The return of Tobias Whale shakes up Jefferson’s life once again

Black Lightning opens with the return of Tobias Whale (Marvin ‘Krondon’ Jones III)! He’s still recovering from his Black Lightning injuries and is on his way to meet with Martin Proctor (Gregg Henry). Proctor informs Tobias about his promotion into Lady Eve’s spot and also brings back the project that Tobias was working on before he went away– Khalil (Jordan Calloway). They’re now tasked with the mission of bringing in Black Lightning. After getting an emergency call from Lynn (Christine Adams) that turns out not to really be an emergency, Jefferson (Cress Williams) and Lynn decide to give their romantic relationship another shot. The bliss short-lived when Jennifer tells Jefferson that Lynn is helping her isolate her meta-gene – which leads to Jefferson and Lynn having an argument. Disregarding her dad’s advice to stay away from Khalil, Jennifer goes back to her house to meet up with Khalil on the roof. He shows her his new spine, but when she starts asking questions about his procedure, he gets mad and runs off.

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Gambi (James Remar), Jefferson, and Anissa (Nafessa Williams) realize that some of the bodies are going missing and that they need to move quicker on finding them. Jefferson goes to Khalil’s mother to see if he can get in touch with Proctor. While trying to locate the bodies, Jefferson, Gambi, and Anissa hear about an attack at Garfield High. Tobias told Khalil to go to Garfield to draw Black Lightning out, so he storms into the school causing chaos and injecting students. Black Lightning and Thunder show up and while Thunder is fighting with Syanide, Black Lightning is handling Tobias. At the conclusion of the fight, Jefferson gets hit with one of the needles from Khalil, which puts a shortage in his powers. Khalil strikes him and causes him to flatline. Before Tobias can take him away, Anissa and Jennifer run in. While crying over him, Jennifer shocks him twice– giving him the shock he needs to be revived. With Black Lightning slipping away again, Proctor now wants Black Lightning’s body and Thunder dead or alive! We have so much to talk about so let’s jump right into the discussion!

Discussing the penultimate episode is our Black Lightning roundtable:

Nicollz (@mspurple360) – singer, activist, lover of all things gay

Makayla (@keiyswally) – Kid Flash enthusiast

Raych  (@candicespattons) – lover of iris west and black female characters. tv enthusiast

Jenn (@ejtlotz) – Multi-fandom, DCTV enthusiast, and occasional live tweeter

Brianna (@notevenloaded) – Iris West/Candice Patton enthusiast and MCU apologist.

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1. What did you think of the episode? What was your favorite moment?

Nicollz (@mspurple360): I loved the episode! It was well written, full of action and heart, and there were so many great moments. But my favorite was the scene where we see Jennifer try her best to jumpstart her powers to help her family, and then ultimately saving her father. We’ve seen her struggling to come to grips with having these powers over the course of the last few episodes but seeing her dad and Anissa in action, and knowing she could also use her powers to help keep the ones she loves safe may make her reconsider her stance and see that they are a gift.

Makayla (@keiyswally): This episode was definitely heart-stopping and emotional. My favorite part was when Jennifer used her powers to save Jefferson. I’m hoping that this will make her rethink her decision to not use her powers. I really want to see her kick some ass in the finale. I also loved the scene between Lynn and Jefferson. I am really rooting for them, and I hope they stay together.

Raych (@candicespattons): I loved it! The battle at the school and Jennifer saving Jeff.

Jenn (@ejtlotz): This episode was incredible. It was action-packed, but the action wasn’t just to look cool. It had a purpose and made sense. My favorite moment has to be when Anissa is leaning over Black Lightning’s body and Jennifer runs in and starts freaking out and accidentally shocks him back to life. That whole sequence not only had me at my heartstrings but also had me hyped because it was kind of a badass moment for Jennifer.

Brianna (@notevenloaded): I loved it! This show keeps getting better and better. The return of Tobias and Khalil was great, but my favorite moment was probably Black Lightning and Thunder working together in the school and Jennifer having to resuscitate Jefferson. I’m glad Jennifer was given more to do in this week’s episode. Also, all of Jennifer and Lynn’s scenes. OH and Jefferson/Lynn *ahem* reuniting was amazing, I love them and their love.

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2. Tobias returned from recovery and is now in on the ASA’s plans. What did you think of his talk with Martin and his return to Freeland?

