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| The slow build up of Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning (Cress Williams) and Dr. Lynn Stewart (Christine Adams) is well worth the wait in CW's Black Lightning. |
As fans lie in wait for the second helping of
Black Lightning-- a series breaking ground by featuring an almost all black cast, involving racial politics in stories, and introducing LGBTQ characters to a network superhero drama-- the first season explored kick butt action and titillating romance. Divorced parents, Jefferson Pierce and Dr. Lynn Stewart are successfully shuffling demanding careers-- he a high school principal at Freeland High School, solid community leader, and sometime reforming action hero and she a wise, neuroscientist at Bowman College-- and balancing two strong willed daughters, Anissa and Jennifer.
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| "Actually, you do look really good in this suit," coos a flirtatious Lynn (Christine Adams) whilst giving Jefferson (Cress Williams) that special woman's touch. As she saunters away with a feline grin, his lookback speaks volumes. |
Jefferson's superhero complex drove Lynn to leaving, out of fear that he would die. It was similar to the worrisome police wife, except in Freeland the police were corrupt and dirty. Jefferson saw the community's desperate cry for help and co-created the persona Black Lightning to eliminate organized crime. Lynn, tired of tending to his wounds and worrying that he wouldn't return home alive, wanted him to make a commitment. For her, time is precious and valuable. Throughout history, black people have not been afforded those luxuries. He believes himself invincible, still naïve about the full breadth of his powers-- the cons are as complex as the cons.
Ultimately, Lynn forced a choice to Jefferson-- her and their family or being a vigilante. Vengeful Jefferson, out for the blood of Tobias Whale (the man who murdered his father), chose the electric suit, and it was a "this is the last time" too many.
Years later, Jefferson and Lynn's separation has appeared to an amicable situation. They have a genuinely caring relationship, demonstrating a terrific example that former couples can remain friends-- beneficial when children are involved.
However, at Freeland High School's lavish fundraiser, sparks are turned up full blast once tuxedo clad Jefferson and evening gowned Lynn exchange words. Jefferson had previously helped Anissa (whom Jennifer affectionately nicknames Harriet Tubman) out of jail after a peaceful protest goes awry. In Anissa, Lynn sees so much of Jefferson-- a selfless freedom fighter putting those weak and powerless above themselves. Of course, Lynn's subtle praising propels Jefferson to lay on the charm.
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| Lynn isn't keen on playing Jefferson's nurse again. |
Among the Pierce daughters' perils, endless city unrest due to The 100's destructive violence, and the reappearance of presumed dead Tobias, Jefferson is lured back into Black Lightning. Mentor Peter Gambi cannot soothe every wound affecting Jefferson's physique and emotional well being. Despite painful deja vu, Lynn aides Jefferson's return to hero status, putting her plausible issues aside to give him proper medical care and supportive ears.
Lynn is challenged frequently by Jefferson's passion for justice as well as his tall, muscular form, award-winning goatee and beard combination, and mega watt smile. Whereas Jefferson is obviously still smitten with his gorgeous ex-wife whose savvy and intelligence has him acting like captivated, smitten schoolboy. Plus, her chic haircut frames her face perfectly-- how could that brother resist?
As they romantically circle around each other, family issues come first-- like the fact that Anissa and Jennifer have inherited their father's powers! Jefferson and Lynn are a thoughtful, encouraging unit together, accepting how each girl handles the diagnosis.
Also applause worthy, Lynn and Jefferson respect Anissa's sexuality. In a world where most television serials and films have black families constantly ostracizing and disowning their LGBTQ members, this is such a treasure.
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| Kiss and tell. |
In episode twelve's "The Resurrection and the Light: The Book of Pain," Lynn calls Jefferson over to possibly kill invisible spiders. Yet he finds her in seductive pink satin, playing smooth jazz, glass goblets filled with red wine. At long last, the old lovers rekindle, releasing the escalated sensual tension, making the screen smolder with that pulsing electric feel MGMT sung about. With the electricity coming to heed on their new chapter, one wonders where the reunited couple journeys onward.
Can Lynn handle her lover and daughters being in constant jeopardy and will not having powers impact her emotionally, mentally, perhaps even physically in the future?
In the good hands of prolific black creators and real life loves, Mara Brock and Salim Akil, the charismatic Cress Williams and beguiling Christine Adams are a bonafide match as the returning superhero and take-no-mess neuroscientist. It will be entertaining to see what happens next as Williams and Adams continue fascinating audiences with their charming interplay. For the first DC Comics verse black superhero lovers on television one can conclude that the lightning bolts are only fire from here.
Season two of
Black Lightning premieres in October on the CW.
