Black Lightning Season 1

DVD Wholesale Quick Overview:

This, as most are aware, is the newest show in the CW’s DC comics TV series. It is not clear, aside from a somewhat throwaway Supergirl reference early in the season, whether it is actually tied into the Arrowverse shows. It is not clear if it is set on Earth 38 so the version of Supergirl being referenced is the same as on the show, or some other Earth where she exists. It is set in the fictional city of Freeland, centered around the character of Jefferson Pierce, a metahuman with the power to control electricity who had been the superhero known as Black Lightning. Pierce was retired from the superhero (and Principal at the local high school) gig at the beginning of the series and only to get sucked back in when his daughters were in danger from the local gang. There is also a shadowy government organization in the background hunting down meta-humans and putting Black Lightning in danger.

The show definitely is written in the narrative of the modern day political and racial climate. There are references to Black Lives Matter, Trump’s brand of politics, things like the Charlottesville riot etc. Unlike some of the one-star reviewers, I do not think the message was all white people are bad, or as one suggested that all black youth carry guns. The point was to show part of the modern-day experience centered around a successful and respected black family, trying to make things better in their city. And, it should be noted that one of the good guys in the show is a cop trying to ferret out corruption in the police department, and Black Lightning is assisted by a white character. So to say any race in the show is all of one thing or the other is overly simplistic and generalizing.

The cast is made up of mostly character actors and relative unknowns, which I think works for the ensemble nature of the show. Cress Williams (last seen in the show Hart of Dixie) plays Black Lightning and definitely pulls off the conflicted superhero well. Probably the most well-known actor in the show is James Remar, who is probably best known for his role on Dexter. I think the show is well-written and acted, and the first season packs a lot into the 13 episodes. Some of the storylines get resolved to set up what is likely to be the main conflict in season two.

For those who get the blu-rays, the show looks and sounds good on the high definition format. The extras include two features with the crew about shooting the show in Atlanta (which are included on the first disc), a feature on the scene from the pilot when Jefferson is pulled over, which was a take-off on a real-life incident experienced by the show’s executive producer, a gag reel, about 30 min of deleted scenes, and about 20 minutes of the comic-con panel discussion. Just to warn anyone who watches the bonus material first, the comic-con panel does spoil a lot, so if you want to avoid spoilers do not watch it before you watch the episodes.

Overall, it is a show that is still finding its legs. Much of the first season (as you would expect) is developing the characters and the environment they live in. It definitely has a take on political, racial, and social issues, so if you are easily offended by or uncomfortable with shows that do that, whether you agree with the takes or not, then this is definitely not the show for you. That said, I think it was a good first season, sets up what is likely to be an even better second season, and hopefully will get worked into the larger universe of shows down the line.

– Mike S.

DVD Wholesale Main Features :   

Actors: Cress Williams, Christine Adams, Nafessa Williams, China Anne McClain
Directors: Salim Akil
Producers: Salim Akil, Mara Brock Akil, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter
Format: NTSC
Region: Region 1
Number of discs: 3
Rated: NR – Not Rated
Studio: WarnerBrothers
DVD Release Date: June 26, 2018
Run Time: 780 minutes
ASIN: B07CDVZ479