Nicollz: We got to find out what their end game is, or rather how to achieve it and why they want Black Lightning. At first, they are weren’t really concerned with Thunder, but towards the end they wanted her taken dead or alive, so I wonder how that will play out. Tobias wasn’t going to stay away. He was always set out to be running things, so he’ll make sure to get in the position he wants by any means necessary.

Makayla: Every time it seems like Tobias is gone, he shows right back up. Tobias is smart – reckless – but smart. Now that he’s in on everything, I think he’s going to use that to his advantage. He is definitely going to have a big part in the final showdown and I’m kind of excited to see what happens.

Raych: The finale will definitely be interesting.

Jenn: I think Tobias will do anything to be in charge. He wants the power. I am not completely sure what his end goal is though. Money? Power? He seems too intelligent to be consumed by the little stuff; I don’t know. What I do know is that he does not like taking orders from this other guy in charge any more than he liked taking them from Lady Eve.

Brianna: I’ve kind of missed Tobias, I think he’s a great villain and this episode was a good reintroduction to him using Khalil and at the end, using Lala to show how much influence he still holds.

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3. Khalil made a comeback and boy was it something! What did you think about his return and his new abilities?

Nicollz: I wasn’t surprised, I knew he would be involved in some capacity with the wrong people. It’s disappointing because he has so much potential and promise. I get he was in a bad place mentally and the ASA knew he was in a vulnerable state, so they used it to their advantage, knowing he wouldn’t turn down a chance like this. At the same time, it can’t be enjoyable because everything and everyone who was a part of his life before has to be forgotten.

Makayla: I truly do not like Khalil and the fact that he tried to play Jennifer and try and get her back…Oh no. The scene where he showed his spine was insane! I really hope they explain more about that. It seemed like he could move a bit faster and was stronger. It seems like his only job is to cause havoc. I’m excited to see what happens to him in the finale.

Raych: Honestly, I was a little afraid for Jennifer and would’ve preferred if he didn’t come back.

Jenn: I mean, I figured they would put a little chip in his back like what they did with Felicity Smoak on Arrow, but this boy has a whole new spine. That’s wild. I definitely was not expecting the super abilities.

Brianna: That wig though. Khalil just makes me sad, I wish he wasn’t in this position and I really do think Jennifer is going to have to come face to face with him using her powers and it’ll be “hello, angst city”.

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4. Do you think there was any truth in the words that Khalil spoke to Jefferson?

Nicollz: He made some valid points. At the same time, I do believe Jefferson cares for him, but his daughters come first so they would have his best interest over anyone else.

Makayla: Honestly, I do not think there was any truth to what he said. Jefferson has always cared about his students. I think, though, that lately with him becoming Black Lightning again, he has kind of been distracted. So I do see what Khalil meant, but I know that Jefferson does care for his students and wants them to succeed.

Raych: Honestly, no. I think he was just trying to get under his skin.

Jenn: I think Khalil has the ability to be redeemed. This was shown more than once throughout this episode. The first time was when he went to go see Jennifer. Originally, I thought it was Tobias’ plan, but we later find out Khalil just wanted her back. It was a slip-up, a grasp of his old life so to speak. The second time was in the school when he told Jennifer to run. He could have hurt her and her friend, but instead, he let them escape. I think he still cares, but it might take some real effort to pull him from this situation he has gotten himself into.

Brianna: Somewhat…feeling abandoned by everyone clearly took a toll on Khalil’s trust and psyche.

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5. Did you think it was fair of Jefferson to be so harsh to Lynn about Jennifer possibly suppressing her powers?

Nicollz: Yeah, I get his point of view but at that moment I did feel he went a little overboard. Lynn is being a mother and just trying to do what she can to make her child happy and comfortable. I can understand them as a whole wanting to discuss it further before any actual physical procedures have been done, but just Lynn hypothesizing over it shouldn’t have garnered that type of reaction from Jefferson.

Makayla: I think Jefferson had the right to be upset with her, but he didn’t have to snap at her like that. They could have easily talked it out. Obviously, Jefferson wants Jennifer to get used to her powers and actually use them, but I feel like that’s a bit selfish of him. He said that it wasn’t Lynn’s decision to make and that she should’ve talked to him first, but in reality, it’s neither of their decisions. If Jennifer decides she really doesn’t want her powers, then they can’t control her and force her to use them.

