Ship

This latest episode of Black Lightning season 4 shows the aftermath of how everyone deals with the new Jennifer. It’ll also tug on your heartstrings with the intense imagery and subject matter.

Previously on Black Lightning season 4, Jefferson made his return as Freeland’s hero Black Lightning. At first, it seemed like he was only doing it to save his daughter from the ionosphere. But after shutting down Lala’s fighting ring, it has become clear that it’s a regular thing again. At the end of the episode, the Pierce family (including Gambi and Grace) were standing around waiting for Jennifer to return to them. When she stepped out, however, we saw that it wasn’t the same Jennifer – officially acknowledging the fact that the character had been recast.

On top of that, we had Tobias making plans to kill Black Lightning, a war between Destiny and Lala, and Chief of Police in Freeland Ana Lopez creating a task force to bring down metahumans. However, she wasn’t just searching for any meta, she wanted Lightning in particular.

With Detective Hassan Shakur leading the task force, how will this affect his ties to Black Lightning? Let’s find out by looking at the events of the latest episode of Black Lightning season 4.

The Black Lightning

Having been reborn in another body, Jennifer is obviously adjusting to a new normal. She screams when she sees her face, unable to comprehend or accept what happened. Jefferson, however, blames himself, wondering if he caused this when he got her from the ionosphere. Meanwhile, Lynn, Gambi, and TC did the same with science.

Jennifer is obviously in an emotional state. Running off is an understandable response given the situation. It’s a good thing Grace was there, however, because she knows all about not recognizing the reflection looking back at you in the mirror. After all, she has only recently been able to control her shape-shifting abilities.

Grace’s kind words were the first thing that put a smile on Jennifer’s face but that smile was taken away when Jefferson ran out of the room. He couldn’t take not seeing his daughter’s face and that was a moment that tore Jennifer’s heart from her chest.

Tobias Whale makes a big move in Black Lightning season 4

If there’s a move to be made, you can count on Tobias Whale to make it. And make it he did as Tobias donated money to ensure that every police officer will be armed with a gun that can kill meta-humans. We knew this was coming and, let’s be honest, we probably saw his next move coming too. He’s going to run for mayor – because of course he is!

Freeland’s former mayor hasn’t been dead long and Tobias is already announcing that he’s running for mayor. As deplorable as that is, he’ll see it as a smart move. Think about it. He’s already in the good graces of most of Freeland. – especially the elite. He’s been donating money to their causes and speaking up about the things going on around them. He’s perfect for the role… you know, except for the fact that he isn’t. If we didn’t know he was a horrible person, we may vote for him as well. That’s how clever this manipulative villain is.

Black Lightning continues to start important conversations

Detective Hassan Shakur met with Black Lightning in person, meaning no more hiding in the shadows. Obviously, Jefferson was apprehensive since Detective Shakur is now heading the task force set up to take him out but that fear was easily calmed. The detective gave Black Lightning the bullet that killed the mayor. As expected, it was Tobias’ metal-controlling goon.

Despite the evidence, Chief of Police Ana Lopez is going forward with her plan. Going as far as to get no knock warrants.

Black Lightning has never shied away from highlighting important topics and this week it refused to do so once again, referencing the killing of Breonna Taylor through the domestic showdown that involved Freeland police officers opening fire after the no-knock warrant was implemented. This is then followed by a montage of the real-world Black Lives Matter protests from last year until a rewind reveals that Black Lightning prevented tragedy from happening in Freeland by stopping the police officers.

It was admirable of Black Lightning to once again shine a spotlight on real world issues in its final season and start the necessary conversations. Much respect to them for making this happen. We should never forget what happened and this episode made sure of that.

Guess there’s a solution for Lala

Lala went up against Destiny again. Like last time, she was prepared. She hired a meta-human that could take him out. And after “killing” Lala, he put him in a ditch. She then hit a button and that ditch is filled with wet cement.

Lala is fated to die over and over for eternity. If there’s one way to keep him down, that’s it. It’s pretty genius.

Grade: C

This was a good episode, but, honestly, not as strong as the previous ones of Black Lightning season 4. There were a lot of moments that will certainly help string the overall story along, but, aside from that important scene, nothing major. There were also some moments between Anissa and new Jennifer that never felt like they landed the way they should have.

Every episode isn’t going to be a home run. Thankfully, even the average episodes are still good.

Black Lightning Round

• Will we see Lala again before the end of the Arrowverse season or is this the end for him?
• Gambi using a sentimental moment to scan Lauren Caruso’s eyes was devious. Even he knew that it was foul.
• Jefferson really asked his wife to inject herself knowing her addiction. That may be the worst thing he’s done in four seasons.
• This was the first time we saw Laura Kariuki as New Jennifer (or JJ).
• Showing the real-life footage of the Black Lives Matter protests after Breonna Taylor’s tragic death was heartbreaking. However, it needs to be seen so we never forget what happened.
• Destiny is going to regret not keeping Lala hidden. Black Lightning will get him out.
• Destiny hired Ishmael to kill the Black Lighting, Lightning, Blackbird, and Grace. Even money says someone dies when that happens. Fun fact, it won’t be Black Lighting, Lightning, or Blackbird.

What did you think of this week’s episode of Black Lightning season 4? Is it better than this writer is giving it credit for? Let us know in the comments below.