Black Lightning (2018–…): Season 3, Episode 16 - The Book of War: Chapter Three: Liberation - full transcript
Black Lightning faces off against Gravedigger.
Previously,on
"Black Lightning"...
[Lynn] I left the formula for the
meta-boost serum in Markovia.
What happens
if Gravedigger
can have any meta power
he wants?
He'd be unstoppable.
War is coming to Freeland.
Take this peace offering.
Use it to burn down the ASA
for what they did to my city.
Gravedigger is en route
with a battalion of troops.
The powers that be
have decided that
they would rather nuke Freeland
than let Gravedigger win.
The government is gonna bomb
Freeland if we don't beat Gravedigger?
The DNA sample I took from
Gravedigger matches your DNA.
Gravedigger's your great-uncle.
Gravedigger's at the perimeter.
Where's Jennifer? Jen?
[Lightning screams]
We got a bogie at 9 o'clock.
What is that?
That's Jen.
[Black Lightning]
Gambi, she's alive!
Good for her.
[grunts]
[R&B song playing]
*BLACK LIGHTNING*
Season 03 Episode 16
Episode Title: "The Book of War:
Chapter Three: Liberationn"
[both grunting]
Hold it.
What has gotten into you?
You're coming on hard.
[chuckles]
Hold up.
Electrical powers...
Young enough
to be your daughter.
[chuckles]
That's baby Lightning.
Mmm, that's why you mad, huh?
Come on.
[grunts]
[shouting]
[exclaims] Can't
believe you got up.
[exhales]
What you can't do,
you'll do for blood, right?
You and I are blood.
That's funny.
Black Lightning continues to
fight for the city of Freeland,
which is suffering from a full-scale
invasion from Markovian forces.
Police [sighs]
And fire stations
have been blown up.
Citizens are being shot down
in the street.
And the ASA's
nowhere to be found.
Is Black Lightning
the only line of defense?
Has the government
abandoned Freeland?
I'm Jamillah Olsen,
reporting live from Mark...
[exclaims]
[gasping]
- [earpiece beeps]
- Now.
[Black Lightning]
Let's stop the madness.
We're family.
We can work it out.
Man, stop.
We ain't related.
No?
Why am I
a stable meta like you?
I know you were born
out of wedlock.
Your father's name
was Cassius.
You got that from the ASA.
I know you only met
your half-brother twice.
Once when you were young,
and once right before
you both went off to war.
His name was Ben.
My grandfather.
[chuckles]
Look here, kinfolk.
You ain't gonna talk
your way out of this one.
I'm on a mission.
And I'm gonna complete it.
So you can surrender now.
You'll be treated nicely.
Just like your baby girl.
Where is she?
Ah!
She's a prisoner of war.
Where is she?
I'm giving you one last
chance to surrender, boy.
[electricity crackling]
[grunts]
[exclaims]
Yeah, you feel that?
- [groans]
- Those are microwaves.
Cooking you from the inside.
That's it.
Nothing to be ashamed about.
[grunts]
[Gravedigger] You fought well.
Now stay down.
[groans]
[Gravedigger screams]
[panting]
Rangers.
Prepare for glory.
♪ Last night I saw a
superhero He was black ♪
♪ He said "This is for the
street Black Lightning's back" ♪
[rap song playing
on headphones]
Grayle, Gambi.
We have to move
the meta kids to the Pit
to keep them away
from Gravedigger.
It's the most secure place
in all of Freeland.
Thunder's on her way
to help you escort them.
Have them ready to travel.
Copy you.
Grayle, what's up?
We have to prep to move.
Okay, let's do it.
Katie, are you still jamming
all transmissions?
[Katie] Yes,
this video will go unseen.
Sir, without our
perimeter barrier,
Markovian forces
will overrun the city.
First will come a shock-and-awe
strike to disrupt everything.
Then they'll secure
an exfiltration route.
While the elite
Markovian Rangers
recon the city
to locate Freeland's metas.
No longer our problem.
We're pulling out of Freeland.
Commander, leave nothing
classified behind. I want total closure.
