Black Lightning episode 3 recap and review: LaWanda: The Book of Burial is the best episode yet

Though Black Lightning was light on the action this week, two additional victims and one great storyline about safe sex made it the best episode so far.

The best way to tell just how good Black Lightning is, or to measure any superhero property for that matter, is to strip away the superpowers and see if it can stand on its own without any flashy gimmicks. It’s to ask yourself, “Would I still watch this if it was just a regular show?” On Tuesday, “LaWanda: The Book of Burial” did just that by focusing most of its attention on strengthening the relationships of its characters and gracefully bringing new ones into the fold without making the episode feel too dense.

S1E3. LaWanda: The Book of Burial. A. . Black Lightning

Though Black Lightning certainly dons the suit and we spend some extra time in Gambi’s lair — where he houses a ton of technology for training scenarios and holographic schematics, in addition to working on the suit — Jefferson only wears it toward the end to spring into action. Further, Black Lightning’s effort to make thinner streams of lightning to reduce casualties is a welcome subversion to how we typically see superheroes attempt to get stronger.

For that, we’ll probably just have to wait until Thunder really grows into her powers. This week, she goes to a junkyard and begins training herself. By recognizing that her breathing affects her powers, she doubles her strength and realizes she contains tremendous power within. And her mother, Lynn, notices as well, but Anissa is keeping her extracurricular activities to herself for the time being.

The openness of the Pierce family

What I find most exciting about Jennifer and Anissa Pierce is how confident they are. They are unapologetic in their convictions. More importantly, they’re honest about how they feel, both to their parents and to those around them.

In last night’s episode, Anissa visits the library — she would’ve had an easier time if she just Googled it, though — to do some research. While investigating genetic mutations, she meets Grace and the two immediately hit it off. Most likely, this marks the beginning of a lovely duo, but it was also the perfect opportunity for Grace to name drop the Outsiders, a group that shares a close history with Black Lightning in the comics.

As giddy as it made me to watch Anissa get her flirt on with Grace, I appreciated Khalil’s attempt to “have swag” and how it evolves into a low-key conversation about safe sex. Like, this is The CW, and contrived plotlines are to be expected. At least Black Lightning dug into this trope and managed to strip back the toxic masculinity behind a man’s inability to reveal he’s a virgin. Plus, it gives us additional scenes with Ultimate OTP Jefferson and Lynn as they struggle to come to terms with Jennifer’s revelation that she was going to have sex later that weekend.

Admittedly, the resulting shower conversation about hygiene between Jefferson and Khalil is weird, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t laugh at the line about where “athlete’s foot doesn’t belong.”

The terror of the 100 grows

Picking up right after LaWanda’s death last week, “LaWanda: The Book of Burial” starts at a service where the reverend tries to mobilize the community in her honor. He encourages everyone to march in protest of the 100, much to Jefferson’s dismay. As he tries to dissuade the reverend from marching, he doesn’t even bother to mince words when he reminds the reverend that “LaWanda failed.”

Most of the people in Freeland have an unflappable amount of faith in Black Lightning, including the reverend. As their defiance grows, we also learn that Tobias is just another pawn for the real taskmaster behind the scenes, Lady Eve.

With the exception of Hela in Thor: Ragnarok, we don’t usually see a lot of female villains in superhero media. Lady Eve appears to pack a lot of bite behind her sweet disposition, and if Tobias can stab one of his own employees’ hand just for fun, I can’t wait to see how Lady Eve ups the ante.

Unfortunately, their commitment to controlling the streets ultimately leads to a shooting that claims the reverend and Khalil, whose resulting spine injury may ruin his track career forever. But Black Lightning has never been shy about setting up the stakes, so I’m actually surprised Khalil survived. And since Black Lightning was standing right there when it happened, I wonder if Jefferson will feel guilty later.

Black Lightning airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on The CW. Don’t forget to check back after each episode airs for our weekly recap and reviews right here on Culturess.

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