BLACK LIGHTNING - SEASON 3.1

REVIEW:  BLACK LIGHTNING - SEASON 3, EP.1: "The Book Of Occupation - Chapter One: The Birth Of The Blackbird"


Welcome to a new addition to the POP FICTION review blogs...BLACK LIGHTNING!  I know I haven't covered the Outsider before, but I felt it more important to do so THIS season, because of the upcoming CRISIS crossover, and the fact that the Pierce Family will be in the absolute THICK of it when it comes.  So, let's get a quick recap of last season to catch you up.

Last season, the ASA, of which Pierce Family friend Gambi had once worked for in collecting metahumans, had been capturing metas in order to prep them for an upcoming battle with the country of Markovia, of which a Dr. Jace had been working for previously, and now have back with them.  They too, want the metahumans who had been squared away in the town of Freeland.  Also, these people had been locked in stasis in pods in order to keep them alive, as Lynn Pierce had been trying to save them...since they were affected by the drug Green Light.  Same drug that gave people like Tobias Whale powers.  Tobias is the main gangster in Freeland, and an arch enemy of Black Lightning.  Pierce himself not only deals with the social breakdown of his town as a teacher, but also with the emerging powers of his two daughters.  Now...the Markovians are making their move.

Season 3 opens up inside the ASA compound, where the metas are kept in cells...most against their will.  Everyone is being questioned about when they took Green Light, including Jefferson.

We see that the town is under Martial Law thanks to the government, the ASA, and it's new Field Commander, Carson Williams, who initiates this Martial Law under extreme measures.The news reports talk about the mysterious "Blackbird", who has taken the place of the missing Black Lightning, and seemingly helping the metas escape ASA capture.  

We see our first glimpse of Anissa as she tours a detention center for metas.  It's here that she runs into a man calling himself the Cyclotronic Man, who intends to free the metas, and  take down the government for making him use his powers to kill.  It's here we see Carson Williams get into a scuffle with Cyclotronic Man, and beat him using his own powers.  Anissa can do nothing but watch.  

We later realilze that Blackbird is Anissa's new secret ID, having changed from her Thunder ID to protect herself, Jennifer, and Black Lightning. She saves a busload of metas from heading to the ASA detention center. She's been working with the Rev. Holt to use his church as sort of a "Metahuman Underground" to smuggle refugee metas out of Freeland.  Holt himself is approached by a reporter for the ClapBack News, and asked about Blackbird's activities, and regarding as to their legality.  He gives her the pat answers and sends her off.  We later see her approach Anissa at a bar after her and Gambi had spotted her ex girlfriend Grace on a security cam using her morphing powers, but the trail is dead.  The reporter, a Jamillah Olsen, ends up hitting Anissa up for a conversation, which eventually turns into a sexual encounter.  We'll see if Jamillah gets more nosey with Anissa as the season progresses.  

Jennifer has been practicing using her powers...and actually NEEDS to release them---for IF she dosen't, the pain increases.  She reveals this information to Anissa as her sister picked her up at a cafe, where she was in disguise, hanging out with a boy.  Anissa warns her that she has to be careful.  

Inspector Henderson has been dealing with his own issues---namely Carson Williams and his tactics.  Henderson is willing to go toe to toe with him when Williams orders him to tell the public in a press conference that curfew has been initiated in Freeland. He refuses, but after getting roughed up by Williams and his men...he complies.

Back at the ASA compound, Jefferson is told by Agent Odell that he's free---sort of.  Him and Lynn are reunited, and get to be together, but because the war with the Markovians is coming, he's not allowed to leave because he's needed, as is the other metahumans.  Odell informs them that they are better off with the ASA, than out in the open where the Markovians can get them.  Pierce, having sacrificed himself to the ASA in order to protect the girls, sees that it's not a good thing.

Gambi and Anissa have been working on a plan to get her parents out of ASA custody, and they also have a plan to free more of the metas.  They map out their plan to invade the ASA compound by being able to open their shields to sneak the refugees through.

