LaWanda: The Book of Hope is the second episode in the first season of Black Lightning. It is the second episode overall.[1]
Synopsis[]
IS HE BACK? — As the community struggles with the violence surrounding them, a glimmer of hope appears: Is Black Lightning back? Lynn Stewart, noticing the changes in the community, is also left wondering. While Jefferson Pierce struggles with his decision, Gambi urges him to take up the mantle once more and return to life as Black Lightning. Anissa and Jennifer try to deal with the aftermath of their jolting experience.[2]
Plot[]
Jefferson is in bed, grunting in pain as electricity is moving all throughout his body. Lynn is asleep next to Jennifer when she hears him in the bathroom in pain. She goes into the bathroom and sits by his side as she lets him know that she got him. Lynn jokes about how Black Lightning is getting to old for the streets. They start to reminisce about when he first showed her his powers and how they almost destroyed them. She tells him how she feels selfish for bringing on this pain, as she was the one who told him to rescue their daughters. He tells her that it was his decision and that Black Lightning is not back. They tell each other that they miss each other and share a kiss. Lynn pulls away and says she should go. Jefferson stops her and tells her that its important she be with the girls, so he tells her she can sleep in his bed while he takes the couch. On the couch, Jefferson watches the news as a woman says that 100 is winning.
The next day at school, Jefferson is speaking with parents and tells them that Garfield is not fighting for the streets, but they are fighting for the children. One of the parents stands up and tells him that his speech is nice, but it won't stop the 100 gang. Jefferson tries to quote Dr. King, but the parent reminds him that Dr. King was murdered. LaWanda stands up with a picture of her daughter and tells them that the 100 have her. She explains how the police can't do anything due to a lack of evidence of her daughter being held against her will. He tells her that he's sorry about her daughter. When he mentions the Seahorse Motel being shut down, LaWanda tells him that they opened back up after the incident from the previous episode. She says as long as that place is open, as long as they have the girls working for them. Jefferson asked Henderson if what she's saying is true, and he confirmed it. Jefferson apologizes, and LaWanda asks how his daughters were the only ones saved by Black Lightning. He responded that he didn't know.
At Tobias' hideout, he's speaking to Syonide and Lala about Black Lightning. He tells them to increase security at every business. He comments that he wants them to "squeeze" people until they talk. Lala asks Tobias if he really hates black people. He tells him that he only hates the ones like Lala. He tells him that if people in Freeland start to feel like the 100 are no longer in control, they will no longer fear them. He goes on about how Black Lightning will give them hope in protecting them, and he won't have that.
Back at Garfield, Jefferson is talking to LaWanda about her deceased husband, Darnell. He talks about the time he had to separate them back in their years. She told him how Darnell was the love of her life. She talks about how they only got a folded lag and a few gunshots when he died. Jefferson told her that Darnell deserved more than that. LaWanda shows Jefferson a picture of her daughter and begins talking about how she has behaved since Darnell died. Jefferson asked what he could do to help, and she told him he could go to the motel and get her. He says he can't do that, but she tells him that everybody knows he can do whatever he wants. She says that it's ok, as she has a way to fight for her daughter just as he does for his.
In the hallways, Jefferson is arguing about the Seahorse motel being back open in less than 48 hours. Henderson tells him that after cleaning the crime scene up, there was nothing else they could have done. Jefferson reminds him that Jennifer and Anissa were kidnapped and says that Lala was the prime suspect. Henderson explains how Lala has gang members to back up his lie about not being there; therefore, it's their words against his. Jefferson said to at least arrest him for pimping, but Henderson says they can't, as the girls would end up lying about the whole thing. Jefferson suggests that they get Will to turn against Lala, but is shocked when he learns they can't find him. Henderson tells him that Will escaped from the back of an ambulance. Jefferson is angry that Will and Lala are still at large for kidnapping Anissa and Jennifer. Henderson tries to tell him that it won't be that way for long, but Jefferson tells him that his daughters are witnesses, which makes them targets of the 100. Henderson says he knows, and he has a patrol car outside his house.
At home, Jennifer is face-timing Khalil. He tells her about what's happening at school and asks when she is coming back. Jennifer responds that she doesn't know, as two officers are watching her house as well as seeing Malik walk by. Khalil says that he wants to see her, but she tells him to come see her tomorrow. Malik walks up their sidewalk and pretends to be selling. When Jennifer asks what he's selling, Malik takes out a fake gun and shoots her with paint. He tells her that it is a message from Lala and runs away, as the officer is chasing him.
At one of the 100 hangouts, Jefferson arrives to talk to Lala. He tells Lala to stay away from his family, as they had a deal. Lala said things changed as Jennifer and Anissa have been talking to the police. He tells Jefferson that his daughters better keep his name out of their mouths and tells him to send them away or else he will. Jefferson tried to approach Lala as he was walking away, but two gang members punched him and put guns to his head. Jefferson almost uses his powers, but he calms himself down. He warns Lala that his patience is not a weakness and leaves.
