In Review: Black Lightning (S4 – EP13) The Book of Resurrection: Chapter Two: Closure

After four seasons, the game-changing, relevant and electrifying series gets some closure to make way for new spin-offs.

The Story

Picking the story up from last week. The team has just found out that Jefferson is dead or at least they believe him to be. This sudden revelation makes their plans to remove the emitter that has been blocking meta powers more pressing. But it’s a dangerous mission. So, armed with a loose plan of action. Thunder, Wild, and Gambi set about infiltrating Tobias Whale’s compound in order to shut down the emitter.

Elsewhere at Freeland Police Department. Chief Lopez who got found out in last week’s show has just escaped custody and is draining power from the cities power grid to go after Lightning. Meanwhile, Lightning has problems of her own. In a surprise twist to the tale, we learn that JJ is actually an imposter and an alien entity that copied Jennifer Peirce’s DNA and has been impersonating her. Enter Jennifer Peirce and the real Lightning for the mother of all showdowns.

Somewhere, in a nearby grace yard. Jefferson Peirce lies several feet underground in a casket struggling to escape. If only he had his meta-powers. Will he somehow escape and get closure by putting an end to Tobias Whale?

The Acting

Laura Kariuki bows out in this episode as we see a return for China Anne McClain in a surprising twist as we see Lightning take on Lightning. Both actors do a great job of selling the fight that they have. I was particularly impressed with the jealousy that Kariuki managed to channel as we learn the truth of what happened to Jen.

We also get a strong performance from Cress Williams as we see Jefferson doing some reflecting while buried deep underground. I really enjoyed the flashback scenes where we see a younger Jefferson dealing with the sudden murder of his father. The scene with Gambi (James Remar) is really good. But the best part was the older Jefferson talking to his dad (Keith Arthur Bolden) was a pretty powerful moment. As was Jefferson praying before he passes out.

Overall

This finale does a solid job of delivering closure on pretty much all the loose story threads from the show. We also get some closure on the Khalil and Painkiller storyline, which I wasn’t particularly expecting given that Khalil is getting a spin-off series, which is very much deserved. Ultimately, Jefferson gets the justice he has been craving and puts an end to Tobias Whale. Though I have to say that I found Whale’s quoting of Moby Dick a little bit cheesy and sort of wish the writers had found something else for him to quote with his dying breaths.

Overall. The episode delivers on its episode title and we get a happy ending.