Black Jesus

"Black Jesus" does little to advance the story, and is mostly uneventful. However, Marvin Krondon Jones's Tobias Whale finally got a unique and fleshed out backstory, along with a proper motive. The battle against a new drug, vibrant action and Anissa Pierce's (Nafessa Williams) vigilante arc served as good distractions.

"Black Jesus" is a solid episode. It gets relatively dark in moments, but there are some moments of levity to be found. The episode also continues to fleshen out its characters, especially Tobias and Lady Eve. The two work together to take down Black Lightning once and for all. Lady Eve says her partners are growing restless (even more villains, perhaps?) and threatens to turn Tobias into bone dust if Black Lightning is not killed. Geez, I do not want to cross her. Also, there is a new drug in town. This Green Light seems like it will take up the rest of the season. While this episode is slower than the first three episodes, it does allow for great character development.

Jefferson Pierce seems to have a lot of troubles heading his way, huh? Jefferson gets his first look at this drug, which basically turns its users into the Hulk, in the school's bathroom. Jeff had to use his powers to stop the kid. So now, Black Lightning is recruited to take the drug off the streets. Tobias, of course, wants him dead. Instead of killing him personally, he recruits his sister Tori and they decide to turn the community of Freeland against him. Anissa continues to work with her newly discovered superpowers. She continues her act of vigilantism but realizes how soul-crushing violence can be. She might now be on the radar of her father's and Gambi. I cannot wait for the moment when these two discover each other. At a dinner with Henderson (who believes Black Lightning does more harm than good), she goes on a rant about believing in Black Lightning. Meanwhile, Jennifer is having a hard time holding herself together after Khalil's near-fatal attack at the march. Khalil is in a very dark place considering he lost the ability to do track because of his paralysis. Tobias pay him a visit, pays for his medical bills and buys him all these goodies, with one intention in mind. To kill Black Lightning.

This is still a very strong episode even if its not as dense as the first three episodes. There are still excellent action sequences and strong character moments. Anissa's arc is very fascinating to me. I wonder how long it will take for her family to discover her powers. It has to happen at some point. For now, she has at least Grace to help her with her thoughts. Khalil turning to the dark side is going to be fun. I believe Jefferson is about to be in a world of pain. Gambi is still being secretive, too! Oh boy!

My Grade: A-