04x03 - The Book of Reconstruction: Chapter Three: Despite All My Rage...

[bunniefuu]

[Jefferson]

Previously on

Black Lightning...

It's been a year.

But maybe it's time you move on with your life.

I injected myself with Wendy's powers and went out there.

- [g*n fires]

- [thudding]

You just traded one drug for another.

I'm a captain of industry now, Jefferson.

I'm gonna take away everything you love.

You don't want to be Black Lightning, but you're willing to light up a couple of cops.

Freeland would be lost without Black Lightning!

Freeland is lost!

Run, now!

[rock music playing]

♪ b*at is getting stronger ♪

♪ Music getting longer, too ♪

♪ Music is a blast to me ♪

♪ I want to, I want to ♪

♪ I wanna take you higher ♪

♪ I'm gonna take you higher... ♪

What have you done with my family?

Oh, they're safe with me.

Fret not.

I'll take good care of them.

[grunts]

Oh, Jeff.

[grunting]

♪ b*at is nitty gritty ♪

♪ Sound is in your city, too ♪

♪ Music's still a blast to me... ♪

[grunting]

Jeff, sit your weak ass down.

Dinner is served.

Or don't.

Who knows?

Maybe your rage will k*ll your whole damn family.

[laughs]

That's cold.

Kinda like this turkey leg.

[groaning]

It's always the same dream.

What do you think they mean?

You're the one with the PhD, you tell me.

♪ Last night I saw a superhero he was black ♪

♪ He said "This is for the street Black Lightning's back" ♪

Recurring dreams can stem from feelings of incompetence, as the unconscious works through them.

But if you want to unravel their meaning, you're gonna have to put in the work.

I...

I think the dream means that...

no matter how hard I try to protect my family, it's always gonna end in tragedy.

Things aren't like before.

Before what exactly?

Before the Freeland conflict.

Before I put everybody in danger.

Before my best friend d*ed.

Is that what you want to hear?

Your best friend wasn't in your dream, your family was.

Stop deflecting and tell me what it means.

[sighs]

I can't be the man that I was.

[chuckles softly]

He thought he could...

change the world.

I can't live with the...

decisions that I made...

being him.

Without him, I don't know who I am.

- [both grunting]

- [people cheering]

Oh, we got all of Freeland putting in bets right now.

Your man says he'll come through, then he'll come through.

[Lala]

Oh, you done good, Devonte.

This place...

is like a virtual Madison Square Garden.

Yeah, but all this costs a grip.

It's gonna be a minute before we turn a profit.

You know what costs more?

Getting clipped by Freeland's finest.

Now...

this...

this is the way of the new world.

People placing bets through their phones feeling like they at an event...

with no crowds to track us.

[soul music playing]

[grunting]

Punk ass is good.

Pay him.

But let me know when he's fighting next.

I got you.

Got Lydell in the office, just like you asked.

[Lala]

You've seen better days, Lydell.

You care to explain yourself?

Lala, look what Black Lightning did to me, man.

- I'm a damn cr*pple now.

- I didn't ask about that!

I asked you about why you k*lled a kid...

and got Blackbird's attention.

Now, I'm gonna ask you one more time...

to explain yourself, or we gonna play a little game

- called trip the crip.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa.

I...

I...

I was just protecting your interests, man.

The kid was just collateral damage.

It was nothin' personal.

It was just business, brother.

Funny.

You know, I was thinking the same thing.

Wait, wait.

I...

I...

[groaning]

[Lala yells]

[groans]

Devonte...

take out the trash.

Take out the trash!

[electricity crackling]

Lightning's power in water?

Have you lost your mind?

I think I understand physics.

And I'm using only heal, no sparks.

I want to understand Jen's rate of recovery.

Asking is too difficult?

I need to study the variables under controlled circumstances.

Gotcha.

Gotcha.

Going out, getting the crap b*at out of you, that's a controlled circumstance?

What is wrong with you tonight?

The more I know now, the better prepared I can be for future att*cks, like Gravedigger.

I won't be caught flat-footed again, Jeff.

You're not like us!

Okay?

So, what happens when your...

