01x05 - And Then the Devil Brought the Plague: The Book of Green Light

[bunniefuu]

[Lynn] You have to stop.

I can't keep letting you put yourself, or me through this.

I promise... no more.

It has been nine years since I've even come close to using my powers.

[Gambi] Do you remember why you became Black Lightning?

You wanted to give the people hope.

[Anissa] Somebody has to do something, because all of this policing, and marching, and praying, it hasn't changed anything.

[Jefferson] It is time that people know that Black Lightning...

is back.

[narrator] Previously on Black Lightning...

Tori, I missed you.

I missed you too, big brother.

[Lady Eve] I'm not gonna tell you how to run your crew, but you need to take Black Lightning out, and button this thing up quick.

My name is Tobias Whale.

I understand what you're going through.

Black Lightning messed my life up, too.

The purpose of Black Lightning was to k*ll Tobias.

He's shoving my father's articles down his throat until he d*ed.

[grunting]

[Anissa] Grace, if I could make people who did bad things pay for what they did, that would be a good thing, right?

I found these on my student.

And he was so out of control that the only way I could keep him from hurting anyone was to blast him.

Twice.

Must be this new drug, Green Light I've been hearing about.

You sure about this?

[Gambi on comms] In theory.

That's not exactly the vote of confidence I was hoping for.

[inhales deeply]

[suit powering up]

So?

This is one hell of a view.

[Gambi] Okay.

Ready to give this thing a little juice?

You know, I thought you'd never ask.

Really, really, really good.

[Black Lightning laughs]

I just found my new favorite thing.

[Gambi] But, okay.

Let's try something simple.

[officer] Stop.

[grunting]

[grunting]

[grunting]

[g*n cocks]

Put your g*ns away.

[boy grunting]

All right, easy now, son.

[grunting]

Look, stop. No, I... I don't wanna...

[grunting]

[boy screams]

Call for an ambulance.

This kid is definitely high on Green Light.

Next time, try using a Taser first.

Yes, sir.

Nice job.

[high-pitched ringing] [groaning]

You heading back?

[grunts]

[sniffles and exhales]

No.

No. I wanna practice some more.

[security alarm beeping]

Been a long time, Gambi.

Not long enough.

We had a deal.

You're not supposed to be here.

You're supposed to be gone, forever.

I need a new suit.

Only thing I'm gonna measure you for is a coffin.

Oh, I'll be here long after you're gone.

Just cause you got that serum pumping through your veins that's keeping you from aging, doesn't mean that you and your sister are gonna have a happy ending.

You think they told you everything before they gave it to you?

What they didn't tell me, I've already figured out.

Another thing I've figured out is you're still working for the ASA, which makes you privy to all kinds of information.

What I need from you is a name.

Who is Black Lightning?

I can't help you.

Oh, I think you can.

Knowing things about Black Lightning gets men k*lled.

I do my best to avoid knowing things that can get me k*lled.

Not telling me what I need to know can get you k*lled, too.

I'll admit, Black Lightning has become a personal problem.

I'm guessing his presence in Freeland is a problem for you as well.

Only problem I have is you.

Gambi...

I'll see you later.

[door chimes]

[Anissa typing]

Look, people, there's a pattern here and I've been connecting the dots.

The Tuskegee Experiments used syphilis.

The Flint water crisis used Le...

What are you doing? Get out.

Why? You watching p*rn? I'm studying, and you need to respect my privacy.

I don't know why you moved back in the first place.

Once I go to college, I'm gone for good. You know what, out.

[Jennifer] Listen, I'm just getting the gray jacket, and then I'm gone.

No, let's go.

Kiesha and I are going skating. I wanna look fly. What's this?

It was for a costume party.

Okay, so you into bondage now?

What were you, Whips and Chains? You know...

[stutters] Take the jacket. Okay, I'll take it.

Please go.

Thank you. Bye.

And shut the door, please.

[sighs]

I said shut the door.

[Jennifer] Love you.

Legionnaires'. Don't believe me? CNN, March 30th, 1987.

Thirty years ago in Freeland, nine kids, all of whom displayed enhanced abilities, suddenly disappeared.

[upbeat music playing]

Hey! Can you hurry your ass up?

I came to skate, not to pose for selfies.

Yes, I'm aware. Thank you.

Come on.

[stammers] You gonna fall.

Get out there. I'll be there in a second.

All right, girl.

Uh, you gonna need a lot more than lip gloss to help that face.

Lana.

