"LaWanda: The Book of Burial" continues Black Lightning's grounded drama and hard frictional politics. Three episodes in, this series is not holding back in terms of its political nature. The running theme in this very episode is oppression and freedom. We learn that the 100 answers to Tobias Whale, but the corruption runs deeper and deeper because he reports to a woman named Lady Eve (played with menacingly perfection by Jill Scott). Her motivation is money. She does not care what the black folks of Freeland do, as long as they do not take back the streets. Black Lightning is the thorn in their sides particularly with Tobias since Tobias thought Black Lightning was long dead. So, in terms of the show's villains, we get more of their backstory and what they are trying to achieve.
This is an episode that is high on character development. Last episode, Black Lightning stopped a mass murder, but he is unable to stop all the violence. The episode starts off on a somber note with LaWanda's funeral as she was an unfortunate victim of this violence. Jefferson Pierce and his family attend a church ran by Reverend Holt. Holt is going to start a march protesting the 100 gang. Detective Henderson tries to get him to change those plans. As for Jefferson's girls, they too develop in interesting ways. Anissa discovers her own superhero powers and there was a very fun scene where she hones in her powers. Lynn believes that something is up. Anissa also has a very cute relationship with a new girl named Grace. As for Jennifer, she and Khalil vow to have sex with each other. Adding a fresh look to this trope, Jennifer tells her family and in response, they tell her to be safe. It also gives Jefferson the opportunity to tell Khalil not to give his daughter athlete's foot. Khalil is Jefferson's golden boy as an educator. That will change at Holt's march. Tragedy is in the air. Black Lightning cannot save everyone.
I really liked this episode. Not only is it a political show, but it is also a very grounded family drama. Tobias is a frightening villain, and I loved Lady Eve's introduction. Peter Gambi also continues to shine with his high-tech gadgets...and his secrecy which may or may not bite him later down the line. Also, the ending. I really loved the episode's ending.
My Grade: A