Your observations go too far?

This is not about my addiction.

This is about protecting our girls, Jeff.

[scoffs]

Ten years ago, you asked me to stop being Black Lightning.

I did.

Hypocrisy looks good on you.

I'll stop when you put the suit back on.

And stop with the pity party.

No, no.

What you don't understand is that playing with these powers will lead to misery.

So you want to be a weekend warrior?

Suit yourself.

I want no part of it.

[sighs]

Welcome to the Larsen Line.

I'm Rebecca Larsen.

Tonight we have a special report on the true cost of superheroes protecting our city.

This so-called superhero known as Lightning is touted as a savior for her role in the Freeland conflict.

But should that give her and metas like her carte Blanche to terrorize our streets?

I hope this exclusive video shared with us by a concerned citizen will provide transparency

into the damage superheroes will wreak across Freeland.

But don't take my word for it.

I lost everything in the fire.

I've served this community years.

Now, I can't afford to rebuild.

There's no such damn thing as superhero insurance.

This Lethal Lightning and metas like her

are responsible for millions in property damage

this city cannot afford.

Yes, Freeland may have its fair share of crime,

but we can't let the cure be worse than the problem.

- [buzzes]

- [Jennifer scoffs]

Becky from the block is spewing fake news.

That ain't what happened.

I saved those people.

[Anissa clears throat]

I don't doubt it, honey, but Lightning caused a considerable amount of property damage.

Mom, are you kidding me?

Dad's caused way more damage than me over the years.

Yeah, but edited news like that you can't fix.

But they're calling me Lethal Lightning.

[scoffs]

Jen, you are a little OC with your powers.

I keep telling you, if you trained a little more, you'd have more control.

Less property damage, no nicknames.

Says the woman who leaves giant cracks in the street just by landing dramatically.

- You can just walk, Anissa.

- You know what?

Nevermind.

You know what?

It's bad enough I'm arguing with your father, I don't want to hear it from you two.

[Jennifer sighs]

The only word I wanna hear is an apology.

Am I clear?

[Anissa]

Yeah, you're right, Mom.

I'm gonna go check on Grace.

- Bye.

- Bye, Lethal Lightning.

- [laughing]

- That's not funny.

Anissa!

[sighs]

I was helping people.

What that camera didn't catch was that family I saved.

Larsen's controlling my narrative.

I know.

Like I said, edited news like that you can't fix.

Now, put my show back on.

[woman speaking indistinctly on TV]

Put me in a coma.

You've been busy, Lauren.

Wait until you see the playground I've built inside.

Mmm-hmm.

Just what have you got inside?

The stuff that dreams are made of.

This facility is like nothing I've ever seen before.

- Mmm-hmm.

- It's amazing.

- Are those...

- My pride and joy.

The next generation Direct-Energy g*n.

The press calls them the DEGs.

We're on the eve of market release.

They're going to save lives and change the world.

- [g*n beeps]

- From what I've read, their energy output is lethal to humans and to metas.

Are you confident they're safe for mass market?

You think the prospect unwise?

- You're showing your age, Peter.

- [sighs]

Wine only improves with age if the grapes were good to begin with.

I missed this.

Yes, they are lethal to both metas and humans, but I had the techs install a stun setting.

Can't have local law enforcement disintegrating civilians.

They're capable of punching a hole through a t*nk, or safely neutralizing a carjacker.

The ultimate peacekeeper tech.

Hmm?

- [telephone ringing]

- [people chattering indistinctly]

Marcel?

Hey.

I didn't expect you back to work so soon.

[sighs]

Look, I, um...

I appreciate the time you gave me to mourn the loss of my son...

but I need to work.

I have to get my kids back from child services.

Yeah, um...

everything okay?

I mean...

- [chuckles softly]

- What happened?

Oh, this?

It's...

it's nothing to worry about.

Look, I can't imagine what you're going through, um, but I have to ask.

You didn't get that from trying to get back at The One Hundred, did you?

[scoffs]

So, Mr. Pierce, who do you think I am?

Black Lightning?

[chuckles]

No, I'm moonlighting as a...