Yes, sir.
Major, find the briefcase
and bring it to me, or...
Destroy it.
Yes, sir.
Did I stutter?
Gambi, I need you.
I'm here.
The Markovians took Jen.
I need you to find out
where they took her.
I'm on it.
Odell isn't at the Pit.
He must be at
a safehouse somewhere.
Okay.
Okay, well, uh, I'll start talking
to the cameras around the city.
- I'll find him.
- Thanks.
I need to concentrate on
using the ASA's system
to search for Lightning's
energy signature.
Copy you.
Come on.
[Gravedigger]
It's not gonna work.
My name is Tyson Sykes.
I'm in command here.
And the first thing you need to
understand is, I'm not your enemy.
You could've fooled me with the
whole kidnapping and invasion thing.
[scoffs]
Actions made necessary by the
continuing treachery of the US government.
I have been empowered
by the nation of Markovia
to establish an independent
meta-human state inside their borders.
A place where
meta-humans can be free.
Live normal lives.
Mmm-mmm. You need to sell
that trash somewhere else.
Trash?
Little girl,
you don't know a damn
thing about this country.
This country was built
by and for rich white men.
That's never gonna change.
There's been plenty of change.
Not enough, sure, but it's disrespectful
to the sacrifices of our ancestors
to say there's been none.
Change. Oh, you mean Obama?
And Martin Luther King?
Well, seems to me
that Obama was
bought and paid for
by rich liberals and
multinational corporations,
and Martin Luther King,
well, he was a coward
who lacked the courage
to fight for his own freedom.
Are you insane?
MLK was one of the most courageous
people to walk the face of this Earth.
Not by fighting, but by purposefully
putting himself in harm's way.
The moral authority of his
cause couldn't be debated.
Yeah, they debated
that plenty.
But he was on
the right side of history.
"Metas are with you,
or else."
That's not independence
or peace.
Who are you
to judge me, huh?
You've been on this planet
for the blink of an eye.
I'm 100 years old.
Maybe that's why
you're so negative and grouchy.
I ought to kill you
where you stand.
Why don't you let me
out of here?
Try it.
Maybe later.
[scoffs]
Is this moment
in black history over?
[chuckles]
[indistinct conversation]
[rap song playing]
[exclaims]
[screams]
What assurance
do I have that
the ASA will honor its
side of the deal?
Above my paygrade.
You have something
for me or not?
Suppose I'll have to
trust you.
Or I could wash my hands in
your blood if you double cross me.
The briefcase is at
Gambi's tailor shop.
The tailor who came back
from the dead?
Mmm.
Who does he work for?
No one.
Piece of cake.
We'll be in touch.
Prepare for relocation
to Gotham City.
You'll receive your seat
on the Shadow Board there.
Gotham? Wait a minute.
You're gonna nuke Freeland
if the Markovians take it.
And I just became a loose end.
[groans]
[grunts]
You'll never get
out of here alive.
[Lady Eve]
I'm already gone, bitch.
[breathing heavily]
- [earpiece beeps]
- Des... Destiny.
[groans] Call...
Call Lala.
Call Lala, tell him that
I just got from the ASA
that we won't have Freeland
if the Markovians succeed.
Good morning, Nurse Judas.
[clicking]
Of course, a loser like you is still
living at home with his parents in his 40s.
Oh, my God.
What'd you do with them?
Your mom will be just fine,
as long as you take me to where
they're keeping the Markovian metas.
What about my father?
Ah, yes.
The Blackovian.
I assure you he died well.
[computers beeping]
You sure this is
where Jen is?
Not completely.
Her energy signature's vanished
but I picked up an energy signature
similar to ASA's meta collars.
It's there, in the middle of where the
Markovian battalion has made camp.
That has to be it.
What has to be it?
You need him.
You'll never get Jen out alive
past a hundred Markovian troops.
I know what I said before,
but if Jen needs help, then I'm there.
What's the plan?
[Gambi] TC!
[Brandon]
What's wrong with him?
Probably ASA countermeasures.
We were trying
to trace Odell.
