Jefferson And Anissa Argue Their Roles In A Preview Of Next Week’s Black Lightning
by Erik Amaya
It took long enough, but Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) has finally noticed Anissa’s (Nafessa Williams) off-the-books heists to help out Freeland — no doubt after some blowback from her latest theft of criminal cash. And as seen in this preview of next week’s show, father and daughter will get into a heated argument about their responsibilities.
Granted, neither one is completely wrong or right in this situation. The only thing making Anissa’s position even remotely suspect is her thrill-seeking; which is itself motivated by the lack of a life outside of her hero work.
Speaking of which, I’m glad the show acknowledged the way it dropped Grace Choi (Chantal Thuy) last season while Anissa learned to be Thunder. It’s clear the writers simply ran out of space for her, but it’s nice to see the character return. Hopefully this season will offer their relationship more space and give the characters more dimension going forward.
I’m also glad Jennifer’s (China Anne McClain) therapy has a metahuman context to it. Since the program first announced this storyline, I assumed a more traditional office setting for the scenes. But a completely interior mindscape means her sessions get to be more visceral and visual. Hopefully, her issues will go deeper than her powers, though. As illustrated in last night’s episode, her attitude predates the lightning and speaks to some deeper disconnect between her and her parents.
One last thought: the new principal is sadly cartoonish. I totally get the why, but it is nonetheless disappointing and uninspired. That said, his demand to be called “Principal” is one of the most sinister things to happen on the show to date.
Black Lightning airs Tuesdays on The CW.