Shocking! Black Lightning in the News

[Trini]

Finally! Chantal Thuy (Grace Choi) made a series regular! Interview with Chantal at Deadline:

Quote

DEADLINE: As you enter season 4, how do you think Grace has changed since the beginning and how do you plan on navigating what’s in store for her in the new season?

THUY: As the seasons progressed, Grace has started to embrace her strengths and her powers, which I see continuing into season 4. She’s gaining control of her shapeshifting abilities, she’s less volatile, and less of an outsider. I’m hoping this will mean a new suit and getting to join in on more of the family fights to protect Freeland! I also feel her tendency to avoid intimacy will slowly be mended through her relationship with Anissa.

DEADLINE: Grace is one of the only — if not the only Asian superheroes on TV right now. What does it mean to you to have a queer, Asian superhero at the forefront of one of the biggest comic book TV franchises?

THUY: I can’t say this enough, but media and entertainment shape our beliefs, thoughts and perceptions, and it is important for Asian Americans to also have a seat at the table and have our voices heard. We are one of the fastest-growing racial groups in the United States, yet we are still greatly underrepresented when it comes to roles in television and film. It’s time for us to have visibility and be seen. For this reason, I feel even more so blessed to be portraying a queer Asian superhero on a show with such a historic debut for television representation.

 

---

ETA:

 

Edited November 15, 2020 by Trini

[Oreo2234]

According to Variety Black Lightning will end after its fourth season. I'm surprised by this news. I thought it would at least get a 5th season. I'm curious why its ending. The fact that they are possibly doing a spin-off makes me think it wasn't because of ratings. 

[Primal Slayer]

48 minutes ago, Oreo2234 said:

According to Variety Black Lightning will end after its fourth season. I'm surprised by this news. I thought it would at least get a 5th season. I'm curious why its ending. The fact that they are possibly doing a spin-off makes me think it wasn't because of ratings. 

I bet you that if Painkiller goes through it will shoot in Vancouver and a younger lead is probably more attractive to the network. But now I am pissed because Thunder/Lightning deserve a spin off before Painkiller of all characters do.

Or make an Outsiders series where Thunder is a main character.

[Oreo2234]

Supposedly the spin-off will shoot in the same city as Black Lightning.

An Outsiders spin-off would have made more sense. I like the actor who plays Painkiller but I don't see him as a character who can lead a multi season show. 

[Trini]

Danggit -- with the other DC shoes in development, I figured another show had to go, but I was hoping it was Legends. And I was really hoping for a Flash/BL crossover. 

I too am annoyed that Thunder or Lightning aren't getting the spinoff. Especially since CW was looking for female -led projects.

[BaggythePanther]

I always assumed Legends would be the next to go. Didn’t see this coming. I wonder which came first- the idea for a spinoff, or the decision to end at season 4? And while Legends may not be ending now, they’re probably just trying to get to 100 episodes and will end after season 7. Having another show about a team, the Outsiders, would be a good replacement. Instead we’re getting another hot, lonely, brooding male superhero show. 

[possibilities]

I frankly can't even imagine watching a Painkiller show. I don't need more emo dudes and their bottomless well of manpain punctuated by eruptions of migraines and/or random violence.

[Trini]

2 hours ago, BaggythePanther said:

... Having another show about a team, the Outsiders, would be a good replacement. Instead we’re getting another hot, lonely, brooding male superhero show. 

 

1 hour ago, possibilities said:

I frankly can't even imagine watching a Painkiller show. I don't need more emo dudes and their bottomless well of manpain punctuated by eruptions of migraines and/or random violence.

I don't mind a Painkiller show; but not at the expense of losing the Pierce family. Because now it sounds like they're using Painkiller to fill the slot of 'Black Male-Led Superhero show' and it's not the same.

[Primal Slayer]

Im wondering if the contracts were up and CW doesnt want to give any raises so to stay cheap, they just cancel it and create a new show to take its place. 

[Jenniferbug]

Do we have a CW-verse all show discussion thread? 

I know they couldn't predict the future, but setting up the Justice League at the end of Crisis was really stupid, since they've now canceled Supergirl and Black Lightning and Batwoman is a different character. Way to build up bringing those characters together just to ditch half of them. 

[BaggythePanther]

4 hours ago, Primal Slayer said:

Im wondering if the contracts were up and CW doesnt want to give any raises so to stay cheap, they just cancel it and create a new show to take its place. 

Don’t most most contracts last six or seven seasons? I don’t think I’ve heard of a contract as short as four seasons on the CW.

3 hours ago, Jenniferbug said:

Do we have a CW-verse all show discussion thread? 

I know they couldn't predict the future, but setting up the Justice League at the end of Crisis was really stupid, since they've now canceled Supergirl and Black Lightning and Batwoman is a different character.