The ASA had him in a pod.
You best believe Odell knows
how to deal with his powers.
Is he gonna be okay?
I think so.
Everything okay?
Yeah. Just a glitch.
Thought someone was
opening up my front door.
All good.
Let's go get Jen.
[Dr. Jace grunting]
[Dr. Jace] Oh, thank God.
I presume I'm being tracked,
and Odell wants you to break me out?
My orders are to clean out the
classified information in Freeland.
[grunts]
All right,
keep moving, everybody.
Go, go, go.
You'll be safe inside. Go.
Keep moving!
Hey, Henderson. That's a lot
of... That's a lot of bad guys, bro.
What we gonna do?
We're gonna fight,
Two-Bits. Everybody fight!
Huh?
[screams]
Get off my block.
[loud rumbling]
[mouthing] Daddy.
- Hey, I appreciate you.
- Always.
We could still use
your help.
You wanna meet us
at the Pit?
Yeah. I got you.
Gambi will direct you.
Can you fly?
[electricity crackling]
Shh.
That's dope.
You shouldn't be here.
If we're gonna have any chance
of beating Gravedigger,
we have to strip him
of his extra powers.
Can you do that?
I think so.
My orders are to destroy
all classified information.
That includes
the files you're using.
And, I imagine,
the information inside my head.
Yes.
Dr. Jace has already
been dealt with.
[breath trembling]
And I'm next.
Commander Williams,
you're obviously dedicated to your duty.
But if you try and stop me,
Markovians will kill and kidnap Americans.
Children.
Children, like you were.
Me?
Because you're a meta.
I'm not a damn meta.
I'm a soldier.
[grunts]
[Markovian Ranger]
First Citizen, Gravedigger.
We've located
an underground complex
with an above-ground entrance
that is heavily guarded.
Excellent.
That's it.
That's where
they're hiding my metas.
I'm working on
the anti-booster.
I need five minutes
to render the solution.
[Black Lightning]
I'm on my way.
[upbeat hip-hop song playing]
I'm here to
take back control.
Maybe after I finish my last
mission and kill the Pierce family.
Starting with that pain in
the ass you love so much.
Jennifer.
[song continues playing]
[both grunting]
[groans]
Are you serious right now?
[grunts]
[exclaims]
[shouts]
[grunting]
[screams]
[screams]
You ever hear of
the rope a dope?
You're the dope.
[groaning]
[exhales deeply]
[sighs] Why's it gotta be
in the woods?
These damn bugs
are eating me alive.
Hey, wait.
I see Resistance members
guarding something.
Doesn't look like much.
It's not supposed to.
- Who the hell is this?
- I don't know.
I just saw a man
float down from the sky
and land into the woods
about 40 yards away.
[Gravedigger] Delta three,
you in position?
Affirmative.
Suppressive fire, sir?
Negative.
Looks like he's giving orders.
That would be Gravedigger,
Chief, do not engage him.
Leave him for Black
Lightning and Lightning.
They're on their way.
[Gravedigger]
Arm the meta weapons.
Engage with Black Lightning
when he arrives to follow.
[Inspector Henderson]
What's this about?
Light him up!
He's still coming.
You think we can't see that?
Reload!
I already have.
Sleep.
It's just around the corner.
I've already opened it.
Okay, I see it, I see it.
Everybody listen to me. There is
a safe room right through this door,
and I need everybody
in it now.
Let's go. Come on.
[Gambi] Gravedigger's on level
one. He's headed to level two.
- Go, go, go.
- The safe room can withstand
a thermonuclear war.
So hopefully,
it can keep Gravedigger out.
Come on, come on, come on.
Hurry.
Wait.
This is unnecessary.
I'm here on your behalf,
trust me.
Okay.
And this ass-whooping that we brought,
it's for your own good, too.
Yeah, trust us.
You know what?
Kill her.
[Grace grunts]
What the hell
is wrong with you?
What the hell
is wrong with you? Stop!
Are they dead?
They're asleep.
Gravedigger's here.
[Markovian Ranger]
First Citizen, Gravedigger.