Damn, girl, you still mad I dusted you on your track in front of the entire school?

You really think you're all that?

Oh, honey, I know I'm all that.

Oh. Okay, well, I guess Khalil and his days of dusting fools are over, though.

With his crippled ass.

Oh, okay.

You're still pissed he dumped you?

Well, maybe instead of worrying about Khalil, you should be worried about putting some lotion on those dusty-ass knees.

[grunts]

[Lana scoffs]

You know what, I've been waiting to knock you out since sixth grade.

[grunting]

[groaning]

[whimpering]

[man] Her fever's sky-high.

She's gettin' worse. She's weak.

[cashier] Dude, it's our policy. [man] I told you.

I got home, opened up the bottle and it was nothing but dust, so you need to replace it or give me my damn money back.

Look, I can't take used medicine back.

Bruh, that's what I'm trying to tell you, it ain't used.

That's why her fever's up.

And that's why I'm still here talking to you after working a double.

Come on, the man has a sick kid.

This expired three years ago.

Dude, I just sell what they give me.

Oh, come on. That is the oldest excuse in the world.

"I just sell what they give me. I just do what I'm told."

You're not a robot, son, you're a human being.

So how about you act like one and help this young man and his daughter out.

I can't do it. [grunts]

[breathing heavily]

Look, I promise you, that bat is not gonna end up where you're expecting it to.

[groans]

[electricity crackling]

Yo, you all right?

[grunts]

[panting] Yeah.

Uh...

Yeah, I'm good.

Look, I'm sorry. [cashier] Look, if... if it was my call, I'd do it. But it's... it's not.

I'll tell you what, um, how about we find a box that is not expired, and, um, I'll buy you that medicine.

No, I'm all right, bruh. No, no, no.

This is not a handout. I'm expecting you to pay me back.

Uh, next time you find someone in need, help them out, we're even. Cool?

Cool.

[sighs]

My sources tell me, David Poe, the editor of the Freeland Gazette, canceled a series of articles which would've exposed the vaccine as the source of those enhanced abilities.

The reporter was Alvin Pierce.

Grandpa?

He was m*rder*d a week later. His m*rder was never solved.

[sighs]

[Jefferson sighs]

[cell phone chimes]

[sighs]

[breathes heavily]

[electricity crackling]

[g*n cocks]

I watch TV.

I know who you are, and I ain't scared of you.

What I don't know is, why are you here at my place?

Why do you have a factory's worth of chemicals here?

What I have or don't have ain't no business of yours.

I asked you a question.

Look here, you electrified lawn jockey, you're a wanted man, and you're trespassing, which means I can sh**t your black ass and I'll be called a hero.

Mother... [yells]

Uh-uh-uh.

Now let's try this again.

What are the chemicals for?

[whimpering]

Green Light.

It's not mine. It's... it's...

I usually pick up and deliver.

This time, they gave me a little extra to keep it around. Who's "they"?

[sighs] I don't know his name.

Did you just lie to me?

No, no, I didn't.

Then why don't I believe you?

[groaning]

[Randy] Joey Toledo.

His name is Joey Toledo.

I don't get it.

I mean, how could you, you of all people, not know that Joey Toledo was back?

Jefferson... No, don't "Jefferson" me.

You're supposed to have your finger on the pulse of Freeland.

Now we are talking about the guy worked for the man who k*lled my father.

Look, I... I can't even say for certain that he ever left.

What I can say for certain is that I haven't heard about him in a long time.

So, calm down.

Joey Toledo was Tobias's right-hand man.

If he is still around, then Tobias is still around.

It's certainly possible. [grunts] Not certainly possible!

If Tobias is still out there dealing Green Light, I have to have him.

If that means going through Joey Toledo, even better.

[high-pitched ringing]

Jefferson.

Jefferson.

Jeff?

If I'd have brought him to the hospital, there would've been too many questions which I couldn't answer.

[Lynn sighs] You did the right thing.

Based on these diagnostics, it wasn't a stroke or a heart att*ck.

He's been having headaches and exhibiting aggressive behavior.

For how long?

I don't know.

[Lynn] But I don't see anything that would cause a headache or a change in behavior.

Could this be Black Lightning related?

He hasn't had any problems before, but the suit's got a new hover function... [electricity crackles]

[Lynn] Jeff?

[grunting] Jeff?

Breathe.

[exhales]

I don't know what I'm... What am I doin' here?

You passed out.

Lynn? It's okay, just relax. Okay?

[grunting]

I've gotta get Joey Toledo. No.

