Black Lightning (2018–…): Season 1, Episode 11 - Black Jesus: The Book of Crucifixion - full transcript

[JEFFERSON] Previously on Black Lightning...

Thirty years ago, I came to Freeland

as an agent for a government
organization called the ASA.

I helped them find young
people with abilities.

But when I realized that the ASA's
vaccine was killing children,

I leaked the information to your father,

and his investigation got him killed.

And they're doing it again.

[TWO-BITS] I saw one of your
students get snatched last night.

Two men wearing black

jumped out of this van
and they grabbed her.



What's up?

The head of the thу ASA for this
area, is looking for you.

If you use your powers,
or you go out in the suit,

he will find you, and
they will kill you.

The guys we're going after,
they are beyond the law.

When we take down their lab,
it's like declaring war.

- [PROCTOR] Jefferson Pierce is Black Lightning.
- What?

[PROCTOR] He's been hiding
in plain sight all this time.

Right under your nose.

Do you think you can take him down?

Yes.

Are they all stable after the move?

One of the older ones
is showing abnormalities.

Internal temperature fluctuations
are affecting vital signs.



How are you going to fix it?

I think it's a result of
moving on back-to-back days.

But now that we're powered
up in this location,

a consistent pod temperature should
return the subject to a stable reading.

- Which way?
- [GAMBI] Go left.

[KARA] I want the pods
monitored 24 hours a day.

I'm already under my quota.

Lose one more, and I'll need
to acquire more subjects.

Yes, ma'am.

[BLACK LIGHTNING] I can't see through it.

Or maybe there's still a
problem with the electric vision.

[GAMBI] The door's shielded.

But I know what I saw on the feed
from that nuke tracker satellite.

An abnormal energy field
definitely moved in there yesterday.

Dad, I got this.

Kids aren't here.

Whoa! This is a whole
lot of those pulse things.

Launchers.

That's a lot of weapons
that can take you out.

It must be what caused
the abnormal energy hit.

Jeff, if they're stockpiling
anti-Black Lightning weapons...

Doesn't matter. Where's the next spot?

- I don't have one.
- Why? Use the satellite.

The ASA knows about the satellite, too.

They must have found a way

to cloak the pods' energy in transit.

I have an idea, but it'll
take me a day to set it up.

Come on back.

Not yet.

[CELL PHONE VIBRATING]

Yes, I'm just leaving.

Most of them are stable.

We're in danger of losing one of them.

- [ALARM BEEPS]
- [CAR UNLOCKS]

An armory was blown up?

No, I hadn't heard about that.

They're clearly looking for the pods.

I understand the orders, but, sir,

I've known Jefferson Pierce for years,

there is absolutely no
way he's Black Lightning...

I understand.

Yes, sir. I'll take care of it.

I'm sorry that didn't pan
out. I really thought...

Yeah, I know.

Look, even if they cloak the
pods' energy, I can still find it.

I'll ping everything in the
city with a radio signal,

and the energy signature from the pods

will light up when the
radio pulse hits them.

Let me know if you find something.

I'm gonna get out of this suit.

[SIGHS]

God, look at you, you look awful.

[CHUCKLES]

Thanks for the compliment.

No. That's a subperiosteal hematoma.

It's good to know that you're
paying attention in med school.

No, this is serious.
Did you get it looked at?

I've had enough subperiosteal hematomas

to know when I actually
need to get some help.

What happened?

The truth, please.

Ask your dad.

- I will.
- The ASA will be looking for us.

All of us.

Those weapons he blew up
are only good for one thing,

killing Black Lightning.

Make sure he makes good choices, okay?

How exactly am I supposed to do that?

Trust your instincts.

Come on. Make it plain, Uncle Gambi.

Anissa, look at your father
and your father's father.

Protecting people is in your blood.

There are certain things
no one can train you for.

Everything you need
is already inside you.

[SIGHS]

Thanks.

It seems a little suspicious.
Are you sure it's not a setup?

[WOMAN] If this was a
setup, you'd already be dead.

Who the hell are you?