Raych: He should’ve never been so harsh. I agree with what he was saying, but he should’ve gone about it a different way.

Jenn: Fair? No, but I see where he is coming from. Lynn broke up with him because of his powers. She constantly called them his addiction. In Jeff’s mind, Lynn is trying to change Jennifer because she doesn’t want her to turn out like her father-– broken. That’s not something anyone likes to think about themselves, let alone have the person they love think that of them. This may not be how Lynn actually feels, but I believe it is the way Jeff sees it.

Brianna: Not at all, Jennifer is dealing with a lot and Mama Lynn was just trying to help her.

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6. Jennifer used her powers to revive her dad. Do you think she’ll want to keep using her powers now?

Nicollz: I think it will help her make a decision. Knowing she can help make a difference and seeing the good in her powers, she may decide to reconsider.

Makayla: Watching Jennifer’s face when she realized her powers helped Jefferson. I think she started to understand that she could use them for good. Hopefully, after this, she decides she wants to be a part of the team because I think they’re going to need her help for the final showdown with Tobias and the ASA.

Raych: I think she’ll be more open to it, but I don’t see her being a superhero anytime soon.

Jenn: I think the moment Jennifer tried using her powers during Thunder’s fight was the moment she decided she doesn’t want to get rid of them. She sees her father and sister walking into this school and saving people, yet she can’t seem to do anything. In the end, Jennifer thought her father was dead until she saved him. Had she not had her powers, he would have actually been dead. I’m sure that will impact Jennifer greatly moving forward.

Brianna: Probably. I loved that moment a lot. China killed the emotional aspect, and I can’t wait to see Jennifer kick ass.

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7. Next week’s episode is sure to have a lot of big moments! What do you hope to see happen in the season finale?

Nicollz: I hope there isn’t a cliffhanger but most shows tend to end that way. So at the very least, I’m hoping it’s on a happy note – more love, action, and heroics. Given the preview, I’m sure it will not disappoint.

Makayla: One thing I really hope to see in the finale is Jefferson, Anissa, Jennifer, and Gambi working together to finally defeat the ASA. I think all of them putting their forces together is how they will take them down. I hope they also explain the kids in more detail, and I also hope they show what they wanted to use the kids for. Regardless, I’m excited to see the finale.

Raych: Resolution and some Pierce family moments but either way I’m excited.

Jenn: I don’t even know what to expect. I just want all of the Pierces’ safe and unharmed. Maybe, I’ll take a scene between Jennifer and Anissa discussing Jennifer’s powers if we have time. I feel like it will be very action packed. I do want to see Grace make one last appearance, but again I don’t think there will be time. I wonder if she ever called Anissa back. I am super stoked for this finale and cannot wait for season two.

Brianna: The whole family working together and something to catapult us into season 2! I also hope Martin chokes.

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Black Lightning brought us all the action and set us up for some big showdowns

After a slowed down week, “The Book of Pain” sped up in all the best ways. With only one episode left, the return of Black Lightning’s biggest villain set everybody into motion! More information on the motives of the ASA is coming to light and we’re still seeing Tobias’ power-hungry attitude play out. He’s definitely going to kill someone else before the season’s end. The episode was action-packed with showdowns that we have been waiting for all season! Tobias and Black Lightning finally fought and even though Black Lightning was bested, he still made it out alive. Tobias’ new tech may have changed the game a little bit! It’s going to be interesting to see everyone put into play next week.

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We’re all surprised at Khalil’s new spine, but we knew he would be a changed man once he made his return. We’re still bitter about the way that he treated Jennifer and their conversation this episode didn’t persuade us any differently. The ASA has pumped his brain full of negative thoughts and has amplified his insecurities. We do not see things ending well for him. We were ecstatic about Jennifer using her powers to shock her dad back to life. She doesn’t want her powers, but during the fight scenes, we saw her anxiously try to get her powers to work so that she could join in and help. We’re positive that this will be a huge deciding factor in her wanting to keep using her powers. Jennifer is this week’s MVP! Even though she still made some rocky decisions, her story has been some of the best material on the show – when China is given a chance to shine. She just may be a big player in the finale’s big showdown.

The season finale is next week and we’re eager to see the conclusion to this fantastic first season! The Pierce family has a lot to think about and we’re sure the show will deliver! We can’t wait to see what Black Lightning does next!

Black Lightning returns Tuesday, April 17th at 9/8c on The CW.