In Gambi's shop, Jefferson is ranting about the situation as Gambi tells him that if he died, the hope would have been gone from the city. Jefferson tells him that he's not trying to protect the city, but to protect his daughters. Gambi tells him to get back into his suit, and he could hack into the Freeland PD database to see what they know. He explains that if they help find Will, then Will will turn against Lala. Once Lala is arrested, he will give up information on who's boss and stop all the nonsense. However, Jefferson, after he takes down Lala, is done with being Black Lightning.
At Chenoa's place, Anissa is naked in bed with Chenoa under the covers. Anissa asks what is bothering her, but she says it's not right due to what happened. When Anissa asks again, Chenoa says she wants more out of their relationship. She explains how Anissa hasn't met her parents or her friends, though they've been dating for a year. Anissa says that she's been busy with a lot of things. Chenoa tells her how she's not asking her to give up the things she loves for her, but Anissa says that is what it sounds like. Chenoa apologizes and asks how she is coping with what happened to her. Anissa says that it feels weird and that she wants everything to go back to normal. She starts to talk about how weird things have been happening and how she broke her bathroom sink. Anissa tries to explain the situation, but Chenoa dismisses it as Anissa needing a therapist. She promises that they will find one to help her get through the situation before continuing to kiss each other.
Later at night, Jefferson opens the door to find Henderson outside on his porch. Henderson says that while he was walking his dog, Monk, he decided to come check on them. Jefferson tells him that his family is fine and thanks him for having patrol sit on his house. Henderson asks if Lynn is still staying there and teases him about being happy about that. Jefferson says that he and Lynn are not back together, but he says that they're close to reconciling. Henderson says that he's happy to hear that, and he promises that they will catch Will and Lala. Before he leaves, he tells Jefferson about LaWanda staking out the Seahorse Motel with a camera to record everything. Jefferson asks what he is going to do about it, but Henderson tells him that he can't do anything and leaves.
At an undisclosed location, Lala is listening to music in his care until two of his members drive up. Lala gets out of the car just as they take Will, who is tied up and gagged, out of their trunk. He tells Will that this is why he doesn't hire family and that Will got him in trouble. He proceeds to take out his gun and shoot Will in the head.
The next day, at the Seahorse Motel, LaWanda is thanking the news team for coming out. Jefferson walks up to her and asks her to stop what she's doing, as it is dangerous. He says that once the reporters leave and the story gets old, the 100 will kill her. She asks him: If his daughters weren't saved, would he die for them? When he doesn't respond, she goes to get him to the camera to finish recording. He tells her to give him 48 hours to get her daughter back, as he has connections in the police department. However, LaWanda tells him that they won't do anything. He promises that they will find a way to get her daughter back, and he knows how it feels. She tells him that she will stop recording, but she won't leave. Jefferson thanks her and promises not to let her down.
At night, Jennifer is outside of her room on the roof smoking when Khalil interrupts her. He tells her that it's good to see her, and she thanks him for coming. Khalil mentions her meeting Black Lightning. She tells him how it hurts to look at his Black Lightning's face. Khalil begins to tell Jennifer how he felt when he heard she was kidnapped. He says it made him realize how much he likes her. He asks Jennifer to be his girlfriend, and she says yes while smiling. Khalil gives her a necklace, and they kiss.
Downstairs, Lynn is drinking wine and doing work on her MacBook until she notices Jefferson walking in. She asks if he wants something to eat and he says no. He sits down and asks how their children are, and she tells him that Anissa is at Chenoa's while Jennifer is upstairs with Khalil. They begin to joke about not remembering Chenoa's name. Jefferson tells Lynn it's good to have her there, and they begin to make out. After kissing, Jefferson tells her she loves her, and she states that she needs to take things slow.
Back at the seahorse motel, LaWanda is sitting in her car, waiting for Lala. When he drives up to the motel, she puts her phone on the dashboard to record and gets out of her car. She confronts Lala with her other camera. H tells her to get the camera out of his face and to go home. She says that she wants her daughter. When he turns to walk away, she tries to forcibly turn him back around, but the other gang members grab her. Angered, Lala takes out her gun and shoots her multiple times. Two of the gang members picked up her body and put it in her car. They move them both to the railroad.
At the crime scene, Henderson calls Jefferson to let him know about the LaWanda murder. Shocked, Jefferson hangs up and causes the lights to flicker. Upstairs, he is watching the news report on LaWanda with Lynn. He tells us how good his time as principal has been. He tells how he had a vision of his students graduating from Garfield and having better lives. He goes and tells her that "saving more lives as a principal than as Black Lightning" was a lie. Jefferson says that he's been living a lie and that he's not normal. Lynn tries to tell him that it's the addiction that is talking, but he says there is no addiction. He reminds her of what she said when he first got his powers: that it was a gift. He says that his powers are still a gift and that he will use them to protect not only his daughters but also the city. Lynn tries to stop him by saying how lost they are to being a family again. He agrees, but he says that it's time the city knew Black Lightning is back.
