Selena Roberts | Staff Writer
The CW has added another show to its lineup, and it’s already generating a lot of buzz from viewers around the world. The network is known to host several shows based on DC Comics, including Supergirl, The Flash, Arrow and now, Black Lightning.
Black Lightning focuses on Jefferson Pierce and his two daughters, Anissa and Jennifer. To the outside world, Pierce lives a normal life as a high school principal and is admired in the community.
Behind closed doors, however, he’s been hiding his true identity for nearly a decade to protect his family’s well-being. Although he’s Jefferson Pierce by day, he walks the streets as the Black Lightning at night. After giving up his uniform to ensure the safety of his girls, Jefferson Pierce continually struggles with keeping his true identity under wraps.
Many have quickly become fans of Black Lightning.
“I’ve always been a fan of comic [book characters], especially the Black Lightning,” Hampton University sophomore Darian Smith said. “It is nice to finally see the Black Lightning on the television screen and get to see the characters come to life.”
Besides centering around Jefferson’s superpowers, the show tackles various issues to which viewers, specifically in the African-American community, can relate.
In the series premiere, Jefferson, his daughters and the town of Freeland are living in a state of turmoil. The city is in chaos due to the presence of the notorious gang, One Hundred. This local gang wreaks havoc on the citizens of Freeland without anyone to fight back. There is a constant struggle between the town of Freeland and the police, not because of police brutality, but because the police have little urgency when it comes to protecting the city from One Hundred. Anissa and others are seen protesting and try to get their voices heard.
Black Lightning is the only DC comic about an African-American superhero. The long-awaited series provides a different perspective on the struggles heroes go through when deciding protect their loved ones.
According to NewsTimes.com, Cress Williams, who plays Jefferson Pierce, said, “I wanted to be a part of [the show] so bad. [Black Lightning] is telling a story that is…even more socially conscious than I could have ever hoped for.”
The new superhero series has already been successful since its premiere Jan. 16. The show brought in a total of 2.3 million viewers, making it the highest rated premiere since 2015 on the network.
Unlike other superhero shows, this one takes a unique approach. The storyline is a relatable portrayal of a family who goes through unforeseen circumstances can always find a way to stick together. Black Lightning’s relevant content and socially conscious storyline makes it more than just another show that revolves around a hero fighting the bad guys. Jefferson Pierce is more than a superhero – he provides hope to a place that is in despair.
Black Lightning can be seen on the CW network on Tuesdays at 9 p.m.
The Hampton Script 