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

by James Hunt

Downs...

1. Its Superhero Sequences Aren't As Interesting

Black Lightning
The CW

Perhaps it's because the focus is on the family and community drama, or that those aspects are so well done, but it's actually as a superhero show where Black Lightning ever so slightly falters in this opening gambit.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, because the show is better off for concentrating more on the non-costumed drama, but it means anyone looking for a purer comic book experience might be left a little underwhelmed. The superpowered sequences are ok, but they don't dazzle the way the character-driven drama does, and it struggles a little too in establishing its overarching villain, Tobias (with his underling, Lala, a more interesting proposition right now).

They're kinks it'll need to work out over the course of its 13-episode run, and there's plenty here to convince that will indeed be the case. Ultimately this is a smart, confident pilot, and a very good entry into an exciting new show.

Black Lightning episode 1 launches on Netflix on 23rd January. Further episodes will follow weekly.

What did you think of Black Lightning? Let us know down in the comments.

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NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.