The next day at Garfield, Jefferson and Ms. Fowdy greet each other. She follows him into his office and asks how he is doing. She tells him that she's there if he needs to talk, and he thanks her. Ms. Fowdy leaves just as his phone rings. Jefferson picks up, and Gambi tells him that he found Will's body and has his phone. Jefferson says that Lala is getting desperate because he killed LaWanda and is coming after Jennifer and Anissa unless they get to him first. Gambi says they will and hangs up.
Upstairs in the gym, Jennifer and Kiesha are drinking alcohol. Kiesha mentions Jennifer's kidnapping, and Jennifer jokes that they should call it teen-napped. They continue to drink. Then, Jennifer walks into the gym where Khalil is working out. He notices her and sees her take out alcohol. Angry, he snatches the bottle away and throws it in the trash. He tells her that drinking is not the way to deal with what happened to her. Khalil tells how he has lived a hard life, but he's going to use his gift in track as a way to get out of Freeland. He sits down and tells her he wants her to come with him, but not with the way she's acting. Jennifer tells him that she sees the world differently. Khalil puts his arm around her and comforts her.
At Gambi's, Lynn is in the shop looking around before speaking with Gambi. They begin to argue over Jefferson becoming Black Lightning. Lynn says he was happy to be just Jefferson Pierce and not Black Lightning, but Gambi tells her that he's not normal. Lynn says that she wants Gambi to stop Jefferson before he gets addicted again. Gambi says that it's not an addiction, as he was protecting the city until he stopped for Lynn. Lynn asks if he is blaming her and says only a little. Gambi says that it is Jefferson's decision to become Black Lightning, not theirs. They stare at each other in silence, and Lynn leaves.
Back at Garfield, Jefferson receives a call from Gambi, who tells him that he has Lala's address. Later on, Jefferson (as Black Lightning) is walking down the street towards the Muse hotel. The doorman greets him and tells him that Lala lives in the penthouse. Inside, he starts to fight 100 members on his way up to the penthouse. In the penthouse, Lala tries to ambush him with his gun, but Jefferson easily subdues him. He starts to punch and throw Lala around the room. Before he could kill him, Henderson and the police showed up. He greets them before jumping off the balcony to escape.
At the police station, Lala is in an interrogation room waiting for Henderson Henderson comes in and tells him how LaWanda recorded her death at his hands.
Back at home, Jefferson comes home and kisses Jennifer on the head as she's sleeping. Jefferson tells Lynn that it's over as the girls are safe and the Seahorse has been shut down. She asks about Black Lightning, and he says that things are different as the girls are older. He says they could find a way to live with it, but Lynn doesn't say anything and walks out.
In town, Anissa and Chenoa are walking back to Chenoa's place. They're in bed until Anissa gets you to go to the drugstore, as she can't sleep. At the drugstore, she's walking to the counter to purchase sleeping pills when she notices the store being robbed. The robber sees her and orders her to lie on the ground. He comes over and points the gun at her while forcing her to fall to the ground. While panicking, Anissa picks him up and tosses him across the floor. At first shocked over what happened, she begins to smile and walks out of the store.
Jefferson is at home looking at old pictures of Lynn as he reminisces over how close they were. Tobias and Syonide drive up to the police station. Deputy Zeke Cayman lets them inside. He leads them towards Lala. Tobias comes into his cell, chokes him to death, and leaves.
Cast[]
Starring[]
Guest Starring[] |
Co-Starring[]
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Soundtrack[]
| Title | Artist | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Simply Beautiful | Al Green | Plays as Jefferson is in bed in pain because of his powers. Also, while Lynn comforts him in the bathroom, it plays at the end of the episode. |
| Welcome To Freeland | GodHolly | Plays as Jefferson is walking towards Lala in the 100 yard. |
| Rocket Science | Joyce Wrice ft. Kay Franklin | Plays as Anissa and Chenoa are in bed talking. |
| Let's Straighten It Out | Latimore | Plays as Lala is waiting in his car for Will to be brought to him. |
| Make Me Wanna Say | Josh Lay | Plays while Jennifer and Khalil are talking on the roof. |
| Am I Black Enough For You? | Billy Paul | Plays while Black Lightning is making his way to Lala's penthouse. |
Trivia[]
- This episode was originally titled "The Morning After".
- This is the first episode to feature a character's name in the title.
- It's revealed the reason no one can recognize Jefferson as Black Lightning is because it hurts to look at his face, as it would look like a bright light to people.