I have Black Lightning
in my sight.
Permission to take the shot?
[Gravedigger]
Permission granted.
[Inspector Henderson]
Drop them.
[gunshots]
[grunts]
No.
No, no.
No, no. No!
No, Henderson!
What are you
doing here, man?
[groans]
Saving your black ass.
Get me out of here, man.
I can't.
What you mean you can't?
Henderson, you got
a hole in your chest.
- [groans]
- If I move you...
Damn.
Damn, I'm not ready, man.
[sniffles]
Thank you for
saving my life, man.
Seemed like a good idea
at the time.
[gasps softly]
I can't feel my legs, man.
Henderson, man,
you're my best friend.
I'm sorry I let you down.
Never, man.
Never.
Now, you don't
let down Freeland.
[gasps softly]
[crying]
[both grunting]
[groaning]
Grace.
[straining]
No, Grace. Stop.
Grace, stop!
[breathing heavily]
[Grace shouting]
[grunts]
Grace. Grace. Come on.
[sniffles] Oh, my God.
I didn't mean to...
[breathing heavily]
Gambi. Gambi. Gambi.
I'm here.
We're in the Pit. And Grace,
she's hurt. She's hurt bad.
I don't know what to do.
You need to stay on mission.
We'll get her out
when we're done.
[crying]
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry.
Whoa, you need to
lay back down.
There's no time.
I figured out how the ASA's
countermeasure kicked me out.
I'm going to find Odell.
[computers beeping]
Is that the anti-booster?
Yeah.
I'm gonna deliver it
with this.
No. No. Give it to me.
Jeff, he's not just gonna
let you shoot him.
You concentrate
on staying alive.
And while he's busy
with you, I'll do it.
[sighs]
I hate to say it,
but you're right.
Jeff, I heard what happened
with Henderson over the comms.
I'm so sorry.
What happened here?
I don't wanna talk about it.
Okay.
Hey.
You ready?
Yeah.
Let's go.
[Gravedigger scoffs]
You again.
Well, this time
I brought a friend.
What's up?
Wanna know a secret?
Volcanic lightning
beats magnetic field.
[all grunting]
[straining]
[Lightning] Dad,
Brandon and I have Gravedigger.
But I'm not sure
how long we can hold him.
He'll kill her.
You go ahead.
I'll catch up.
[grunts]
[panting]
Katie.
Activate self-destruct.
Password, please.
Rosebud.
Self-destruct activated.
And put this safehouse
on a ten-minute fuse,
then blow it.
Understood.
[grunts]
Oh, you're back, huh?
You gonna run again?
[both grunting]
[groans]
Damn.
You all right?
Yeah, I'm good.
Are you good?
Mom.
- Sweetie, are you okay?
- Yeah, Mom, I'm good.
- You okay?
- Yeah, I'm good.
Lynn, Black Lightning
is fighting Gravedigger.
He needs that anti-booster.
Mom, go.
Go, we're fine. Go.
[both grunting]
I ain't got time for this.
- [grunts]
- [groans]
What were you thinking, hmm?
- [gunshot]
- [grunts]
[scoffs] You should've
gone for the head.
[straining]
[exclaims]
You know what I was thinking?
You ain't too tough
without those extra powers.
[screams]
[gasping]
You have nothing
to be ashamed of.
You fought well.
Something's wrong.
The ASA system
is really, really upset.
It's on self-destruct.
Override.
Saying it can't be.
They have 60 seconds
to get out.
Jeff, you need to get out of there,
right now. There's a self-destruct.
The safe room will survive,
but it's already been sealed.
Everyone, you've got less than
a minute to get away from the Pit.
Okay, I'll pick him up.
You get on my back.
No, we have to go.
- What?
- He lives, we die.
Lynn, he's family.
We can't leave him.
No,
Jeff. We have to go now. Come on!
Come on.
[sighs]
Now, you didn't really think
I was gonna let you get away?
Not after making me kill
my own mother, did you?
Caveat emptor.
That shut-down
only works for Painkiller.
I'm Khalil.
We haven't officially met.