Back in his cell, Jeff has been experiencing new powers for him...being able to read other metas' energy, including Issa Williams, who has the power to compel people to do his bidding.  As well as Tobias.  Jeff wants to look into it further, and see just what Odell is up to.  Speaking of Odell...he's busy using Issa to get info from Tobias about the missing briefcase, and what was in it.  Being here hasn't been good for Tobias, as his dependency on Green Light, and not having it, with his body beginning to revert to its actual age.  Odell is in Issa's ear pressing him to push for info on the briefcase, but comes up empty.  Later on, we see Odell tell Issa that a power like his is too dangerous.  Issa thought Odell was there to kill him---Odell said he already had---by poisoning his food.

Anissa and Gambi begin the mission, and it's going well, as Jennifer is running watch back at Gambi's.  However, Jennifer warns them that there's trouble coming, as troops are on the way.  Anissa takes out as many as she can, but she's eventually taken down.  The hole in the security wall disappears, and Gambi has to scatter.  Anissa is trapped. Back at Gambi's, Jennifer wants to save her sister, but Gambi preaches patience.

We eventually find out that the briefcase is in the hands of another villain from last season, the Tattoo Man.

Well...for those that have been following this show...a lot to unpack.  

We KNOW Odell is a lying piece of crap with his own agenda.  Credit to Bill Duke for playing him so cold, callous, and straight faced.  Amazing work from him the past season, and starting this one off.

We are painted a picture of Markovia as evil, and with Jace in their custody, does this mean the creation of Tara Markov and Brion Markov has metahumans down the road?

What the hell is this new power from Jefferson?  I've never known Black Lightning to have anything BUT the powers he has.  But then again...it's been awhile since I've read up on Black Lightning.

We KNEW Tobias would still be a huge player in this game.  He's far too valuable a central villain to toss aside.  He will STILL have a lot to say before this season ends.  I love Tobias...so deliciously cool as a villain.  He truly is one of my favorite aspects of the show.

This new woman in Anissa's life---Jamillah Olsen (was this a play on James Olsen, kids?).  She has an interesting approach to getting the story---can't say I'm approving of it.  She's going to be one to watch this season.  She IS, however, bringing up a topic that seems to reflect real life---about detainees in concentration camps because they're not either "from here", or they're "different".  It's nice that the show is a reflection of real life.  I just hope the show isn't bogged down by it like SUPERGIRL seemed to be for a tad bit last year.  

Anissa and Jennifer.  Anissa seems to have taken to the role of a leader in the field, along with Gambi.  The new identity of Blackbird is cool, and she's gotten better in battle.  Jennifer is still learning about her powers, but feels trapped by them still.  They cause her pain if she doesn't release them...and she is eager to get out into the field as well, but Gambi is great in making sure she learns patience---until they get her powers under control.  

Jeffeson and Lynn are hamsters in a cage right now.  Jefferson made the call to offer himself up to protect the girls...and Odell NEEDS Lynn because she understands all the metahuman stuff...but Odell's oppression and plans for them puts them in a situation where I feel they're gonna lead a huge breakout soon.  It has to happen to get Black Lightning back in the fight.  

I feel for Inspector Henderson right now...having to concede to Carson Williams, who is a HUGE ass, and can't wait for Black Lightning to whip his when they tangle down the road (and they will...it's inevitable).  But Williams' powers are going to be a challenge to get around.  

Overall, a great way to start off Season 3.  This was a good show to kickoff the next chapter, and build up towards the Markovian War.  But we also have to know that CRISIS is on the horizon, and Black Lightning WILL be affected by it.  

That's it for this week.  We'll see what happens to our favorite hero family as they navigate the ASA and the Markovian threat.  Thanks for checking out the blog, and please leave a comment, subscribe, and pass on the good word.

Until next week...Power On!