Black Lightning Episode1-4 Reviews: I'm Really Digging CW's Newest Superhero

After watching the first few episodes of "Black Lightning" I'm quickly becoming a fan. There are 13 episodes total in the season. BL joins the CW's other DC superheroes-- SuperGirl, Flash, Arrow, and Legends Of Tomorrow. "Black Lightening however is NOT part of the Arrowverse so no crossovers are currently planned.

Jefferson Pierce is a respected principal at Garfield High School in Freeland (we're not sure of the state). He has been living a nondescript life with his two daughters Anissa and Jennifer. Ex-wife Lynn lives separately from the family but she and Pierce are working on their relationship. It's complicated.

Racial tensions and a series of crimes draws Jefferson back into the superhero biz. It has not been discussed in depth thus far but Pierce gets his powers from being a metahuman. Jefferson had hung up his suit some nine years ago after almost dying. He has a sidekick named Gambi (whose day job is as a tailor). Think of him as Alfred to Jefferson's Bruce Wayne.

Some in the community see Black Lightening as a hero. Others consider him a vigilante who does more harm than good. I personally think he's the bomb. We need more people like him in the world.

Anissa has fledgling powers of his own. Will she suit up as Thunder soon? Anissa is also making history as the first black lesbian superhero on television. It's wonderful to see that she has not been ostracized by her family and instead is loved and supported by them.

Younger sister Jennifer's boyfriend Khalil is a victim of increased violence. During a protest march, his spine is severed by a gunshot (thus ending his chances of a sports scholarship).

The baddies in "Black Lightening" are great fun. They include a gang called the One Hundred and their boss Tobias Whale. The group traffics in illegal drugs (such as the VERY potent Green Light). Whale (portrayed by Marvin "Krondon" Jones III) is super strong and has albinism. He's a very interesting character. I also enjoyed seeing Jill Scott as Lady Eve. She is "technically" Whale's boss. From the looks of things she may be even more dangerous than him. Also was she embalming someone while speaking with Whale? I wasnt sure exactly what that scene was about.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). I"m really enjoying "Black Lightning" so far. The characters are much more developed than others of the same strain. Cress Williams is a compelling screen presence and one of the few black superhero leads out there. Yes I know we also have "Luke Cage" and "Black Panther" is just being released. But that's about it.

I appreciate that BL has a more adult vibe than other CW offerings. The fight scenes are fun. Sure Lightning's outfit is a bit hokey but who cares. There's also a good dose of humor such as when Jennifer declares during a family dinner that she is having sex for the first time (on Saturday). Being a superhero doesnt prepare ya for stuff like that. If you havent checked out "Black Lightening" yet, give it a look. I think you'll be pleased.