Don't try to stop me.
No, you're gonna stop yourself.
Because you're smart enough
to realize
that a bullet to the head
is too good for him.
He needs to be shackled,
caged, humiliated,
and then die alone.
- [gunshots]
- [gasps]
[Black Lightning] Khalil!
I shot him
through the spleen.
Don't need it, anyway.
He'll be all right.
No. Unless he has internal
bleeding or gets an infection.
And if that's the case,
it's God's will.
He's all yours.
[indistinct
radio conversations]
[Commando 1] Fire in the hole.
[Commando 2] Clear!
[Commando 1]
Cover this area.
[Major Grey] Mr. Gambi.
We know you're in here.
We know you have
the briefcase.
[Gambi] Can't help
but notice you have
your most trusted
Commandos with you.
Showing off that you're in
our personnel files, tailor?
Brag much?
[Gambi] Thanking you.
For bringing me the last ASA personnel
to know the Pierce family's secrets.
You're welcome.
They all know you very well.
You're not gonna
get out of here.
[Gambi] I've seen worse.
[gunshots]
[Commando 1]
Visual. Visual.
[Commando 2]
He's on the move.
[keypad beeps]
Flash out.
- [grenade clatters]
- [Commando] Flash in.
Go, go.
All sides clear.
[Commando]
Nothing here, sir.
He's here somewhere.
- Help me.
- Okay.
All clear.
My left.
Pulling.
TC!
You okay?
[coughs]
Come on.
- [coughing]
- I got you.
Come on.
You're doing good.
- [groans]
- You're doing good.
Look, so what's
your assessment?
She's in a coma.
I'm sorry, honey,
but you know how this goes.
It could be ten minutes,
it could be ten years.
And there's no data
to determine how the
shape-shifting might affect it.
No.
Come on, come on, come on. There's
gotta be something that you can do.
She needs to be some place
where she can have constant care.
And we can pray.
The last of our troops are
returning from Freeland.
The Americans have declined
to keep prisoners of war,
but demanded reparations
for the damage to Freeland.
The Prime Minister
has flatly refused.
Meanwhile, the Americans are
conducting hearings to investigate
the provocation that
made our raid necessary...
Thanks, Ma.
[female reporter on TV] The Commission
has been convened by Congress
to look into
the Freeland conflict.
A heinous and brutal attack
on American soil.
Among others, the vigilante
known as Black Lightning
is expected to testify.
[scoffs] The Neon Negro's about
to get his 15 minutes of fame.
He ain't nothing but a snitch.
Just like you.
Well, my brother,
looks like it's time for me
to pack my bags.
Things seem copacetic
back home.
Plus, I got a date with
a beautiful divorcee doctor.
She's gonna help me get the crown
of Freeland that I am destined to wear.
I am pleased to report that every
meta-human in Freeland has been stabilized.
And though I was able
to fix their bodies,
their lives remain shattered.
They're outsiders,
in need of reassimilation into society,
and education,
a place to live.
I have your recommendations
here for a boarding school
keyed to the needs of
Freeland's meta-humans.
This Congressional Commission
hereby ratifies your plan.
Thank you.
The Commission calls
Black Lightning.
So what happened in
Freeland was not random.
It was the latest in a long,
reprehensible history
of experimenting
on black people.
From trial-and-error surgeries
on women in bondage,
to giving men syphilis
at Tuskegee,
and now to decades of
illegal human experimentation
to create meta-humans.
All the evidence
is in this briefcase.
The Chair recognizes
Judge Isabella.
Black Lightning,
where did you get that briefcase?
[Black Lightning]
From the ASA.
Now, what you're looking at is the
master control for the ASA's operation
on meta-humans.
The Chair recognizes
Judge von Eeden.
Black Lightning, I assume the information
in there is encrypted, is it not?
It was.
But it's been cracked.
And it will reveal
a crime against humanity
orchestrated by the ASA,
and brought to its height
with Agent Odell and Freeland.
As Chair of the Commission on the
Freeland conflict, I promise you this,
Agent Odell is being detained,
and he will be prosecuted to the
full extent of the law.
