Black Lightning Premiere Review: 6 Ups And 1 Down From 'The Resurrection'

2. The Excellent Cast

One of the ways Black Lightning does follow in the footsteps of the Arrowverse is with its cast, offering yet another excellent blend of emerging young stars and veteran actors you'll recognise if not be able to name.

Some of the credit here must go to the writing, with the Akils taking care to define each of them, with most of them springing forth as well-formed characters yet, but a lot of that is down to the actors too. In particular, in selling the family drama aspect of this, Nafessa Williams, China Anne McClain (Pierce's daughters) and Christine Adams (Lynn, his ex) all bring an easy chemistry and family dynamic that would convince you they've been doing this for years. And in the two children there's potential for this show to not just be about Black Lightning, but a sense that they're up to the task of carrying it with him eventually.

James Remar shines too as Gambi, the mentor to Black Lightning, once again giving us a relationship that feels earned and real, rather than something beginning anew.