You'll find everything you need
in the garbage can in front of you.

You're right, Glennon.
It stinks. Come on.

Deputy Chief Cayman, I
said in the garbage can.

Do it.

[GLENNON] Oh.

This needs to be legitimate,
and fast. Tomorrow, if possible?

Okay, speedy warrants?
Got it. Who's the target?

Jefferson Pierce.

So, Dad, what happened to Uncle Gambi?

[CLEARS THROAT]

He was tortured by his friends
at the ASA in order to get to me.

Well, clearly, that didn't work
because you wouldn't be here.

That is true.

So you can trust him.

Maybe.

No. I'm not sure.

Man, they did a good job.

Yeah. It's what they do.

I don't know. It's just weird
right now, being around you two.

No, it is. It's like you're
working together, but not really.

Yeah, I know. It's weird for me, too.

Mmm.

So, he says the ASA is
gonna be looking to kill us.

- They are.
- So then...

I don't know, shouldn't
we all just get along?

"Can we all just get along?"

What?

No. Rodney King asked,
"Can we all get along?"

See, it's an existential
question rather than a directive.

Okay. So can we?

I don't know.

[SIREN BLARING]

[BEEPS]

Damn it!

- Good morning.
- [GIRL] Good morning.

- Good morning.
- Mr. Pierce.

Hey, Lexton.

Congratulations on the
debate victory. All right.

You know what? Tomorrow, I'm driving.

Girl, that driver's
license is brand-new.

And you are too hard on my nerves
for first thing in the morning.

Shut up. I can drive.

- Girl... Okay, we'll see.
- I'd get us here quicker.

- I know that much.
- You try then.

All right, people,
another day to make magic.

[LAUGHS]

Yes, it is. [LAUGHS]

- Hey, Dad.
- Hey.

Hey, Dad, what's up?

- Keep an eye on your sister.
- Uh-huh.

And make sure you touch
base with me between classes.

All right. Got it. Anything else?

Remember, I love you.

- I'll see you.
- All right.

Come on, people, let's not be late.

[BOY] What's up, Mr. Jefferson?

How are you doing? How are you doing?

All these young smiling faces,
young minds to be molded.

Come on in.

Well, I'd like to give
a shout-out to the MTA

for getting me here on time today.

- [ALL CHUCKLE]
- Wait, wait. No. No, no, no, that's fair.

There are a lot of
hardworking men and women

who keep a very overworked
system running as best they can.

- Yeah.
- [SIREN WAILING IN DISTANCE]

I've got a shout-out.

To Mr. Winston, who let me
retake the Spanish mid-term.

Bless up. Or bendiga.

[SIRENS WAILING]

Tavon, you still with us?

- Five-O.
- What?

[GLENNON] Blue Volvo wagon.
Double-time, guys. Come on.

Damn, Mr. P. That's your car.

Tavon, language.

I mean, dang, Mr. P.
That's still your car.

Homework out, everyone. Let's...

Let's focus, and exchange homework.

Girl, isn't that your dad's car?

Every crack, every crevice.

[OFFICER] Oh.

Surprise, surprise.

Deputy Chief Cayman, I would be happy
to follow you to the police station

to straighten out whatever
misunderstanding there seems to be.

We're almost done.

Look, if you could tell me
what you're looking for...

We found Green Light in your car.

Wait, what? No. That's impossible.

Oh!

You got that Green Light, cuz?

That is not mine.

Mr. Pierce, you're under arrest.

Turn around, put your
hands behind your back.

What? This is ridiculous.

- Are you resisting?
- You can't come in here and just...

I am not resisting.

I am complying.

- [HANDCUFFS LOCKING]
- [GRUNTS]

Dad.

No, honey, it's a
misunderstanding, honey.

I just need to go with these
men and straighten it out.

Everything will be fine.

Jennifer...

Jennifer, I need you to do
something very important for me.

Jennifer.

I need you to be calm, really calm.

Call your mother, tell her what happened

and be strong for your
mother. Can you do that for me?

Let's go.

Well, ya'll, not just
gonna take Mr. Pierce.