Furthermore, the ASA will be disbanded,
effective tomorrow.
For security reasons,
everyone will remain where they are
until Black Lightning, Thunder,
and Lightning have left the building.
The lobby has been cleared
for your exit.
"Black Lightning"...
[Lynn] I left the formula for the
meta-boost serum in Markovia.
What happens
if Gravedigger
can have any meta power
he wants?
He'd be unstoppable.
War is coming to Freeland.
Take this peace offering.
Use it to burn down the ASA
for what they did to my city.
Gravedigger is en route
with a battalion of troops.
The powers that be
have decided that
they would rather nuke Freeland
than let Gravedigger win.
The government is gonna bomb
Freeland if we don't beat Gravedigger?
The DNA sample I took from
Gravedigger matches your DNA.
Gravedigger's your great-uncle.
Gravedigger's at the perimeter.
Where's Jennifer? Jen?
[Lightning screams]
We got a bogie at 9 o'clock.
What is that?
That's Jen.
[Black Lightning]
Gambi, she's alive!
Good for her.
[grunts]
[R&B song playing]
*BLACK LIGHTNING*
Season 03 Episode 16
Episode Title: "The Book of War:
Chapter Three: Liberationn"
[both grunting]
Hold it.
What has gotten into you?
You're coming on hard.
[chuckles]
Hold up.
Electrical powers...
Young enough
to be your daughter.
[chuckles]
That's baby Lightning.
Mmm, that's why you mad, huh?
Come on.
[grunts]
[shouting]
[exclaims] Can't
believe you got up.
[exhales]
What you can't do,
you'll do for blood, right?
You and I are blood.
That's funny.
Black Lightning continues to
fight for the city of Freeland,
which is suffering from a full-scale
invasion from Markovian forces.
Police [sighs]
And fire stations
have been blown up.
Citizens are being shot down
in the street.
And the ASA's
nowhere to be found.
Is Black Lightning
the only line of defense?
Has the government
abandoned Freeland?
I'm Jamillah Olsen,
reporting live from Mark...
[exclaims]
[gasping]
- [earpiece beeps]
- Now.
[Black Lightning]
Let's stop the madness.
We're family.
We can work it out.
Man, stop.
We ain't related.
No?
Why am I
a stable meta like you?
I know you were born
out of wedlock.
Your father's name
was Cassius.
You got that from the ASA.
I know you only met
your half-brother twice.
Once when you were young,
and once right before
you both went off to war.
His name was Ben.
My grandfather.
[chuckles]
Look here, kinfolk.
You ain't gonna talk
your way out of this one.
I'm on a mission.
And I'm gonna complete it.
So you can surrender now.
You'll be treated nicely.
Just like your baby girl.
Where is she?
Ah!
She's a prisoner of war.
Where is she?
I'm giving you one last
chance to surrender, boy.
[electricity crackling]
[grunts]
[exclaims]
Yeah, you feel that?
- [groans]
- Those are microwaves.
Cooking you from the inside.
That's it.
Nothing to be ashamed about.
[grunts]
[Gravedigger] You fought well.
Now stay down.
[groans]
[Gravedigger screams]
[panting]
Rangers.
Prepare for glory.
♪ Last night I saw a
superhero He was black ♪
♪ He said "This is for the
street Black Lightning's back" ♪
[rap song playing
on headphones]
Grayle, Gambi.
We have to move
the meta kids to the Pit
to keep them away
from Gravedigger.
It's the most secure place
in all of Freeland.
Thunder's on her way
to help you escort them.
Have them ready to travel.
Copy you.
Grayle, what's up?
We have to prep to move.
Okay, let's do it.
Katie, are you still jamming
all transmissions?
[Katie] Yes,
this video will go unseen.
Sir, without our
perimeter barrier,
Markovian forces
will overrun the city.
First will come a shock-and-awe
strike to disrupt everything.
Then they'll secure
an exfiltration route.
While the elite
Markovian Rangers
recon the city
to locate Freeland's metas.
No longer our problem.