As a bouncer...

and occupational hazard.

Hey, I won, though.

Uh...

[bell ringing]

I'm late.

Can't set a bad example.

- Right.

- [Marcel clears throat]

[monitor beeping]

Here we go, babe.

I got you.

I got you.

[chuckles softly]

Hey, babe, I really did something great for the community.

You know, the news are just trying to say that metas only destroy, but, no, I built something, okay?

A safe space.

You gotta see it, babe.

A safe space for the homeless.

And I did it without v*olence.

Hmm.

There we go.

Okay, I'm lying.

Maybe there was a little.

But, babe, the people I helped, you gotta see their faces.

You had to.

Damn, babe, you're a little ashy today.

What's going on?

[chuckles]

Remember how I taught you there was a thing.

Hmm?

[chuckles]

God, I miss you so much.

It's been so long, babe.

I don't...

I don't even know if you're still in there.

But, babe, if you are, please can you give me a sign, let me know we have a future together?

Please?

I love you so much.

[monitor beeps alarming tone]

No.

No.

No, baby, please, no.

Don't do this right now.

Please.

[mouthing]

- [monitor beeping normally]

- Anissa.

Oh, my God.

Baby.

Hi.

Hi, how are you?

Hi, baby.

[hip-hop music playing]

That face means someone's in trouble or you need my help.

Both.

Tell me you caught that lying Rebecca Larsen last night.

Yeah, that white woman had it out for you.

Uh...

Lethal Lightning.

That bitch edited footage from somebody to fit her narrative.

I need you to find her for me, TC.

You look mad.

Please tell me you're not gonna...

[mimicking Lightning]

No, no. no.

I need the unedited footage so I can clear Leth...

So I can clear Lightning's name.

Freelanders understand the truth, I'd like to give it to 'em.

I don't know, Jen.

Why don't you just let sleeping Larsen lie?

And why do you care what people think about Lightning anyway?

Isn't that the point of having, you know...

an alter ego?

No.

If meta-hate like hers spreads, it's gonna make all of our lives more dangerous.

Please?

All right, fine.

[whirring]

[breathing heavily]

There you go.

Terry Andrews.

Don't go and do something crazy.

- Thanks.

- Good luck.

[bell rings]

[Lynn]

Not much has changed since our last session.

Jeff is still sulking.

And I'm still juggling my work, with teaching night school at Garfield.

Let's talk about that.

Elaborate on your decision to split your time.

Rebuilding our community is...

Is paramount right now.

And while Jeff's taking a break, - I'm filling in.

- Why?

Commitment to duty has been drilled into me as a child.

Both my parents proudly served in the m*llitary.

Their parents before them.

My brother John left college and went straight into the army.

But you didn't.

Why choose the path less traveled?

Um...

It was chosen for me.

I was different.

Smarter than my brother, my parents.

They convinced me that the m*llitary would be tedious, and I wouldn't fit the mold.

And how did that make you feel?

Like an outsider.

Hmm.

But I guess my parents made the right choice, so...

You're a world-renowned geneticist.

And a foremost expert on metagenics.

It's perfectly acceptable - to sort of stretch your ego here.

- [chuckles softly]

It sounds better when you do it.

And now, you are teaching night school.

You see a pattern?

Jeff and the girls, they have all these shared moments...

and experiences.

Like, my brother John and our parents.

Jeff told me, "You don't belong.

You're not one of us".

- Hmm.

- The girls said I was a liability.

Oh, God.

I'm trying to fit in where I don't belong again, aren't I?

Just...

Just like I couldn't when I was young.

This is the seed of my addiction.

Isn't it?

My whole life...

I've been trying to fit in where I clearly don't belong.

And then mastering the fields when I did.

[exhales]

Just be you.

Say it aloud.

Own it.

Own it.

Just be me.

[takes deep breath]

[knocking]

Mr. Pierce.

Nah, this ain't for you.

No.

Mr. Pierce.

[laughing]

[hip-hop music playing]

[Devonte]

Mr. Pierce.

Lala, I'mma handle it.

What the hell is this place?

A glimpse of the future.

You're running illegal cage fights.

