‘Black Lightning’ Finale Recap: Episode 13 “Shadow of Death: The Book of War”

Black Lightning Finale, CW

(Courtesy of @blacklightning)

In its first season finale, The CW Network concludes the high-stakes action of their latest superhero drama Black Lightning, starring Cress Williams, with Episode 13: Shadow of Death: The Book of War. After being away in exile, Black Lightning has to face the secrets of his past in order to protect his city and his family.

As Jefferson recuperates from his previous injuries, Lala (William Catlett) finds himself reluctantly working for mob boss, Tobias Whale (Marvin ‘Krondon’ Jones III). Lynn (Christine Adams) tries to work harder as his superpowers backfire on him.

In a flashback, young Jefferson argues with his father. Young Jefferson has to read the Constitution after being suspended from school. In the present, Lala is Tobias’ bomb mule sent in to kill Martin Proctor (Greg Henry).

As Lala explodes, Jefferson finds himself in a dream with his father. Grieving over his father’s death, Jefferson learns peace isn’t always peaceful, but was it worth it? Knowing he has to handle his business, Jefferson finally wakes up.

Peter Gambi (James Remar), Jennifer (China Anne McClain), and Anissa (Nafessa Williams) rush over to discover Jefferson’s powers are gone. As the search continues for Black Lightning, Martin realizes where Peter is hiding. Elsewhere, Tobias injects himself with Green Light and decides to follow after Martin.

Lynn doesn’t know when Jefferson will get his powers back. As Martin’s elite team of assassins storm in, Peter will keep them distracted while Thunder escapes with her family. As self-sacrifices have to be made, Jefferson suits up and asks Gambi to protect his family instead.

At her emotional peak, Jennifer uses her powers to charge up her father. Thunder and Black Lightning fight back, taking down the team one by one. While Gambi hands Lynn a rifle, Henderson (Damon Gupton) and Tobias get the call about the cabin attack.

Suddenly, Thunder finds herself caught by the elite team. As Black Lighting rushes in to save her, Lynn and Gambi shoot down the intruders. Jennifer uses her powers to save her mother. Proctor aborts the mission when the police are on the way.

During a security breach, Khalil (Jordan Calloway) takes out the government agents. Proctor escapes and abandons a rookie agent after Tobias shoots his way inside. As the police show up at the cabin, the Pierce family race to the secret van hiding in the woods.

At his secret bade, Black Lightning confronts Proctor about his rogue mission. Tired of hearing Proctor’s racist rant, Jennifer throws him around with her powers. Peter takes out his gun and empties rounds into Proctor.  

The press is called in to report on illegal human experiments. Henderson thanks Black Lightning and Thunder for uncovering the conspiracy. Jefferson exercises with his daughters on a brand new morning.

Meanwhile, Tobias has found more Green Light and resumes his revenge against Black Lightning as his first order of business.

Black Lightning will return for Season 2 on The CW.

By Jorge Solis