SPOILER ALERT: Warning, this article contains mild spoilers for Black Lightning Season 1. Proceed at your own risk.
Today at San Diego Comic-Con, the cast of Black Lightning teased the show’s second season. Season 1 saw the introduction of Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams), principal by day and superhero by night. Alongside his eldest daughter Anissa (Nafessa Williams), known as Thunder, Jefferson fights to protect his community from the ruthless 100 Gang and his old nemesis Tobias Whale (Marvin “Krondon” Jones).
Cress Williams already promised Season 2 of Black Lightning will be “harder hitting and a little bit darker” than the first. We’ll also see the youngest Pierce, Jennifer (China Anne McClain), learn how to cope with her new powers. The cast spoke about the importance of representation and hinted at the contents of the briefcase shown in the Season 1 finale.
Representation Matters
The entire cast of Black Lightning spoke about the show’s importance, especially because it features an older lead and darker-skinned female cast. Showrunner Salim Akil shared a story about one of his childhood Halloween experiences where he was embarrassed to dress as Batman because he didn’t look like the character. “I never wanted another black or brown kid to hide their skin to become a hero,” he said.
Nafessa Williams said the minute she read the script and saw the bond between Jefferson and his daughters, she knew the show was special. She especially appreciates playing a strong, educated, black lesbian superhero. “We have to be who we are unapologetically, and that’s who Anissa is and wants everyone to be,” Williams said.
Lightning Strikes
In playing Jennifer, China Ann McClain spoke about her character going through the typical teenage experience. “[The] first season, I feel like it was kind of necessary for Jennifer to struggle. She was kind of growing into herself … This season, I hope she grows out of that and grows more confident in the person she can become as a superhero,” she said.
Jennifer is very different from her sister Anissa, who has embraced her powers and immediately jumped into the role of a hero. It will be interesting to see how the dynamic of the two sisters grows and changes as Jennifer comes into her powers.
Black Lightning and Thunder are going to need Lightning’s help next season to deal with whatever’s inside Tobias’ briefcase. Marvin “Krondon” Jones hinted that it holds, “The future of Freeland.”
Black Lightning Season 2 premieres on Tuesday, October 9th at 9 p.m. on the CW.