I'm earnin'.

You're interrupting that.

Look, that man right there, he's got a family.

He's not a fighter.

- I don't want him hurt.

- Prepare for disappointment.

That man's cost me money every night he fights.

But my ringer is about to change that.

[chuckles softly]

Don't fret.

My filters...

they keep the combater's identity secret.

Place a bet and make some money.

Knowing you, it's probably fixed.

Just shut it down.

The reconstruction at Freeland has been tough on everybody.

And everyone has a vice to feed.

I'm providing a virtual buffet.

- More like lining your pockets.

- [scoffs]

It can be both.

If you was anyone else...

I would drop your Black ass right now.

But since we got history...

fight...

or get out!

[both grunting]

[grunting continues]

[crowd cheering]

[crowd booing]

[both grunting]

- [roaring]

- [grunts]

♪ Fight!

Fight!

Fight!

Fight! ♪

♪ Fight! ♪

Mr. Pierce.

I got next.

♪ Fight!

Fight! ♪

All right!

Mayor Black, so glad you could make the trip at this late hour.

Well, your bodyguard left me no choice in that matter.

Not to worry.

He'll return you back to your nocturnal activities shortly.

I know you're aware of my dedication to Freeland's reconstruction program.

I'd like it to continue.

I also have an offer for you that I am sure you'll benefit from.

In order for it to reach its zenith, it's gonna need a visionary like myself, and a ton of cash.

Money like that can only be gained through my new, state of the art...

hospital.

Well, what with the rebuilding of Freeland, the city's budget is already stretched as it is.

There's no room for a new hospital.

There is if you diverted Garfield's budget.

It's no secret, under Principal Pierce's leadership, it's seen sh**t, death, and of course, its lawful occupation which he himself defied.

Garfield is a pillar of the community.

I attended there.

As do my children, and theirs, God willing.

Accept my proposal, Mayor Black.

And in no time, your kids will be moving on up to a private school in Metropolis where they'll finally get a piece of that pie.

n*gro, please.

You think I don't see who you are?

Look, I know we're supposed to publicly smile together, show unity, shuck and jive, But there is no thr*at, no bribe you can offer that would make me tear down Garfield and Principal Pierce.

So...

Thanks for the drink.

I'll see myself out.

Do you want me to k*ll him?

Not yet.

♪ I don't give a... about your crew money ♪

♪ Your chain game Alexander Wang, Bugatti ♪

♪ I'll just set it all on fire watch it burn ♪

♪ Yeah, I'd rather watch it burn ♪

♪ And I don't give a... what Balmain is ♪

♪ Or who famous ♪

♪ Or Margiela a Gucci Sweater ♪

♪ Set it all on fire watch it burn ♪

♪ Yeah, I'd rather watch it burn ♪

♪ Watch it burn ♪

Whoa!

Lightning!

Terry Andrews?

[chuckles]

You're just a kid.

- How'd you find me?

- I tracked your phone.

You should really check your privacy settings.

What's this about?

You sold footage to Rebecca Larsen.

What she aired about me last night was straight up trash.

Yeah, but you gotta believe me.

I would have never given her the footage if I knew what she was going to do with it.

You saved me and my family at the Freeland conflict and at the shop.

You're my electric queen.

[scoffs]

Kid, I need you to show the public what really happened, okay?

- The footage.

Do you still have it?

- Oh, yeah!

- But it won't help you.

- Of course it will.

It's the truth.

That ain't how the Internet works.

But I'll tell you what, I'll post you saving all those people, and I'll tag your social media account if I can get a selfie of you giving me a kiss.

[laughs]

- Please don't push your luck.

- Oh!

Okay.

Just a selfie then.

You want to fix your rep, a selfie with the kid you saved will go viral.

I'll follow you, you follow me back, okay?

♪ Watch it all burn ♪

♪ I watch it burn ♪

♪ Watch it all burn, burn, burn, burn ♪

Monavista let you take that?

They don't know it's gone, Nor will they.

As after we run some tests, I'll smuggle it back in the way it came out.

Think of it as borrowed.

You're so fired.

It wouldn't be the first time.

