We are loving Black Lightning, the new superhero series that started on The CW network last week. The show is based on a DC Comics character of the same name and is developed by Mara Brock Akil (renowned creator of BET's 'Being Mary Jane').
It's not the first time a superhero TV show of this calibre will feature a black person in the lead role - Netflix's Luke Cage did it more recently - but it's definitely the first one to have a satisfying amount of other black actors in supporting roles.
Cress Williams (Prison Break) plays the titular character Jefferson Pierce who is an educator with the ability to harness and control lightning. Alongside him are China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams, Marvin Jones III, Damon Gupton, and James Remar. From Black Lightning to the upcoming Black Panther, Hollywood is almost undergoing an epiphany when it comes to creating well-rounded, strongly represented coloured characters.
The show's story is centered around Jefferson, a retired superhero and now high school principal who is drawn out of his retirement upon being accused of a crime he did not commit. A factor largely contributed to by his race. The final stroke comes about when his youngest daughter gets caught up at a club run by a hooligan gang called 100. He is forced into using his powers once more so he can rescue her.
Despite a mutual truce struck by Jefferson and the 100, Will (a 100 gang member) kidnaps his two daughters from school. Jefferson joins hands with Gambi, his friend and mentor, in a bid to save the girls. Meanwhile, Lala, who is Will's boss is instructed by the 100 gang leader to kill Black Lightning. The drama unfolds from here on.
Check out the series trailer which will have you struggling to keep calm on your seat. Strap up for the Black Lightning ride because it looks like it's only going to get wilder as the season progresses.

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Alix Grubel

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