CW’s Black Lightning revolves around Principal Jefferson Pierce returning as the superhero, Black Lightning. He often clashes with supervillains while trying to keep Freeland and his family safe. The series sometimes includes typical superhero tropes and unrealistic storylines.
However, Black Lightning also deals with real-life family problems, uncomfortable subjects, and social situations, and it’s not afraid to dive deep into storylines other superhero shows might avoid. The series balances these heavier themes with lighter fare around the fearless superheroes hiding their identity or the new generation discovering their powers. As a result, it manages to blend in with the rest of the Arrowverse, while standing independently.
Least Realistic: Black Lightning Wears Goggles Instead Of A Mask
High School Principal Jefferson Pierce is a popular figure in the Freeland community. There isn’t a person that doesn’t know him. As Black Lightning, Jefferson has a stunning costume but doesn’t wear a mask. Instead, he wears a pair of goggles and nothing else.
Regardless, nobody ever recognizes him, including his students and daughters. Jefferson’s impractical costume does a terrible job of concealing his identity. However, Jennifer explains that his powers make it difficult to look at his face, although viewers don’t see that from their perspective.
Most Realistic: A Superhero In A Real World Situation
Despite being Black Lightning, Jefferson Pierce isn’t immune to the same issues an ordinary person encounters. In the pilot, the police stop Jefferson, who’s with his daughters, Anissa and Jennifer. They accuse him of a crime he didn’t commit and mistreat him.
The intense moment includes hinting at the daughters having superpowers. The series takes a real issue and places it in the world of superheroes, and Jefferson’s anger is genuine. The series often deals with topics around racial equality, police brutality, and poverty.
Least Realistic: Bill Henderson Didn’t Figure Out Black Lightning’s Identity Until Season 2
Inspector Bill Henderson was one of Freeland’s most dedicated and police officers and one of the few honest ones left on the Freeland force. However, he might not be as skilled as he appears. For instance, it took Henderson a whole season before he figured out that Jefferson Pierce is Black Lightning.
Henderson’s good friends with Jefferson and had several encounters with Black Lightning. Henderson should have been able to solve that mystery much sooner. But, of course, it’s a typical superhero trope for the top detective not to know the hero’s identity.
Most Realistic: Green Light
Green Light is a powerful narcotic sold on the streets of Freeland. Black Lightning spends a lot of time trying to get it off the streets. It’s not only highly addictive but also gives the user superpowers.
Despite causing superpowers, Green Light represents a real problem many cities face in the world. It’s modified to take on a superhero trope, but it’s rooted in a genuine issue in cities similar to Freeland.
Least Realistic: Lala Returns Again
The series often takes real-life situations and places them in the world of crime-fighting heroes. However, the show also includes certain supernatural elements that change the tone of the series. For instance, Lala Johnson has died and returned several times. Indeed, it’s tough keeping Lala down.
Lazarus Prime used special techniques to bring Lala back to life more than once. Later, he also brings back Lady Eve. But, unfortunately, the supernatural element is a bit out of place in the grounded reality of Black Lightning.
Most Realistic: Painkiller’s Origin Story
Painkiller has a lot in common with the typical Arrowverse anti-hero. Regardless, his origin story is rooted in reality with a combination of superhero tropes. High school student Khalil Payne loses hope after a shooting gravely injures him.
Initially, his story is about pain, loss, and choosing a new path in life. He feels frustrated and alone when his dreams of running in the Olympics and attending university fade away. However, the ruthless and strategic Tobias Whale gives him a second chance to walk and turns Khalil into his vicious henchman, Painkiller. The storyline eventually adds parts of a typical superhero arc, but it’s connected to a realistic situation.
Least Realistic: Anissa Is Ready To Be A Superhero With No Training
Jefferson’s daughters have two very different reactions to discovering their powers. For instance, his eldest daughter, Anissa, embraces her powers and can’t wait to explore them. She reacts like most characters in the Arrowverse and immediately wants to save people and she’s not concerned or even worried about having new powers.
She does a little bit of research on powerful metahumans and training before becoming Thunder. Later, Jefferson properly trains Anissa and teaches her to be a superhero. Her story arc is more like the typical fantastic superhero story, which contrasts with her younger sister.
Most Realistic: Jennifer Tries To Suppress Her Powers
When most characters discover they have superpowers, they can’t wait to test them out, get a cool costume and take on the bad guys. However, Jennifer Pierce had a much more realistic reaction. She panics when her powers start to manifest, and she panics even more when she finds out her sister has powers and her father is Black Lightning.
Unlike Anissa, Jennifer doesn’t want to be a superhero or save lives. She even claims the abilities are a curse and not a gift. But she eventually embraces them and becomes one of the most powerful characters in the series.
Least Realistic: A Brand New Jennifer
Initially, Jennifer was reluctant to embrace her newfound superpowers. However, she soon becomes the crime-fighting hero, Lightning. Her origin story starts realistically but takes a dramatic turn. During season 4, Jennifer’s powers overwhelm her, and she explodes.
It’s a heartbreaking moment but soon takes on a supernatural element. An entity takes over Jennifer’s body with a completely different appearance. She pretends to be Jennifer but looks like a new person. Eventually, the real Jennifer returns, but her story was no longer rooted in reality.
Most Realistic: A Story About A Family
Black Lightning takes place in a world with superheroes, vigilantes, and supervillains. However, at the heart of the series is a story about a family. Black Lightning is about the Pierce family discovering their powers, protecting Freeland, and growing closer.
They’re an ordinary family that sits down for dinner each night. Jefferson and Lynn are like a typical couple trying to mend a relationship. At the same time, their daughters are growing up and becoming mature adults. The Pierce family is a typical family like any other, except they’re superheroes.