Now, I've learned all that I can from the schematics I lifted.

I was hoping you could tell me more.

All right.

Okay.

Let's see.

[buzzing]

It's mostly mechanical.

There's no computer to talk to, but it's admitting an odd energy signature.

Must be its power source.

The schematics don't mention it by name, so it's most likely proprietary.

[beeps]

Uh...

Gambi, what are you doing?

- [machine whirring]

- I've set it at its lowest setting.

So, don't worry, TC.

I'm a professional.

That's not good for Black Lightning.

That's not good for anyone.

[people clamoring]

All bets are in.

- Fight!

- [bell dinging]

[both grunting]

[crowd gasps]

[inaudible]

[both grunting]

Yeah!

[crowd cheering]

[grunting continues]

[crowd gasps]

No one can b*at me!

[grunts]

[crowd booing]

No man alive.

Yo, should I stop the fight?

He about to k*ll Mr. Pierce.

I don't think he will.

[crowd jeering]

No!

[groans]

Stay down, old man.

You're done.

[crowd cheering]

Don't you turn your back on me.

[crowd exclaims]

We're not done here.

[both grunting]

[crowd cheering]

[groans]

[crowd cheering]

Yeah!

All right.

This is where I grew up.

Now, I know it's, uh, a little old fashioned, but you're welcome to stay until you get back on your feet.

Uh, it's perfect, Mr.

Pierce.

Look, please, please call me Jefferson.

We spilled blood together.

Uh, you more than me.

You know, I...

I know you took gold in the decathlon back in the day...

but I didn't know you could fight, too.

Yeah, well, I grew up in the streets of Freeland, you know.

I learned a trick or two.

Fair enough.

Still, I've never seen anybody fight like that.

I mean, especially a principal.

[Jefferson chuckles]

You, you may be the most impressive man I know, Mr... Jefferson.

- Jefferson.

- Yeah, I almost forgot.

Oh, man, I can't accept this.

You won it.

Mmm-mmm. Lala cheated.

That's your money.

First month's rent.

Yeah.

When you're ready to talk to child services, let me know.

I'll put in a good word.

Please do me a favor.

No more fighting.

Your kids need a dad.

And Garfield needs its teachers.

So, this house will take good care of you and your family.

Try and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Ooh, these are for you.

Oh, who are they from?

I don't know.

I'm guessing Dad.

You know he likes to make grand gestures when he realizes he's actually wrong.

Well?

It's your father inviting me for dinner tonight.

What are you gonna wear tonight?

Oh, I have just the dress.

Your father is not the only one that can make grand gestures.

- Ah.

Well, have at it.

- [laughing]

[machine beeping]

Do I want to know where you got that?

Same way you got this, doing things we shouldn't.

These DEGs pack quite a punch.

I'm not sure even your new suit could survive a direct hit.

Well, here.

Go on, test it out if you want.

What if you need to suit up?

I won't.

Look, I told you Black Lightning's done.

- Jefferson...

- Freeland will be fine without him.

Honestly, it's a relief to accept that.

Well, you're awfully chipper about this.

- Have you been drinking?

- Oh, not yet.

I helped someone, Gambi.

Me, Jefferson Pierce, and it felt great.

Better than being him.

Jeff, I realize you're in a dark place right now, but you can't just stop being Black Lightning.

Why not?

I stopped being Jefferson Pierce.

Look where that got me.

Gambi, I'm done.

I don't even know where to start.

Well, you can start with being happy for me.

I'll see you around, old man.

Where you off to?

I've been sulking for over a year.

It's time I try to make things right with Lynn.

Wish me luck.

[door closes]

- Bonjour, madam.

- Good evening.

I believe I have a reservation in the name of Pierce.

But of course.

Your party awaits if you would follow me.

Thank you.

[Tobias]

Dr. Stewart.

Please do me the honor of joining me for dinner.

Girl, don't act like I don't know you.

Or would you rather the fine people of Freeland know about your family's extracurricular activities?

Please sit.

I rented this whole place just for you.

Forgive my ruse.

But I knew you wouldn't attend on my account alone, so I kept my note vague.