There used to be a thread in the Arrow forum but it went off the rails a few seasons ago. Setting up the Arrowverse Justice League was a fun idea, but it was never going to go anywhere because they had no intention of doing another big crossover anytime soon and most people predicted that Supergirl and/or Legends would be ending in the next year or two. Ruby leaving and Black Lightning ending were a surprise though.

[Starry]

After they announced the spinoff was in development, I figured this was going to happen.

 

15 hours ago, Trini said:

I too am annoyed that Thunder or Lightning aren't getting the spinoff. Especially since CW was looking for female -led projects.

They already have Batwoman as a black female-led superhero show. They obviously don't need another one  🙄

I wouldn't mind another black male superhero protagonist. I just don't think it has to be Painkiller. He's one of my least favorite characters.

 

9 hours ago, Jenniferbug said:

I know they couldn't predict the future, but setting up the Justice League at the end of Crisis was really stupid, since they've now canceled Supergirl and Black Lightning and Batwoman is a different character. Way to build up bringing those characters together just to ditch half of them. 

I think they could have brought all of them together (minus Kate Kane) for another crossover if it weren't for the pandemic. It wouldn't have been as big as Crisis on Infinite Earths but you can do enough with a three-episode crossover in my opinion. Now that last Crisis scene looks like a joke.

[Oreo2234]

I saw a tweet from one of the cast members and it does sound like they may have been surprised by the news. I wonder what made them decide a spinoff was preferable to allowing the show a 5 season or longer run? I don't know if I see a Painkiller show being much more (if at all) popular or profitable.

[Trini]

On 1/12/2018 at 5:04 PM, Trini said:

A Black Lightning Primer With Creator Salim Akil

Twitter detectives remembered this interview with Salim Akil, that had this quote:

Quote

And if he gets his way, Black Lightning will only run for three seasons. "They're going to hate me for saying that," he says with a laugh. "But three [seasons]. Realistically, for me, I could get out what's inside me in that time."

 

Also, China Anne McClain posted a personal video on Instagram where (among other things) she addresses the show ending: https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3qKGFneas/

She says she (and the cast) found out the same time as the rest of us; that this season was going to be her last, in any case; and that she will not be in all the episodes of the upcoming season.

So that explains not expanding on Jen/Lightning; but Thunder could have continued the Black Lightning universe.

Edited November 22, 2020 by Trini
spelling - d'oh!

[Starry]

So they basically ended it because the creator got bored and wanted to try something new?

It sucks that the actors had to find out when the audience did.

[Primal Slayer]

5 hours ago, Starry said:

So they basically ended it because the creator got bored and wanted to try something new?

It sucks that the actors had to find out when the audience did.

Id be surprised if they did. Creators rarely get to end it if the cast doesn't support the decision. 

[Starfish35]

Just found out about this.  I’m very surprised to be honest.  I figured Legends would go before Black Lightning.    And yeah, I’m dubious about a Painkiller spinoff, but.... okay.  That’s an interesting development. 

[possibilities]

They could have replaced Salim Akil if he was the only one who wanted out. 

 

I wish China had been more forthcoming about what specifically she has been going through and planning to do next. I was interested in that, and thought the explanation would have been more interesting than just repeating over and over that she's ready to for change. I totally respect the need to follow what feels important to do, to make changes, etc. I was just curious about the details.

[Featherhat]

I wonder if there's a lot more going on BTS than we know about. I mean there always is obviously but not even giving the cast a polite heads up that their jobs will be coming to an end before they hear about it from twitter. I know it has happened before but if it was a creative decision long before "being cancelled" was in play then letting everyone know would have been nice, 

I'll miss this show but I'm not particularly interested in a Painkiller spin off. 

[Chyromaniac]

It’s a bit odd that they suggest they’ve exhausted the possibilities with Black Lightning- yet they are planning to move on with a spin-off about an even smaller scale character.  Ultimately what I really enjoyed about BL was the tone and the energy (haha) of the show - I guess if Painkiller has the same vibe I could be interested, but somehow I doubt it will.  I also think Jordan Calloway has been good on this show, and could be a big star- I was just hoping his next gig would be something different.

[Trini]

The Pierces in WB's Thanksgiving collage on social media:

 

[Trini]

And another Thanksgiving message:

 

[Trini]

 

[AnimeMania]

DC Comics’ ‘Naomi’ TV Series From Ava DuVernay & Jill Blankenship In Works At The CW

In this article about a new superhero TV show being developed by the CW included these nuggets of wisdom.

It marks the latest DC adaptation at the youth-skewing network this development season. The broadcaster is also developing an adaptation of Wonder Girl, based on the DC characters created by Joëlle Jones, with Queen of the South executive producer/co-showrunner Dailyn Rodriguez and Greg Berlanti as well as Black Lightning spinoff Painkiller.