Look, son, this ain't
no rap video. Step aside.

Hey, look, my daddy name is Lamont,

and you damn sure don't
look like a Lamont.

[JEFFERSON] Tavon.

No one wants to see another
black man in cuffs today.

Well, you wanna help? Keep doing
what you're supposed to be doing

and make sure all the
other students do the same.

Can I count on you?

I didn't hear you, Tavon.

Yes, sir. You can count on me.

[ANISSA] Whoa, whoa, whoa!

- Stay back, miss.
- Who do you think you are?

- You can't just take him...
- Stand back.

- No. Anissa. Anissa...
- Dad...

No! Get back in the school,
take care of everyone.

Anissa.

Don't touch me.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

What the hell do you think you're doing?

My job. Yours, too, apparently.

Get him processed and put him in four.

I wanna see the search warrant.

[GRUNTS]

[SCOFFS]

Jefferson Pierce is one of the most
distinguished members of this community.

Was. Then we discovered
he's a drug dealer

operating out of a school.

I have to give him credit.
Smart way to corner the market.

You don't believe that your damn self.

Tread lightly, Inspector. Don't
be blinded by personal feelings.

My eyes are wide open.

Good. I'd hate to see
anything happen to you.

You gotta bring ass to get ass.

Don't forget that.

[KARA OVER PA] Thank you, students,

for returning to your
lessons and activities.

The school day will continue as usual.

I am actively seeking an
update on Principal Pierce

and will keep staff and students

informed as soon as we learn more.

Until then,

please, let's get
through this day in a way

that will make Principal Pierce proud.

Remember, you are the future.

Yeah, okay. Okay!

[GRUNTS]

[GROANS] I'm surrounded by
cops. Is this really necessary?

[GRUNTS]

Open your mouth.

Lift your tongue.

Drop your clothes.

Assume the position.

Now cough twice.

Local principal, Jefferson Pierce

was arrested today at Garfield High.

Sources confirmed large amounts
of controlled substances

were confiscated from his vehicle.

I need to see Jefferson Pierce.

And you are?

His wife.

ID.

His ex-wife, actually.

Then I can't help you, ma'am.

Can I speak to Inspector
Henderson, please?

[INSPECTOR HENDERSON] Lynn...

Bill, you know Jeff. You know he
would never ever do anything...

Of course I know, Lynn.

But now is not the time
and this is not the place.

Well... he can't be
here right now. He can't.

Something so bad could happen.

- Where's...
- Lynn, look at me.

Do you trust me?

No.

But I know Jefferson does.

And I have to go set the record for
speed-interviewing defense lawyers,

so I'll talk to you later.

All right.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER FROM COMPUTER]

So you know.

We knew the ASA was coming for
us. I didn't expect this, though.

Okay. I'm suiting up and I'm going in.

No, you're not.

Yeah, I am. You can help
me or not, but I'm going.

Anissa, if your father wanted out
this way, he could do it himself.

If you don't maintain
your secret identity,

it could endanger Jennifer.

Your mother, too.

How does it help the
ASA to put Dad in jail?

The national security apparatus can
push buttons in local law enforcement.

This is smoke.

The fire comes when he gets
moved by an ASA collection team

that's equipped to
neutralize his powers.

They'll throw him in a black site
and confirm that he's Black Lightning.

And then what?

They'll kill him.

Okay. We've got to get him out of there.

No, that will only
confirm their suspicions.

What we have to do is prove to the ASA

that Jefferson Pierce
isn't Black Lightning.

Okay.

How do we do that?

[GRUNTS]

Henderson. Finally.

Afternoon, Mr. Pierce.

[WHISPERS] We're on tape.
There's eyes and ears everywhere.

[IN NORMAL VOICE] How's that? Better?

Yeah.

They took my clothes.

They're being tested to see if they
contain any traces of Green Light.

What? They're not gonna find anything.

[CHUCKLES]

You might be surprised what they find.

Now, we've known each other a long time,

so I'll shoot straight with you.

Um... [SCOFFS]

There's too much here to ignore.