You're not going anywhere until I figure out what's going on with you.

[sighs]

I need you to stay here and rest.

Can you do that?

[Jefferson sighs]

Well, this is some ominous lighting.

What's going on?

I paid the tailor a visit.

Why would you do that?

Thought he'd give me Black Lightning's identity, help me find him, so I could k*ll him.

Lady Eve won't be happy.

I'm not afraid of Lady Eve.

This is not about fear, it's about strategy.

You're being reckless.

I'm their top earner.

When her cartel asked me to put Green Light on the streets, I put it on every corner.

I deserve a seat at the table next to her.

Patience.

You'll get there.

You know they're using Black Lightning's return as an excuse to not promote me, so I'm stuck babysitting The One Hundred.

Tori, I'm tired of managing these Negroes.

When I was city council member, I had sovereignty, I conducted real business.

Lady Eve and the rest of them gave me respect.

They respected me like an equal.

Okay. Okay, calm down.

You are making bad decisions because you haven't dealt with your root problem.

What do you mean?

You never dealt with your first enemy, your worst enemy.

And you can't forgive yourself.

Good news.

[Tobias] Hmm?

I found Eldridge.

There's not a day I go get the mail when there's not at least one medical bill.

I spend my whole day working the line just so I can come home and give half my paycheck to taking care of your pale ass.

So what?

"So what?" It's my money!

To think, I was happy. "It's a boy, Eldridge."

[scoffs] I was gonna watch you play sports, teach you how to drive a car.

Look at you, you can't even take your pale ass out on the front porch.

I can do anything anybody else can do. No, you can't.

Yes, I can. No, you can't!

Yes, I can! You ain't normal!

Look at you. You ain't black.

You ain't white. You ain't nothing.

Dad, don't!

What... what, you got something you want to say, huh?

Sit your pale ass down.

Stop it. Or what, huh?

Shut up!

[Eldridge slaps]

[sobbing] - Tobias?

Tobias?

Tobias?

[sighs] I've read about overcoming childhood stuff.

Believe me, we handle this business, you'll be a new man.

[exhales]

Where is he?

[knocks] Hey, Dad?

Hey. Uh, what's going on?

Hmm...

Nothing much.

What's on your mind?

Grandpa.

Uh, what about him?

Well, I'm doing some research on a school project and it's about family histories.

Grandpa's work explored some strange stuff, like enhanced abilities, missing kids. I wanted...

Yeah, your grandfather had a lot of wild ideas about a lot of things.

Okay, I'm sorry. I know talking about Grandpa is hard for you, so I'm sorry.

No.

I'm sorry.

You deserve to know who he was.

Your grandfather...

he always did the right thing.

Always.

Yeah, I see a lot of him in you.

[chuckles]

Thanks, Dad.

Yeah.

[indistinct chatter]

[Anissa] Thank you for seeing me so late.

How long have you been the editor of the Freeland Gazette?

Over 40 years.

Wow. Hey, uh, your grandfather was a good man. Hmm.

And a hell of a reporter.

Now what can I do for you?

So I have been doing research into my grandfather, right, and I was wondering if I could ask you some questions?

Well, that depends on what you want to ask.

I wanted to ask about the expose on those missing kids.

I have a story I need to work on for the morning edition.

Wait, did I say something wrong?

I need to go. Mr. Poe?

And you need to leave, now.

I apologize if I offended you, but I didn't mean to...

Young lady, out of respect for your grandfather, I'm gonna say this nicely.

Get out.

You know, I read up on you.

I heard you were a champion for the common people.

[siren wails] [electricity crackling]

[Black Lightning] Pretty jumpy for a cop.

You keep rolling up on me like that, you're gonna get sh*t.

[laughs]

You turning yourself in?

Wishful thinking, Inspector.

You've been causing a lot of problems.

And you ain't changed much.

Change is overrated.

I'm here to help, man.

[scoffs] I don't need your help.

Yeah, you do, just like before.

Maybe more this time.

The Green Light drug is out of control.

[scoffs]

There's been so many overdoses, the first responders started carrying naloxone.

Got a name of a guy who's either at or near the top of the food chain.

Joey Toledo.

[scoffs] Joey Toledo?

Thought he was long gone. No. He's back.

He's all up in the Green Light.

Now if you know of a way to find him, I don't need a warrant. [scoffs]

If I decided to do that, how would I get a hold...

[Black Lightning] Look in your car.

Are you serious?

Hey, I'm old-school. It's safer.