We're pulling out of Freeland.
Commander, leave nothing
classified behind. I want total closure.
Yes, sir.
Major, find the briefcase
and bring it to me, or...
Destroy it.
Yes, sir.
Did I stutter?
Gambi, I need you.
I'm here.
The Markovians took Jen.
I need you to find out
where they took her.
I'm on it.
Odell isn't at the Pit.
He must be at
a safehouse somewhere.
Okay.
Okay, well, uh, I'll start talking
to the cameras around the city.
- I'll find him.
- Thanks.
I need to concentrate on
using the ASA's system
to search for Lightning's
energy signature.
Copy you.
Come on.
[Gravedigger]
It's not gonna work.
My name is Tyson Sykes.
I'm in command here.
And the first thing you need to
understand is, I'm not your enemy.
You could've fooled me with the
whole kidnapping and invasion thing.
[scoffs]
Actions made necessary by the
continuing treachery of the US government.
I have been empowered
by the nation of Markovia
to establish an independent
meta-human state inside their borders.
A place where
meta-humans can be free.
Live normal lives.
Mmm-mmm. You need to sell
that trash somewhere else.
Trash?
Little girl,
you don't know a damn
thing about this country.
This country was built
by and for rich white men.
That's never gonna change.
There's been plenty of change.
Not enough, sure, but it's disrespectful
to the sacrifices of our ancestors
to say there's been none.
Change. Oh, you mean Obama?
And Martin Luther King?
Well, seems to me
that Obama was
bought and paid for
by rich liberals and
multinational corporations,
and Martin Luther King,
well, he was a coward
who lacked the courage
to fight for his own freedom.
Are you insane?
MLK was one of the most courageous
people to walk the face of this Earth.
Not by fighting, but by purposefully
putting himself in harm's way.
The moral authority of his
cause couldn't be debated.
Yeah, they debated
that plenty.
But he was on
the right side of history.
"Metas are with you,
or else."
That's not independence
or peace.
Who are you
to judge me, huh?
You've been on this planet
for the blink of an eye.
I'm 100 years old.
Maybe that's why
you're so negative and grouchy.
I ought to kill you
where you stand.
Why don't you let me
out of here?
Try it.
Maybe later.
[scoffs]
Is this moment
in black history over?
[chuckles]
[indistinct conversation]
[rap song playing]
[exclaims]
[screams]
What assurance
do I have that
the ASA will honor its
side of the deal?
Above my paygrade.
You have something
for me or not?
Suppose I'll have to
trust you.
Or I could wash my hands in
your blood if you double cross me.
The briefcase is at
Gambi's tailor shop.
The tailor who came back
from the dead?
Mmm.
Who does he work for?
No one.
Piece of cake.
We'll be in touch.
Prepare for relocation
to Gotham City.
You'll receive your seat
on the Shadow Board there.
Gotham? Wait a minute.
You're gonna nuke Freeland
if the Markovians take it.
And I just became a loose end.
[groans]
[grunts]
You'll never get
out of here alive.
[Lady Eve]
I'm already gone, bitch.
[breathing heavily]
- [earpiece beeps]
- Des... Destiny.
[groans] Call...
Call Lala.
Call Lala, tell him that
I just got from the ASA
that we won't have Freeland
if the Markovians succeed.
Good morning, Nurse Judas.
[clicking]
Of course, a loser like you is still
living at home with his parents in his 40s.
Oh, my God.
What'd you do with them?
Your mom will be just fine,
as long as you take me to where
they're keeping the Markovian metas.
What about my father?
Ah, yes.
The Blackovian.
I assure you he died well.
[computers beeping]
You sure this is
where Jen is?
Not completely.
Her energy signature's vanished
but I picked up an energy signature
similar to ASA's meta collars.
It's there, in the middle of where the
Markovian battalion has made camp.
That has to be it.
What has to be it?
You need him.
You'll never get Jen out alive
past a hundred Markovian troops.
I know what I said before,
but if Jen needs help, then I'm there.
What's the plan?
[Gambi] TC!
[Brandon]
What's wrong with him?