What's your connection to this man?

He called himself Lala.

A murderer, drug dealer.

He was a student when
I was a young teacher.

Nothing beyond that?

Despite my efforts, he
joined The One Hundred.

He worked his way up the ranks.

So, I took advantage of my relationship

and got him to make
Garfield High off-limits.

So why did members of The One Hundred

enter Garfield and
kidnap your daughters?

I don't know.

Drug deal gone bad?

[SIGHS]

Henderson, I'm being set up.

Why would someone set you up?

I don't know.

- Interview's over.
- No. It's not.

I have a transfer order
above your pay grade and mine.

- From who?
- Hell if I know.

It's a national security directive.

But I wouldn't wanna be you.

Our reporter in the field, John
Webb, has been on the street,

talking to people about
the shocking arrest

of nationally respected Garfield
High Principal Jefferson Pierce.

Every time a brother
tries to help his people,

they find a way to set
him up and take him down.

It's a shame.

I heard he walks around and makes
the students call him Black Jesus.

Imagine that. Black Jesus.

My niece went to Garfield.

That girl never would've graduated

if it wasn't for Principal Pierce.

The police know damn well Mr.
Pierce ain't no drug dealer.

Any man who would do
that could do anything.

He kept her focused and
helped her get into college.

She graduates from Johns
Hopkins next semester.

[JOHN WEBB] There you have it.

Shock, disbelief, and for some,

disillusionment about
this turn of events.

John Webb reporting.

[CELL PHONE VIBRATING]

Dr. Lynn Stewart.

[INSPECTOR HENDERSON] The Feds
are transferring Jefferson.

Some kind of national security
thing. There's nothing I can do.

National security? What
are the allegations?

I've told you everything I know.

Thank you.

[GAMBI] Your mother called.

The order came to move
Jefferson. We're out of time.

Okay, we go with your plan.

Anissa, I want to save
your dad as much as you,

but you need to understand the
tech we're using is a prototype,

put together in half a day with
parts I cannibalized from the sanctum.

And?

It's untested. It may not work.

But it might.

Look, I can't lose my dad.

And at this point, we're
the only hope he's got.

You have to do exactly as
I tell you. One misstep...

Ain't gonna be no missteps.

Just walk me through it. I got this.

I have one more lawyer to
interview, and I'll get back to you.

Okay. Thank you.

[JENNIFER SIGHS]

Why can't he just Black
Lightning his way out?

You know, you're gonna
have to learn that you can't

punch or superpower your
way out of every problem.

I know you're scared.
It's okay to be scared.

I'm not. [SCOFFS]

Dad told me to be strong for you.

It's okay to be strong and
scared at the same time.

It's called having sense.

Well, what if we can't get him out?

I mean, it does happen to
people all the time, right?

[CRYING]

What if Daddy never comes home?

He will.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

You two, let's go.

No. Not you.

Hey, man, I'm trying to help you,
but national security directives?

And top secret transfer
orders? You a spy or something?

What? No, I'm not.

Look, Jeff, we're friends, we
don't tell each other everything.

But if you know of any reason this
is going down, now is the time.

I really don't know.

Yeah, I'm still gonna help you.

I was just hoping you would
make it a little easier for me.

What do you want?

Come on in. Have a seat.

"Follow the money." Isn't
that what they always say?

Henderson, I don't have
time for whatever this is.

Oh, I think you do.

I called in a lifetime of favors,

but from what I could tell,

you hit the lottery.

I don't know what you're talking about.

Your son has himself a new house.

Contractor says he paid in cash.

I wonder what the IRS would
have to say about that?

Now, look, I know there's a lot
of money to be made with the badge.

I got you dead to rights.

But the good news is, I don't want you.

I want Cayman.

Now...

how about you sit down?

Monitoring three students
who've ingested Green Light.

No enhanced abilities observed.

Whoa!

[GAMBI] Don't let anything get
between you and the hologram,

or people will realize
it's not really him.

Okay. I got it.

I'll turn it off for now.

Get as much attention as you
can, and I'll turn it back on.

