Black Lightning (TV Series) The Book of Little Black Lies (2018) User Reviews

Good episode, slightly ruined by a whiny Jennifer

[giuliodavinci · 6/10 · 1 August 2018]

So kids need a lot of patience. So true.

When trying to convey this to an audience, the choices made in this episode were very wrong.

By portraying Jennifer as a whiny, respectless, unreasonable, naive and self absorbed all at the same time, it gets incredibly hard to find anything left to feel sympathy for her.

The rest of the plot sees Black Lighting and Thunder find and destroy a lab, which is reasonable to watch, but anything from inspired as well.

All in all a mediocre episode with lazy plot choices. The writing staff gets a thumbs down for this one.

An Episode Centered Around Lies and Deceit!

[gab-14712 · 9/10 · 25 May 2020]

"The Book of Little Black Lies" is an episode that focuses...on well, lies! Jefferson and Lynn had been hiding Jeff's secret from their daughters all their lives. Once Anissa discovered her powers, she also kept lying to Jennifer. This comes crashing down when Jennifer discovered she has powers and now everything has been revealed to her. Of course, she is peeved because she wanted to be trusted like an adult. Speaking of deceits, Gambi continues to do things behind Jeff's back, and those things may involve very toxic spider venom. This is a very strong episode with Jennifer at the forefront. China Anne McClain does an excellent job depicting the real-life feelings of a teenager. Some may find Jennifer whiny, but she is acting like a true teenager.

In this episode, Jennifer learns the secrets from her family. Her family are being grounded and real about her newfound powers. Jennifer confides to Lynn that all she wants to do is live a normal life but having superhero powers will most certainly complicate that notion. Anissa gets a brand-new suit that is really cool looking! Unlike most female superhero costumes, this one actually looks strong and battle-ready. She uses her suit with Black Lightning to take down a warehouse where Green Light is made. Gambi and Jefferson are still at odds with one another, but Gambi does want to make amends. Finally, Henderson chooses a side. A side that interested in saving human lives.

This is an excellent episode. Up to this point, Black Lightning surpassed all of my expectations. Granted, this is my first superhero series I have seen. But color me impressed. The show plays the political and the character game very well. Lies and deceit are always part of a superhero's makeup, but this episode took things a bit further. There are some interesting flashbacks regarding Gambi and his role with the A.S.A. I do not think Jeff will be happy.

My Grade: A