But please, feel free to order whatever your heart desires.

I'd rather break bread with Judas.

Fair enough.

Though I'd be remiss if I didn't recommend the cognac shrimp.

Dr. Stewart, or may I call you Lynn?

I need a favor.

One only you could afford me.

I'll never do anything for you.

I expected that.

But the favor is not for me.

You may not know, but my sister was diagnosed with ALS at a very young age.

She was cured through nefarious medical experimentation, but the nasty side effects became too much for her to bear.

I promised a cure.

Even though she's no longer with us, I'm a man of my word.

You're a monster masquerading as a man.

Mmm.

I recently learned that a very close friend of mine was also diagnosed with this horrific disease.

And I can't bear to watch her suffer like me and my sister did.

There are other geneticists in the world.

None like you.

You're the best.

And I'm willing to pay for the best.

If you agree to focus all your research on finding a cure, I'll fund your new institute for the next decade.

Just imagine all the good that could be accomplished.

On top of being remembered in history as the Black woman who cured ALS.

I know.

- Decisions, decisions.

- What do you really want?

I don't have the time or the inclination for your mind games.

No games.

Scouts Honor.

Even a broke clock tells the truth twice a day.

[chuckles]

Listen, I know we've had our issues.

Especially with the rest of that meta freak family of yours.

But, you're different.

You're not like them.

What I need is your superpower, Lynn.

What I need is you to just be you.

Please consider my offer while we dine.

Garcon, menus, please.

Damn.

Damn, b*at me to it.

I'm already late.

_ [door closes]

[machine beeping]

- What's up?

- You look like trash.

Like you've been partying all night.

[sighs]

No, there's always a come down when I go to the ionosphere.

I just need a little pick-me-up.

Well, how about you stop going up there?

Absorbing that much power has to have some type of consequences.

I'm fine.

I know my limits.

Are you done with my page yet?

[machine beeping]

Lightning is officially verified on all social media.

And you're sure it's secure?

I've been bouncing signals off of VPNs all around the globe.

It will take a very determined team to track it.

All right, good.

Are you sure you want to do this?

You know, once you press return, there is no going back.

Social media is forever.

Only one way to find out.

[hip hop music playing]

♪ I do it different ♪

♪ I find a spaceship and I get in ♪

♪ I got vision I got that twenty-twenty vision ♪

♪ One in a million ♪

[whooshes]

- Right now!

- That's a lot of love for Lightning.

Better recognize.

Drop the gats and go!

- Go.

- I control my narrative now.

Miss Lying Larsen is about to learn that.

What are you doing?

Lightning is tagging Miss Larsen armed with the truth.

Hey!

[giggles]

What's going on?

Now, I told you we were getting hitched, right?

We're getting hitched.

- [both laughing]

- Now?

- Yes.

- Here?

- Yes!

- What about our marriage license?

Or witnesses?

Turns out our license is still valid from last year.

And Dr.

Morgan here, I just paid him $ so he could spend minutes getting officially ordained.

- This is happening.

- [Morgan]

It's true.

And in the process, I learned that witnesses aren't required in our state.

- Who knew?

- What about your family, Anissa?

Babe, their plates are full right now.

And, this is not about them.

This is about you and me.

Now, I meant what I said when I told you nothing is gonna tear us apart.

And I am not giving this world any more chances to do that.

So, yeah, this is happening right now.

Baby, you are the love of my life.

Will you be my wife, too?

A secret marriage is kind of sexy.

I thought so.

And I can't imagine spending my life with anyone but you, Anissa.

- So you're saying yes?

- Yes!

I do!

[both laugh]

So do I.

Come on, let's do this.

Okay, um, well, by the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you two wed.

[both laugh]

- The brides may kiss.

- Oh, my God!

Oh, my God!

[both]

We did it!

We did it!

- Come here!

- [Morgan]

Congratulations.

Uh, hi.

I'm running a little late.

Reservation for Pierce.

Your party is already seated.

I'll find her, thank you.

[Tobias chuckles]

That's a very lovely dress you're wearing.

I would be inclined to buy you of them, in different colors.