Consider this the black signal.

[laughs] - Yeah. You still got jokes, huh?

And you still do that.

So, I hear you've been trying to go back out as Black Lightning?

I can't believe Gambi told you.

We're worried about you.

Yeah, but, Lynn, people are dying.

And the last thing that I want is for people to get hurt.

But they're not my priority... you are.

[doorbell rings]

Now, what happened exactly?

She broke Lana's wrist.

I had to take her to two doctors to get this fixed.

And honestly I don't have that kind of money.

Look like he do, though.

We should have called the police like I said, have her ass arrested.

Okay, we... we need to calm down.

What the hell you mean, "calm down"?

Gina, I told you, I got this.

Well, get it.

'Cause it seems like to me this man want to pretend like ain't nothin' happened.

No, I'm not saying that.

Ladies. Ladies.

I understand you're upset, I really do.

And as a woman and a mother, I know there is nothing more important than the safety of our kids.

Mmm-hmm.

[stutters] Now, I don't know what did or didn't happen, but trust me, we will take full responsibility for our daughter's actions.

Come in, please.

Please.

[all laughing] Oh, yeah?

I thought Gina was going to tear off her earrings and grease up her face.

When it comes to my family, I do not play, Mr. Pierce.

[Lana's mom] Hmm. I will fight you.

[Jefferson] Yeah, I see. [all laugh]

Well, I guess we should get going.

Thank you, Lynn, and Mr. Pierce, thank you.

Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you.

I'll walk you out.

Thanks for stopping by again, okay?

We'll be in touch.

What the hell were you thinking?

Okay, look, it wasn't my fault.

It doesn't matter whose fault it was.

Did you not see the cast on her wrist?

Uh, Jennifer, how do you expect us to feel when someone shows up to tell us you were involved in a fight that we didn't know about?

There were two girls. They both run for Booker T.

Two girls? Wait, Lana didn't tell us that part.

You... And you weren't hurt at all?

No, you taught us how to defend ourselves.

Jeff, this is not a good thing.

Right. Right.

[stammers] That's no excuse for hurting someone.

I barely touched them. Jennifer, her wrist is broken.

And since grounding seems to have no effect on you...

Wait, so I'm not being grounded?

Oh, you are.

Why am I getting in trouble for defending myself?

You're grounded for lying.

I didn't lie, I just didn't tell you guys about it.

Oh, you really wanna play with me right now, little girl?

Mmm-mmm. You don't.

Exactly.

And you need to figure out how to resolve conflict without fighting or losing your temper.

And as your father taught you how to fight, he can be a big help, because believe it or not, not everyone solves their problems with their fists.

Two girls?

Two.

Didn't I kick you out?

Listen, my grandfather was m*rder*d shortly after investigating enhanced abilities and those missing kids.

I just need to know what happened.

You sound just like him.

Why didn't you run those articles?

It was the same exact story you've built your career on.

Well, if you're anything like Alvin, I know you're not gonna leave me the hell alone until you get your way.

[sighs]

I dug this up.

[Anissa] What's this?

I've saved this for over 30 years.

Just holding on to an old friend, I guess.

Thank you.

This... this means a lot to me.

Good.

Young lady...

Alvin tapped into somethin' far bigger and much more dangerous than I care to be a part of.

Jefferson made a good life for you and your family.

Maybe walking away from this is best.

Alvin said it then, and I still believe it to be true today, they're watchin'.

Wait. Who's watching?

I'm sure if you find out, you'd get k*lled.

Now go and don't come back.

[sighs]

[knocking]

[Eldridge] Who is it?

Who is it?

[Tobias] Eldridge.

[grunts and coughs]

[groans]

[chuckles]

You still hit like a little bitch.

What the hell you doing here?

We have some questions to ask you.

About what?

Your parenting skills.

[coughing]

My parenting?

Hell.

At least I stayed, huh?

I didn't leave in the middle of the night like your damn mama did.

Instead, I fed you, and I clothed you.

Even tried to take care of 'em twitchy-ass eyes of yours.

You're right.

Mom's left, and you stayed.

You did feed and clothe us. Mmm.

And I can appreciate that.

Now.

Yeah, I can appreciate that.

[Eldridge sighs]

The question is why?

[bones crunching] [Eldridge groaning]

[Tobias] Why did you stay? [coughing]

Was it just so you can have someone to t*rture, to b*at on, to blame for your failures?

Or was it about collecting money from the state?

Because it certainly wasn't about love.

