Black Lightning season 4, episode 7 review: Painkiller

Black Lightning may not be in this episode, but Khalil and Painkiller show that he’s more than enough to keep viewers interested.

Black Lighting‘s fourth season has featured a number of major moments already. First of all, Jennnifer Pierce has a new body. The result of a recasting, she looks rather different and it certainly took a little while for her father Jefferson to adjust to the new Jennifer. Thankfully he did.

Next up we have Tobias Whale. Tobias made a big time play. He announced that was running for Mayor of Freeland since the position was open. An opening (and murder) that he orchestrated. What’s happening next?

Well, we know that this is a Painkiller-centric episode – Painkiller-centric episode that will serve as the backdoor pilot for a potential new Arrowverse spin-off series – but what else is there? Let’s find out.

Painkiller is back

Fun fact, if a show like this starts with happiness, assume something bad is going to immediately happen. Black Lightning begins with Anissa and Grace taking their long-awaited honeymoon. While they’re having drinks, Grace is knocked out and kidnapped. Before Anissa could get through all of the guys keeping her from Grace, Khalil shows up and takes them out. Then, Anissa sees Khalil and tries to attack him. Too bad for Anissa, Painkiller takes control and poisons her. Anissa is lucky that Khalil gained control before Painkiller could finish her off.

This writer wondered how Black Lightning was going to deal with Painkiller and Khalil sharing a headspace. Now, we see. They argue. Khalil gives Painkiller three strikes, then they battle. This first fight was pretty one-sided. Khalil beat his inner demon down. It seems like it was because he had righteousness on his side. What happens when that’s gone?

Painkiller’s crew

If Painkiller hadn’t been there, they wouldn’t have made it out alive. Fate bringing him and Anissa together was farfetched, but what in a comic book show isn’t? As they keep saying during this episode, there are no such things as coincidences – especially seeing how he met his crew.

Both of the members of Khalil’s team are people he came across and helped in their time of need. One of them was an alcoholic and the other was lost after being in the military. This isn’t one-sided because they helped him as well – one of the biggest ways being helping him learn how to keep Painkiller locked away. The other one is a healer.

While seeing Khalil in this position is different, it fits. It’s about time he was in charge instead of being the supporting character in someone else’s show.

Painkiller’s villains

The people who kidnapped Grace were the standard goons complete with a slick and dangerous boss. It’s unfortunate that this was too short because the truth is that the villains would have been better if their motivation was clearer. It’s the gift and the curse of pilots. If it works, you get to see the creators expand on the characters. If it’s not picked up, then you’re left wondering what could have been.

One good thing that came out of this was seeing Khalil and Painkiller work together as they beat their competition with ease. Whoever choreographed the fight sequences did a fantastic job, especially displaying the differences between Painkiller and Khalil’s fighting styles, showcasing that the two of them can and have to work together.

Black Lightning review

While this writer has been skeptical on whether or not a Painkiller show will work, he can definitely now say that it will. There’s no guarantee that the show can go long term, but a few seasons is definitely possible.

There were some mistakes and flaws in this episode. For example, a lot of it did seem rushed. It was as if the creators got excited and wanted to add more than they could, like Khalil’s crew going to save him with guns, but there was no action.

Other than a few minor things, this was a fun episode. It gives fans hope that we could see more of what is to come. Jordan Calloway highlighted that he doesn’t need the Black Lightning title to be a focal point. We’re going to have to pay attention to Black Lightning news over the next few weeks to see what the future of Painkiller is.

Lightning Round

The idea of nothing being a coincidence was great.

Anissa bringing up Jennifer in a coy way before he asked was smart. It makes you wonder if Khalil ever find out. And, if he does, how will he react?

It was smart not using Jennifer in this episode. Adding her may have raised too many emotions and questions for one episode.

Maya can be a strong villain – someone that people will tune in to see whether or not she succeeds.

The added twist that Maya is Odell’s daughter was a nice touch.

What did you think of Black Lightning season 4, episode 7? Would you watch a show following Khalil and his crew? Let us know in the comments below!