(Courtesy of The CW Network)
The CW Network airs the highly anticipated superhero series premiere of Black Lightning, starring Cress Williams in Episode 1: The Resurrection. After being away in exile, Black Lightning (Williams) has to face the secrets of his past in order to protect his city and his family.
At the precinct, Jefferson Pierce has to pick up his daughter, Anissa (Nafessa Williams) after she was arrested at a protest. Anissa and her sister Jennifer ( China Anne McClain) are arguing with their father when they hear police sirens. The police stop his car and drag Jefferson out into the pouring rain, mistaking him for a suspect. After being racially profiled, Jefferson is about to unleash his powers but manages to stops himself.
During the fundraiser, Jefferson charms his way into his ex’s heart and romances Lynn (Christine Adams). Elsewhere, mobster Tobias Whale (Marvin ‘Krondon’ Jones III) continues his reign of terror across Freeland, especially the club Jennifer is heading out to. Inspector Henderson (Damon Gupton) is having problems controlling Tobias’ 100 gang.
At the club, Will (Dabier) and Jennifer are flirting when they are interrupted by a gang. Will hasn’t been paying for his keep and the nightclub owner wants Jennifer to pay for his drug debts. After Jennifer punches Will, Jefferson storms into the club and blasts his powers. After Jennifer escapes, Jefferson confronts the cops and blows up their police cars.
Jefferson ends up at his old friend’s tailor shop. Peter Gambi (James Remar), Jefferson’s very own Alfred Pennyworth, manages to take out the bullet. Peter reminds Jefferson that he did a lot of good as Black Lightning, but Jefferson reveals he made a promise to Lynn to save his family.
Will shows up at the high school, trying to get back with Jennifer. Anissa is having none of it and kicks down Will. After being made a fool of for the second time, Will is about to take out his gun when Jefferson stops him. Saving his life from the cops, Jefferson allows Will to run away.
Jefferson has a meeting with Lala, a former student who runs a community center. Lala abuses his authority and hurts a little boy in front of Jefferson. Meanwhile, Will comes back with his crew and kidnaps Jennifer and her sister. Knowing their daughters are in danger, Lynn allows Jefferson to break his promise and use his powers.
Anissa and her sister are being held at a hotel by Will and Lala’s henchmen. Lala isn’t too pleased with Will, knocking him out, because the heat is their way. Lala orders Will to kill their two hostages while Jefferson ends up back at Gambi’s place.
With a new and improved costume, Black Lightning shows up at the hotel and takes down Lala’s henchmen. Lala ends up escaping before Black Lightning gets his hands on Will. He then drops Will on top of his parked car.
While Jefferson and his family are reunited, Tobias Whale fires his harpoon gun at LaLa and nails him. Tobias refuses to believe Black Lightning is back because he killed him years ago.
Shaken from the kidnapping, Anissa’s powers begin to emerge after having a panic attack.
Black Lightning continues Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
– By Jorge Solis