Black Lightning season 4, episode 10 review: Revelations

Jefferson and his team are without their powers, how will they get out of their current danger, and what is Tobias’ next move in Black Lightning season 4?

Previously on Black Lightning season 4, Tobias Whale attacked the Pierce family personally. Now he’s hit Black Lightning and his team, using a weapon to take their powers away. Of course, the heroes lost them at inopportune times.

Lightning is falling from high in the sky, Anissa is about to be hit by a speeding car, and Black Lightning is trapped fighting Ishmael. How will they get out of this? Let’s find out as we recap what went down in Black Lightning season 4, episode 10: “The Book of Reunification: Chapter One: Revelations”.

How Black Lightning and crew survived

Black Lightning and Lightning were fortunate that Gambi installed failsafes in their suits as Jefferson’s stealth mode and the protective bubble in Jennifer’s suit saved them both from death. For Anissa, she should be happy that Grace was there to stop her from being hit by a car.

Gambi has been doing things like this for them since the first season. Actually, before the show started when it was just him and Jefferson. Sometimes it makes you wonder if they appreciate everything he does. They do love him as a family member, but do they recognize all the work he puts into the suits and behind the scenes? He even had a way to get them out of the suits without their powers.

Phase two

Before our heroes could catch their breath, Jefferson gets the news that his wife Lynn is in jail. Jefferson went to see her, but all he could do is tell her that everything would be okay. He even had to tell her that everyone lost their powers. Luckily, she has a college friend who can help her.

Meanwhile, Tobias is back at the machine that took the metahumans’ powers away. It turns out that it wasn’t just Black Lightning and company that he affected; anyone with powers within the machine’s radius doesn’t have their abilities. Not unless you’re wearing a special bracelet Tobias provided, that is – so everyone he’s working with still has their abilities, of course.

Tobias is firmly in control and the scary part is this is only phase one of his plan. He’s now initiating phase two.

Continuing to bring the Pain

Khalil is crawling through air vents like he’s Bruce Willis in Die Hard. And, just like that movie, there was some levity during the infiltration. Apparently Khalil doesn’t like tight spaces. He was breathing heavy as a result of his nerves so his friend and partner Philky took the opportunity to make fun of him for it. But, as far as Khalil was concerned, all the jokes would be worth it if he could obtain the information to help clear Jefferson’s name. It was also a moment of levity before Painkiller embarrasses a bunch of nameless goons.

Khalil really has been the best part of the last few episodes and he continues that streak here. Not only have his scenes been incredibly exciting, he’s easily one of the show’s best actors behind Cress Williams.

It’s like the creative team is saving all of the good fight scenes for him and Black Lightning and that does make sense – because the more positive exposure for the character, the better chance the Arrowverse‘s planned Painkiller spin-off has of being picked up by The CW.

Lynn flirting and insecure Jefferson

From the moment we met Keith Michaels – the help that Anissa called to get Lynn out of jail – we could tell there was history between him and Lynn. We later find out that he’s her ex-boyfriend. Another obvious thing you would have noticed is that Jefferson wasn’t too keen on him being the one to bail her out of their situation. It got even more awkward when Lynn was released because she rubbed Keith’s arm in a very flirty way. And, when Jefferson picks Lynn up, it gets awkward between him and Keith.

This writer will be the one to say it: It’s easy to get jealous of someone, especially when an ex is involved. Now, imagine those feelings doubled because you’re helpless and you need your significant other more than ever. Lynn rubbing Keith’s arm could have been nothing – just an innocent moment. However, considering the issues she and Jefferson have been having, it could be everything.

A secret council

The most important find of the episode is that Tobias is working with a secret council. It looks like this is the reason he’s been more successful than normal. This wasn’t just about ruining the lives of the Pierce family (that was just an added bonus). No, this was about more and now he’s going to get it. The only caveat is that Tobias has to become mayor of Freeland to secure a place with this mysterious group of people.

Tobias doesn’t seem too happy to be dealing with these mysterious folks. One of the main things he’s been trying to do is become his own boss. If he doesn’t get a seat at the table, he’ll undoubtedly still feel like he’s not the person he wants to be.

His outburst at the end of the meeting was the first time we’ve seen him get angry all season. Since none of them respect him, his frustration is understandable. Could this be the beginning of the end for Tobias or will he bounce back?

Black Lightning season 4, episode 10 review

This episode was smooth. Everything about it flowed in a way that made the story progression seem quicker than you realize. One minute you’re watching Black Lightning fight Ishmael in the beginning of the episode, the next you’re shaking your head at Jennifer being irrational (even if her reasoning makes sense). It’s not a perfect episode as there are still some issues with it, but it was one of the better ones of the season.

Lightning Round

• The way that everyone was saved highlights how much the team needs Gambi. They’d be lost without him.
• Jennifer’s comments about how her powers is the only connection to her old self was a really thought-provoking realization. It gives last week’s cliffhanger a real personal touch.
• I loved Wu-Tang coming on during Painkiller’s fight scene. This was also the best part of the episode.
• Seeing a goon dropkick Painkiller and getting absolutely nothing out of it was hilarious. He literally just brushed himself off and tossed them.
• It was nice seeing everyone finding a way to remain useful even without their powers – especially TC.
• Tobias grabbing Ishmael was a great move. Now he has someone with immense power and someone with supreme fighting skills.
• Jefferson’s decision to open up about how he felt was a really deep moment. It showed an honest emotion we’re not used to seeing from him.
• Tobias is playing a much bigger game than we know. He may become part of something even more evil before Black Lightning season 4 wraps up.
• What’s going to happen to the power that was left in the ionosphere? Could that be the old Jennifer Pierce?

What did you think of this week’s episode of Black Lightning season 4? Are you looking forward to the next episode? What’s next for Tobias Whale? Let us know in the comments below.