When community members decide to demand change, Jefferson feels even more responsibility to embrace Black Lightning to protect Freeland. Yet, Tobias Whale and his associates strike again… Full recap of “LaWanda: The Book of Burial” (first aired Tuesday, January 30 at 9pm ET|PT on The CW).
“LaWanda: The Book of Burial” begins with much of the city turning out to Freeland United Methodist Church for Lawanda’s funeral services. Jefferson, Lynn, and Jennifer sit in the pews as Reverend Jeremiah Holt speaks about LaWanda, a mother who would do anything to save her child, even sacrifice her own life. Reverend Jeremiah takes the opportunity to call on those gathered to follow LaWanda’s example and join him for a march against The 100.
Aretha Franklin’s “Mary Don’t You Weep” serenades us during this scene, and truth be told, I feel just as galvanized as the Reverend! But you know this talk of marching makes Jefferson nervous… how will he be able to protect all those people? Jefferson and Inspector Harrison try to dissuade the pastor from marching, but there’s no other choice. Ordinary citizens paying The 100 for “protection”, the police in the pockets of criminals… if the people don’t take a stand, they’ll never reclaim their lives. Reverend Jeremiah feels particularly encouraged by the return of Black Lightning.
“You see, that gives me hope. That with Black Lightning’s help and with God’s help, we can save this community.”
If only Jefferson was in the streets fighting with them too… 😉
Jennifer is quick to point out that Anissa isn’t attending the service. Where is she? Well, Anissa is in the process of some major self discovery. At the local scrap yard, she tests out her new powers and tries to understand what activates her super-human strength. It’s her breathing!
Later, Jefferson meets with Gambi who has been doing some enhancements on the Black Lightning suit. These modifications will allow him to create a thinner stream of electricity, so he can target individuals in a crowd and minimize collateral damage. After some practice, Jefferson is able to take out bad guys while leaving the innocent safe and sound.
Elsewhere, Tobias Whale meets with Lady Eve, a fierce lady that has even someone as savage as Tobias shaking in his shoes. (YAS, Jill Scott, YASSSSS!) Tobias has brought some money for Lady Eve as an apology for the trouble Lala brought upon The 100. Lady Eve is much more concerned about this supposed return of Black Lightning. Tobias maintains that Black Lightning is dead, but to Lady Eve it doesn’t matter:
“I don’t mind people believing in God. They just can’t believe that they can take back these streets!”
Tobias needs to take care of this before people really try to stand up against The 100.
Jennifer and her boo-thang Khalil have decided that they’re going to take their relationship to the next level and have sex. As they’re finalizing their plans, Khalil decides to make a confession. He’s actually a virgin and only told Jennifer he was experienced so that he could seem cool. Khalil is clearly nervous because he likes Jennifer so much, but the whole situation only endears him to her: “My virgin self couldn’t find you sexier right now.” *FLAILS*
At the library, Anissa watches video of her training session in the scrap yard. She still seems in awe of what she’s able to do. Anissa is interrupted by one of the librarian assistants who has come to reshelve books. Grace and Anissa get into conversation about genetic mutation, something Anissa has a recent, personal interest in. Anissa is definitely interested in Grace, and her enjoyment of The Outsiders comic books. Grace invites Anissa to cosplay night at Ruby-Red Lipstick, the bar where she works.
When Inspector Henderson tells Jefferson that only one (ONE!!!!!!) squadcar will be available to provide security at the march, it’s clear that The 100 has used their influence in the police department to leave the demonstrators wide open for attack. Jefferson and Gambi plan to redirect the marchers and their walking route by closing certain streets with construction detour signs. Meanwhile, Tobias has picked one of his The 100 goons and threatened him into shooting Reverend Holt during the march. A message to remind folks that these are his streets. YIKES.
During family dinner, Jennifer tells her parents that she’s ready to have sex. Lynn attempts to be the more moderate of the two, thanking Jennifer for her honesty and encouraging her to wait for the right person. But when Jennifer indirectly uncovers that (1) Jefferson and Lynn were pretty young when they had sex and (2) Jefferson and Lynn were not each other’s first sexual experience, things get realllllllllly quiet. *SNORT*
That night, Jennifer tells Anissa what happened at dinner. Jennifer points out how Anissa has been MIA lately… but Anissa promises to join Jennifer for the march. Anissa also initiates a conversation about birth control because safety first!
While rehashing their parental fail the next day, Lynn suggests that, since Jefferson is going back to Black Lightning, maybe Jennifer should move in with her. Jefferson rejects this idea immediately, but Lynna has given him a lot to think about when it comes to keeping his life as Black Lightning separate from his family.
When given the opportunity, Jefferson decides to confront Khalil about his plan to sleep with Jennifer. Oddly enough, the conversation begins with bathing habits. When Khalil shares that he uses his towel to clean his feet *before* cleaning his other… parts… Jefferson lets him have it. No way is Khalil about to give Jennifer athlete’s foot in her private places! This conversation is shocking and so awkward… yet Jefferson walks away with a smile on his face. He’s gotten his message across.
That night, Anissa in all her Catwoman glory, is dancing with Grace at the cosplay party. They’re interrupted by Chenoa, Anissa’s soon-to-be ex. Chenoa is UPSET that Anissa is dressed like an “Instagram ho” and cheating on her with an Asian woman. Grace intercedes and tells Chenoa to leave. They break up after Anissa admits she’s been holding onto the relationship to keep some semblance of predictability in her ever changing life. But wouldn’t it be nice to be a superhero and take out bad guys? For Grace, the prospect actually sounds quite lonely. Anissa leaves the bar to join Jennifer at the march.
Reverend Holt leads the marchers through Freeland, demanding freedom. Lynn, Anissa, and Jennifer are there, while Black Lightning watches from above.
When he sees Tobias’ goon attempt to shoot at the crowd, Black Lightning intercedes. Everyone is shocked, but they start singing “Amazing Grace.” Tobias observes from a car nearby and is very angry that Black Lightning really is back; the singing seems to make Tobias even more aggravated. Tobias sics his hit woman on the crowd. She shoots Reverend Holt, who goes down almost immediately. Even more unfortunate is that, once the bullet goes through the reverend, it hits Khalil too.
At the end of the episode:
- At the hospital, we learn that Reverend Holt will be OK. Unfortunately, the bullet hit Khalil’s spine and he might never walk again.
- Lynn realizes that danger is everywhere, so Jennifer living with Jefferson as Black Lightning won’t make that much of a difference.
- Lynn talks to Anissa about her recent MIA-ness. Anissa attributes it to her breakup with Chenoa, but Lynn knows that there’s more.
- Gambi watches police security footage of the shooting at the march, proving that Tobias Whale is responsible. Then Gambi deletes the file. Hmmmmm…
Black Lightning airs Tuesdays at 9:00pm ET|PT on The CW.