Timala Elliott
Timala ElliottBlack Lightning
The CW
Season 4 Episode 3
The Book Reconstruction: Chapter Three: Despite All My Rage
Official Description – Jefferson is feeling even more lost after a frustrating therapy session; Anissa continues to care for a still comatose Grace; Lynn has a breakthrough.
In the opener, Jefferson Pierce has an altercation with a long time foe. However, this turns out to be a dream sequence, and we find Jefferson Pierce in a therapy session. He is conflicted about his feelings as he tries to find the meaning of his recurring nightmares.
Later, at Garfield High School, Jefferson notices a teacher may be in trouble. He then discovers that person is involved in a new business venture with LaLa. When Jefferson confronts LaLa, he is given a surprising choice. Afterwards, Jefferson decides to take the teacher under his wing. Finding a new way to help his community without the use of Black Lightning builds Jefferson’s confidence. He decides to make up for lost time with his family.
Meanwhile, Lynn has been dealing with the side effects of Jefferson’s depression and the fear of her daughters’ safety. When she discusses her struggles in therapy, she makes a breakthrough. After finding flowers and an invitation, she heads to a restaurant for dinner. When Lynn arrives, she is met by an unexpected acquaintance.
At the research center, Anissa is taking care of Grace when there is a sudden change in her condition. Later, Anissa asks a friend to help her plan a surprise.
Elsewhere in Freeland, a biased news broadcaster uses edited footage to paint Jennifer’s alter ego, Lightning, in a negative manner. With the help of TC, Jennifer finds a way to change the way she is perceived by the public. However, her decision may have unintended consequences.
TC also assists Peter Gambi with his research on a new weapon aimed at counteracting metas. Unfortunately, they make a terrible discovery. Peter must then find a way to stop the effects of the weapon.
In another part of the city, Tobias Whale makes an offer to a city official. When those plans go south, he redirects his energy and tries to make a new alliance.
This is a solid episode that does a good job in setting up the season’s conflicts. Although the center of the show is Jefferson, I am most interested in Lynn’s evolution. As the only member of the Pierce family without natural powers, her struggle has a different scope. She is the matriarch of a family she can neither relate to, or protect in a traditional manner.
Watching her struggle with addiction and self-acceptance is both difficult and enlightening. Her breakthrough moment really resonated with me. Becoming comfortable in your own skin is a skill that you can spend a lifetime cultivating.
Black Lightning S04XE03