The latter, which will star Jordan Calloway, has been set up as a planted pilot spinoff that will air as the seventh episode of Black Lightning’s fourth season, which will premiere in February 2021. Black Lightning showrunner Salim Akil will write, exec produce and direct.

[Trini]

WB billboard with all the CW/DC shows:

 

[Trini]

It's just about a month until the season 4 premiere; they should have already been doing promotion, but I hope they put out something this week. Trailer, photos, synopsis, interviews... something.

[Trini]

Episode of the Black Lightning podcast that discusses the show's cancellation; I disagree with a few things, but I appreciated the different perspective (than the major media) on things regarding the show.

[Trini]

Less than 3 weeks until the premiere and still nothing -- ridiculous.

Well at least WB remembered the show for MLK Jr. Day:

 

[Trini]

Finally! Trailer for Season 4:

 

Looks good! Curious about how Tobias gets back to living in luxury; and it looks like Jennifer takes over Jefferson's superhero duties, so I wonder how they justify her not being around fulltime.

[Trini]

New poster:

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/black-lightning-season-4-key-art-exclusive/

[Primal Slayer]

36 minutes ago, Trini said:

New poster:

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/black-lightning-season-4-key-art-exclusive/

The season hasnt even started yet and hasnt even ended but I miss them all already. And Im still pissed that they didnt spin off Anissa of all characters.

[Trini]

45 minutes ago, Primal Slayer said:

The season hasnt even started yet and hasnt even ended but I miss them all already. And Im still pissed that they didnt spin off Anissa of all characters.

Almost any other character would have been a better choice.

[Trini]

 

[Trini]

Oh, is WB doing Valentine posts too?

 

 

[Trini]

New cast member: 'Melissa De Sousa Joins The Cast Of 'Black Lightning''

Quote

Melissa De Sousa has joined the cast of Black Lighting in its fourth and final season. The Panamanian actress will portray Chief Ana Lopez, the new no-nonsense Chief of Police of Freeland who’s been brought in to rebuild the city after the war that took place last season.

“I am going to bring peace and justice by any means necessary,” De Sousa says of her character. “She’s not playing.”

Sharing one of the first things her character does is buy high-powered weapons for her officers, she adds, “She’s not playing games. She’s going to protect the community. She’s going to turn things around and she’s going to protect her people… She’s a kick-ass chick.”

 

There's also a clip with her character and Jefferson at the link.

I know the network doesn't care about the show much, but if there was one time to promote it, it would be before the season premiere - during Black History Month - after months of sparse content. 😒

[Trini]

Very short video interview with Cress Williams and clip from the premiere here: https://www.kmbc.com/article/black-lightning-star-previews-the-series-final-season/35449004

A little longer video interview with Cress (short premiere clip, also), previewing the season here: https://cw39.com/black-history-month/black-lightning-returns-tonight/

 

No info on the new season (but he mentions the spinoff), but some quotes from Jordan Calloway here (video): https://www.eonline.com/videos/319186/jordan-calloway-on-how-blm-changed-television-ones-to-watch

[Trini]

Another with Cress at WPIX with another short clip (video): https://news.yahoo.com/black-lightning-star-cress-williams-161410788.html

Edited February 8, 2021 by Trini

[Trini]

Quotes from Salim Akil:

https://www.tvinsider.com/985437/black-lightning-season-4-premiere-the-cw-jefferson-pierce/

Quote

“A big thing this year is getting back to family and dealing with all the things that they’ve gone through,” Black Lightning‘s executive producer Salim Akil previews. Picking up a year after last March’s triumphant defeat of the meta-powered Markovian army, Freeland’s electrified crime fighter Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) still mourns his old friend Henderson (Damon Gupta), who died during the battle.

Meanwhile, equally supercharged daughters Jennifer (China Anne McClain) and Anissa (Nafessa Williams) watch over their city. “[It’s been] relatively peaceful,” Akil notes. “But after any war, gangs pop up and fight for territory.”

That means fans can expect to see the return of crime lord Lala (William Catlett) as well as seemingly reformed kingpin Tobias Whale (Marvin “Krondon” Jones III). He, Akil notes ominously, is “coming [back] to town with a vengeance.”

 

[Trini]

Some quotes from showrunner Salim Akil about the premiere at TVLine:

Quote

Akil says that of all the news that came out about Black people who died at the hands of the police, Elijah McClain’s story struck a chord. He’s the 23-year-old Black man who died days after Aurora, Colorado police officers placed him in a chokehold in the summer of 2019.

....

“I was motivated by that and I wanted to see him live,” Akil says, adding that the innocent character he created for Black Lightning‘s season premiere is both an homage to McClain and Trayvon Martin. “The idea to me was if we had someone like Black Lightning, they would still be alive today.”