[Eldridge choking]

[gasps and coughs]

[g*n cocks]

[Tobias] You stayed.

[Eldridge groaning] Son.

[Tobias] Leave him.

Your back is broken, Eldridge.

You're gonna die, and you're gonna die slow.

[groaning and coughing]

[Eldridge] Tobias!

[coughing]

[Poe] Alvin said it then, and I still believe it to be true today, they're watchin'.

[Anissa] Wait. Who's watching?

[Poe] I'm sure if you find out, you'd get k*lled.

[Anissa] "ASF."

Jennifer!

Do you have my black hoodie?

Uh, no, I got my own hoodies.

Yeah, right.

[news anchor speaking indistinctly on TV]

[switches TV off]

This sucks.

Yeah, it does.

I don't know why I'm on punishment. I didn't start the fight.

Sin of omission.

Our family doesn't communicate that way.

I'm a target.

The daughter of the principal.

They call me the Queen of Garfield, Dad.

[sighs]

"The one thing you can't take away from me is the way I choose to respond to what you do to me."

[sighs] MLK?

Viktor Frankl, holocaust survivor.

How you respond in a crisis is your choice, but to exercise that choice, you have to recognize your emotions and regulate them.

Okay, well, what about when somebody's trying to regulate upside your head?

[chuckles]

Look... fighting should never be about adding fuel to the fire, fighting should only be about putting the fire out.

And often, I mean, not the best choice.

Even when it is so hard to do, is to walk away.

[scoffs] It's easier said than done, Yoda.

Yeah, I know, my little Padawan.

[both chuckle]

I know.

[turns on TV]

[panting]

[gasps] [fabric rips]

Damn it.

[sighs]

[sighs] All this ass. I'm gonna need something that really fits.

Well, whoever he is, he's gonna think he d*ed and went to heaven.

[chuckles]

She.

And there's probably gonna be a room full of them.

Okay. I'm not mad at that.

[laughs] - So tell me, what's your name?

Monica.

Uh, so, we're thinking black, I assume?

[sighs] I was thinking something a bit brighter.

Leather?

Uh...

[sighs]

How do you feel about latex?

[Anissa] Mmm-hmm. Mmm-hmm?

Yeah. Yeah?

Yeah. I like those. [chuckles]

Red would be great.

Uh-uh. No.

Think I got it.

[Ben] Everything is in there.

Listen, I cannot thank you enough.

Now you are about to be the fiercest and most fabulous superhero on the block.

[laughs]

Ah. Be safe out there.

Promise, I will. See ya. Have a good one.

Bye.

[grunting]

[cell phone ringing]

What you got?

[Inspector Henderson] I tracked down an old girlfriend of Joey Toledo's, and then did some asking around.

Turns out she's been seen with a guy matching his description.

But that's not enough to get a surveillance warrant, so I will send you her info, along with a photo.

[sniffles] Thanks, Inspector.

Don't make me regret this.

I won't.

Take the suit off, Jefferson.

Don't you get it? You could k*ll yourself wearing that suit.

We already had this conversation.

Look, just calm down.

If Toledo is out there, he'll be out there tomorrow and then the next day. He has no reason to run.

I can't take that risk.

Give me the control module, Gambi.

I found an issue with the capacitor array. That's been the problem.

Now just give me a day to fix it.

I want Toledo, I'm gonna have Toledo, so give me the control module, or I'm gonna Black-Lightning your ass.

[sighs]

Did you know that in Africa some people believe that albinos are magical?

These people will actually kidnap random albino, cut 'em up, grind up his bones, and sell it as "magic" dust.

[hip-hop song playing]

[takes deep breath]

Ugh! [sighs]

Okay, listen, if you wanna be a superhero, you can't be afraid of dead rats.

[door rattles]

[takes deep breath]

[creaking]

[indistinct chatter]

[Black Lightning] Do you know who I am?

Please don't hurt me.

Unlock your phone and give it to me.

If you try to do anything else, if you try to contact anyone else, I will find you.

Go. [panting]

[typing]

[cell phone chimes]

[hip-hop song playing]

[both grunting]

Where is Tobias?

[chuckles]

[grunting]

Where is Tobias? [breathing heavily]

I'm not telling you nothing.

[groans]

[both grunting]

[groans]

[grunting]

[groaning]

He may not have k*lled you before, but the next time Tobias sees you, he's gonna finish you, and I'll bury you.

[Toledo laughing]

[groans]

[laughing]

You should have stayed away.

You shouldn't have come back.