6 Reasons To Watch CW’s Black Lightning
Black Lightning, the first comic-book based action-drama on The CW network with a black, male lead differentiates itself from the average fantasy-action show. At a 20,000 foot level it shows what a united family with superpowers can do to make things right in the world, If you haven’t seen a comic book based show you like, I eagerly suggest this one. Here’s why:
- It Is Unapologetically Black
This show is based on one of DC Comic’s first black comic book superheroes is chock full of blackness, It depicts the best of black culture with a heavy emphasis on the real. True to life there is every depiction of black you can think of. Every cast member hero, villian and extra has a natural swag. From the Senior citizen in the neighborhood to the gun-toting yet congregation and community focused church Pastor, they know their purpose and are clearly ready to walk in it…so they think, hence the drama. The lead character, Jefferson Pierce played with Portier-like elegance by Cress Williams (Heart of Dixie, Friday Night Lights, Grey’s Anatomy) is the first character in history who thought it was more impactful to put his costume away and become a high school principal to better serve the town he was born in. He actually said he could help more people in his day job than a superhero whose power came directly from the ability to conduct electricity (natural and man made). How often are black men on TV displayed with this level of humility and service? How many black men are starring in a television drama in the leading role? Many people of color “make good” then go back home to help others. Can anyone describe 5 dramas over the last 10 years with this character that represents the best of the black community? Principal Pierce has his students quoting Booker T. Washington and other leaders barely discussed yet critical to American history. The high school students are proud of the knowledge they have obtained, sharing it freely and openly exemplifying the serious meaning of a “woke” generation. To the actors’, writers’ and directors’ credit, there are no gratuitous moments where referencing history. It reminds the viewer black teens are smart, nerdy and the environment in every black school is not a gun-toting jungle. Most moments are authentic and a reflection of the seldom reported happy climate in city schools. There is nothing about this show that feeds beliefs that perpetuate systemic racism. You will not find a character, theme or story that fits the typical socially demeaning roles written about black people. There is no code-switching as social expectations are not defined by white culture. There are no Sambos, race traders or Uncle Toms. Even the menacing albino villain Tobias Whale (Marvin “Krondon” Jones III) who despises black people is authentic in his corrupted quest to dominate predominantly black Freeland and has a story arc explaining his self-hatred and thirst for violence. By the way the name of the town Freeland comes from the comic book and translates well to the small screen. The music is a celebration of the best of every genre with artists known and unknown highlighting how soulful music enhances any story. 2 of the Executive Producers are longtime power couple Salim and Mara Brock-Akil creators of historic moments in TV and film. More about them in #5.
2. It Documents True To Life Events
The story addresses what happens to a community over a long period of time that organizations secretly experiment on new drugs. The act of monitoring the results then exiting highlights the history of the relationship between minority and unprotected communities and government/medical research groups (i.e. The Tuskegee Experiment). As in history, organizations are likely to leave conditions and people) worse than when they arrived abdicating their responsibility to long term negative impacts (Flint, Mi, Stateville, Il Penitentiary, Willowbrook State School, NY, Los Angeles, Ca), In the case of Freeland, some die, some develop powers they use for good or evil creating people classified as Meta-human. As a child, Jefferson’s dad took him to a local clinic where he was unknowingly given the DNA-altering drug Greenlight. When Pierce’s dad, a newspaper reporter was killed mysteriously, one of the government agents responsible for monitoring took Jefferson under his wing eventually becoming his “Alfred” (Batman’s trusted butler and behind the scenes assistant) helping to save others in fighting crime and keeping his identity secret, So not only does this city have the very same problems as any other but there is the presence of Meta-humans and a mysterious deadly drug called Greenlight affecting the residents.
3. It Tackles Every Issue People Are Concerned About
Racism, prejudice, communication, self worth, sexuality, family unity, relationship changes, peer pressure, maintaining a longtime marriage, surviving during economic challenges and parenting. Not to mention having to deal with the responsibility/consequences of discovering you are a “Meta-human” with extraordinary powers, How will this secret affect your two daughters? Any parent would consider that.
4. There Is No White Savior
The community highlights the old-fashioned “village” mentality where people care for one another banding together in tough times. No one comes in from some better place and saves the day by making everyone’s life better with an idea anyone could have thought of. The writers add the necessary layers to the story creating solutions complicated with varying unexpected results as lin life. The solutions require combinations of science and strategy,physicality and knowledge of the art of war.
Protagonists are a black family headed by Pierce, his wife Lynn, a genetic scientist played by Christine Adams (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Feed The Beast), ,and their two daughters Anissa, a nurse played by Nafessa Williams (Black and Blue, True To The Game) and Jennifer, a high school student played by China Anne McClain (Disney’s Descendants series, The Paynes,House of Payne). Veteran actor James Remar (/City On “A Hill, Dexter) rounds out the cast as Gambi the trusted family friend and former government agent who has his own secret lair to create technology in support of the family’s efforts. He is also a badass in his own right.
5. It Is Created By and With Black People
Starting at the top with Executive Producers Salim and Mara Brock-Akil the cast and crew is one of the most racially diverse and talented in television. Salim known for producing and directing American classics such as Love Is, Being Mary Jane, The Game, new cinema classics Jumping The Broom and remaking the 70”s girl-group movie Sparkle writes, directs and produces. Mara, creator of Being Mary Jane, The Game and Girlfriends produces, writes and is a casting genius. They are the reason characters are complex and have a deep reservoir of self-worth and dignity. The cast and crew includes people of color at every level providing opportunity and inspiration in an industry challenged by, yet verbally committed to inclusion.
6. The Action Kicks Ass
The antagonists include a power hungry Albino crime boss, a group of gangsters named, “The 100”, an assassin called Painkiller(Jordan Calloway) brought back from the dead by technology and science (formerly on track for a college athletic scholarship and Jennifer’s love interest), beautiful but deadly women with and without powers as well as the secret organization that started all of this chaos headed by the great actor, director,writer and producer Bill Duke who is at his most menacing when manipulating heroes and villains alike.
Soul Icon-Actress Jill Scottt played Boss Bitch Lady Eve, head of an illegal operation. Her story arc was unpredictably entertaining as she invoked the best of the 1970’s Foxy Brown/Cleopatra Jones era. The writing and directing team’s ability to keep the action consistent, fast-paced and relevant is on the money. Fight scenes are believable enough to ignore when you see the differences between the principles and the stunt double. The effects accentuate the powers of being Meta-human without looking low budget.
That said, this show is an exciting, entertaining mix of everything good about comic book TV shows, family friendly viewing and black folk.