Law enforcement officers weren’t the only ones in the hot seat as the Arrowverse series kicked off its fourth and final season. The decision to have Lynn (Christine Adams) take down sex traffickers, and Anissa/Thunder (Nafessa Williams) and Jennifer/Lightning (China Anne McClain) foil a drug deal, also carried a deeper meaning.

“It’s very intentional,” Akil says. “Not all of us, but too many of us, go through these things. And as much as I love that we have a very large and culturally diverse audience, I like to speak to the truth of Black folk.”

 

[Trini]

 

[Trini]

TVLine Performers of the Week:

Quote

HONORABLE MENTION | Will Catlett is an actor with undeniable range, something he has proven time in time again in both leading roles (Love Is ... on OWN) and smaller one-offs (Lovecraft Country). But the way he mesmerizes as the villainous Lala on Black Lightning is a study in slow boiling rage. Take for instance Monday night’s installment titled “The Book of Reconstruction: Chapter One.” When his henchmen failed him, Lala did not yell or even touch them to inspire fear. Instead, the menacing way Catlett absorbed the funky and urgent ’70s cadence of Billy Paul’s “Let the Dollars Circulate” in the solitude of his car convincingly communicated the building tension. Later, as Catlett’s Lala emerged, his detached speech pattern, steely countenance and cagey posture spoke volumes about the boundless violence he could inflict long before he pulled out his gun and threatened their lives.

 

[Trini]

Nice graphics treatment:

 

[Trini]

Article about Season four and Interview with Salim Akil at SyFy: https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/black-lightning-showrunner-talks-final-season-painkiller-spinoff-and-teases-ishmael

Quote

... “Since we had dealt with a lot of political issues and wrapped that up last season. I wanted to get back to family issues,” Akil tells SYFY WIRE. “The Pierces have gone through so much over the first three seasons. Now they're able to sort of reflect on what they've been through. We're going to deal with the trauma of what going through that does to you.”

Jefferson is clearly off kilter. He both shunned the Black Lightning name and suit, while simultaneously using his electrical powers on a couple of abusive cops –– in broad daylight without a mask. At home, things aren’t much better, as he can’t seem to be present for his family, and Lynn, his wife, is at a loss. And in a rare choice for both a superhero show and a story featuring an African-American family, the Pierces go to therapy. “Not all Black people live in neighborhoods with a lot of violence in them, but far too many do,” Akil says. “What I wanted to show was the idea of how to heal. That was why I put Lynn and Jefferson in therapy.” ...

Quote

Although Akil wishes he could have done more with these characters, he is confident that the show will come to a satisfying conclusion. “I think we could have come up with more stories for a fifth season, but it’s just a blessing to have four years to tell stories. Stories that I think resonated with everyone, but particularly the African-American community. I mean, you can't beat that. When I started this, I said, if just one Halloween, I could see a young man dressed up like Black Lightning, or a young girl dressed up like Thunder or Lightning, then I've done something that lasts a lifetime. And that's what artists want. We want to live through the things that we create”.

 

[Trini]

Jordan Calloway part of CW's Black History Month spotlight:

 

[Trini]

Longer video with Jordan Calloway for CW's Spotlight:

Also on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVHDGh2rJz0

 

Edited March 3, 2021 by Trini

[Trini]

Even more odd than the sudden recasting, no comments about the sudden recasting from the showrunner, etc. Nafessa put out a 'welcome' post for the new actress, though:

 

This whole situation is weird.

[Trini]

FYI; there is no new episode the next two three weeks. April 12 is the next episode.

Edited March 17, 2021 by Trini
corrected infromation

[Trini]

Updated my post above; The next new episode is April 12, with the backdoor pilot for Painkiller.

"Painkiller" promo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEX-FKJ0_yk

(Watch this be the only other promo for the whole season...)

------

PSA with Black Lightning:

 

Edited March 17, 2021 by Trini

[Trini]

“BAWSE: Women of Color in the DC Universe” panel, featuring Nafessa and Chantal, is streaming on-demand now at the virtual WarnerMedia Rise House:

 

[Trini]

Review of the season so far: 'Black Lightning Is Breaking Bad and Burning Bright'

Quote

For the past few weeks, Black Lightning’s fourth and final season has been chronicling the Pierce family’s attempt to pick up the pieces of their lives at a time when it feels like the world’s pressing in on them all in different ways, now more than ever before. Like a lot of network TV superhero shows with a clearly defined end in sight, Black Lightning’s been shifting gears to slow down and let you appreciate the journey it’s taken its core cast of heroes and villains on. But these past few episodes of Black Lightning have been rough, not in terms of quality, but the new depths of emotional turmoil it’s put everyone through. ...