All right.

- Oh, my God. Look!
- [MAN] It's Thunder!

[WOMAN] Look at her!

[MAN] Oh, my God.

[INDISTINCT SHOUTING]

[CHIMES] _

Our reporters are on
the ground in Zone Four,

where several residents
have reported a disturbance.

[CROWD EXCLAIMING]

- Black Lightning!
- Look, look, look!

Look! It's Black Lightning and Thunder!

It's a good thing Freeland's
power grid is so easy to hack.

[CROWD EXCLAIMING]

You're almost at the
intersection. There.

[TIRES SCREECHING]

[CHEERING]

Damn! Don't let that
car get between you.

I know.

[TIRES SCREECHING]

[PEOPLE CHEERING]

[MAN] Let's got, Black
Lightning, let's go!

[CHEERING AND WHISTLING]

[MAN ON TV] It's crazy, man.

I mean, it still bugs me
when I see Black Lightning.

Negro running around looking
like a modern-day George Clinton.

But now he got that fine-ass
woman running around with him.

Must be nice.

[WOMAN] I'm happy to see them
both out here trying to help.

Since they showed up,

less of these kids out here
trippin' on that Green Light,

- that's for sure.
- Yeah.

For sure.

[CHIMES]

_

_

_

_

[SIGHS]

[CELL DOOR UNLOCKS]

Glennon admitted to
planting the evidence.

You're being cleared for release.

[SIGHS]

Thanks, brother.

The next few rounds are on you.

[CHIEF CAYMAN] I was
told you were down here.

What are you doing?

Police work. You should try it sometime.

You just flushed your badge
down the toilet, Henderson.

Mr. Pierce, once you get
dressed, you're free to go.

Hey!

[GRUNTS]

What the hell?

I'm embarrassed that it took me
this long to do the right thing,

[GRUNTS]

start weeding this place of all the rot.

But once Detective Glennon got going,

he had an awful lot to
say, mainly about you.

[CHIEF CAYMAN] Don't
play cop games with me.

[GROANS]

You know, who knew you were smart enough

to seek out some shell corporations,

but dumb enough to leave
the paperwork in your house?

You're under arrest. The officer
will read you your rights.

You're making a mistake, Henderson.

Hey. You don't know how
this town really works!

Actually, I do.

Daddy!

[LAUGHING]

I'm so happy you're home!

Oh. Me, too, sweetie. Me, too.

You know what? I'm hungry.
Let's get some ice cream.

- [SIGHS] Well, I guess we had our moment.
- Yeah.

[KNOCK AT DOOR]

[INHALES DEEPLY]

[ANISSA CHUCKLES]

It's Uncle Gambi.

[SIGHS]

[CHUCKLES]

Thanks for coming over.

Anissa told me what you did.

Did she tell you about
the self-driving van?

I'm really proud of
the self-driving van.

Do you think the ASA
bought your hologram move?

For now.

Jefferson, I...

Look, I don't know how things
are going to be, moving forward.

I don't expect you to forgive me.

I might not be able to.

But I still can't forget
what you've done for me.

For my family.

I want to find a new balance.

Somehow.

Okay.

Just let me know what you need from me.

I need you to help me
save those children.

Revelations that renowned Garfield
High Principal, Jefferson Pierce

was framed by Freeland
PD Deputy Chief Cayman.

He has been completely exonerated,

while Cayman and his
cohorts are in custody.

We go live now to the
Freeland PD press conference.

This is a new day in Freeland.

For years, good folk have suffered
from over or under-policing,

from police brutality
instead of public safety,

and from corruption rather
than professionalism.

I am of this community,

from this community, and
devoted to this community.

With the support of the Police Chief,

I embrace my new role as Deputy Chief.

And I promise the people of Freeland

a better police department.

So, Gambi, you're the eldest.

Lead us?

We are thankful for the
companionship that warms our hearts,

for the food that we're about to
eat that will nourish our bodies,

and we're thankful for your eternal
protection which maintains our souls.

Amen.

[ALL] Amen.

Let's eat.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Yes.