Black Lightning Episode 2, CW

(Courtesy of Guy D’Alema/The CW)

After the critically acclaimed premiere, The CW Network continues their newest superhero drama Black Lightning, starring Cress Williams, with Episode 2: Lawanda: The Book of Hope. After being away in exile, Black Lightning has to face the secrets of his past in order to protect his city and his family.

Back at home, Jefferson Pierce ends up in the bathroom, needing care from his ex, Lynn (Christine Adams). She wants to get back together with her former husband, but not if it means the return of Black Lightning. Anissa (Nafessa Williams) reveals to her girlfriend that she broke the sink after having a super-charged panic attack.

Jefferson explains to his old friend, Peter Gambi (James Remar), he is on the verge of getting his family back together. He can do a lot more for his community as the principal of his high school. Unfortunately, the parents rebel against him after Lawanda (Tracey Bonner) mentions the police haven’t found her kidnapped daughter.

While under police surveillance, a local guy takes out his water gun and shoots Jennifer (China Anne McClain) with ketchup. That’s a warning from Lala to keep her mouth shut. Depressed and falling apart, Jennifer ends up drinking in school, between classes. She needs her boyfriend to knock her out of the dreary mood.

Mob boss Tobias Whale (Marvin ‘Krondon’ Jones III) still believes he killed the original Black Lightning. This other one making the news is just a copycat. He tortures Lala (William Catlett) and promises to make things worse if he screws up again.

After getting caught, Will (Dabier) is brought to Lala at a secret location. LaLa ends up shooting his own cousin in cold blood. After getting away with one murder, Lala thinks he can do it again and shoots down Lawanda. He doesn’t realize she had been secretly videotaping their conversation.

Gambi finds Will’s dead body and steals his phone, picking up Lala’s hidden location. Jefferson and his ex have an argument over whether his powers are a gift, or an addiction. Lynn ends up taking her argument to Gambi, who refuses to budge against his own beliefs.

After taking down his henchmen, Black Lightning gives LaLa a beatdown he will never forget. Unfortunately, Lynn isn’t too pleased with his superhero return. Henderson interrogates Lala at lockup, mentioning his murder was caught on video.


Unable to sleep, Anissa heads out to the pharmacy and stumbles upon a robbery. Super-charged from adrenaline, Anissa is able to shake down the robber and throw him across the room. She’s quite pleased with herself that she could do that.

At the jailhouse, Tobias shows up strangles Lala to death.  

Black Lightning continues Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.

– By Jorge Solis