Probably ASA countermeasures.
We were trying
to trace Odell.
The ASA had him in a pod.
You best believe Odell knows
how to deal with his powers.
Is he gonna be okay?
I think so.
Everything okay?
Yeah. Just a glitch.
Thought someone was
opening up my front door.
All good.
Let's go get Jen.
[Dr. Jace grunting]
[Dr. Jace] Oh, thank God.
I presume I'm being tracked,
and Odell wants you to break me out?
My orders are to clean out the
classified information in Freeland.
[grunts]
All right,
keep moving, everybody.
Go, go, go.
You'll be safe inside. Go.
Keep moving!
Hey, Henderson. That's a lot
of... That's a lot of bad guys, bro.
What we gonna do?
We're gonna fight,
Two-Bits. Everybody fight!
Huh?
[screams]
Get off my block.
[loud rumbling]
[mouthing] Daddy.
- Hey, I appreciate you.
- Always.
We could still use
your help.
You wanna meet us
at the Pit?
Yeah. I got you.
Gambi will direct you.
Can you fly?
[electricity crackling]
Shh.
That's dope.
You shouldn't be here.
If we're gonna have any chance
of beating Gravedigger,
we have to strip him
of his extra powers.
Can you do that?
I think so.
My orders are to destroy
all classified information.
That includes
the files you're using.
And, I imagine,
the information inside my head.
Yes.
Dr. Jace has already
been dealt with.
[breath trembling]
And I'm next.
Commander Williams,
you're obviously dedicated to your duty.
But if you try and stop me,
Markovians will kill and kidnap Americans.
Children.
Children, like you were.
Me?
Because you're a meta.
I'm not a damn meta.
I'm a soldier.
[grunts]
[Markovian Ranger]
First Citizen, Gravedigger.
We've located
an underground complex
with an above-ground entrance
that is heavily guarded.
Excellent.
That's it.
That's where
they're hiding my metas.
I'm working on
the anti-booster.
I need five minutes
to render the solution.
[Black Lightning]
I'm on my way.
[upbeat hip-hop song playing]
I'm here to
take back control.
Maybe after I finish my last
mission and kill the Pierce family.
Starting with that pain in
the ass you love so much.
Jennifer.
[song continues playing]
[both grunting]
[groans]
Are you serious right now?
[grunts]
[exclaims]
[shouts]
[grunting]
[screams]
[screams]
You ever hear of
the rope a dope?
You're the dope.
[groaning]
[exhales deeply]
[sighs] Why's it gotta be
in the woods?
These damn bugs
are eating me alive.
Hey, wait.
I see Resistance members
guarding something.
Doesn't look like much.
It's not supposed to.
- Who the hell is this?
- I don't know.
I just saw a man
float down from the sky
and land into the woods
about 40 yards away.
[Gravedigger] Delta three,
you in position?
Affirmative.
Suppressive fire, sir?
Negative.
Looks like he's giving orders.
That would be Gravedigger,
Chief, do not engage him.
Leave him for Black
Lightning and Lightning.
They're on their way.
[Gravedigger]
Arm the meta weapons.
Engage with Black Lightning
when he arrives to follow.
[Inspector Henderson]
What's this about?
Light him up!
He's still coming.
You think we can't see that?
Reload!
I already have.
Sleep.
It's just around the corner.
I've already opened it.
Okay, I see it, I see it.
Everybody listen to me. There is
a safe room right through this door,
and I need everybody
in it now.
Let's go. Come on.
[Gambi] Gravedigger's on level
one. He's headed to level two.
- Go, go, go.
- The safe room can withstand
a thermonuclear war.
So hopefully,
it can keep Gravedigger out.
Come on, come on, come on.
Hurry.
Wait.
This is unnecessary.
I'm here on your behalf,
trust me.
Okay.
And this ass-whooping that we brought,
it's for your own good, too.
Yeah, trust us.
You know what?
Kill her.
[Grace grunts]
What the hell
is wrong with you?
What the hell
is wrong with you? Stop!
Are they dead?
They're asleep.
Gravedigger's here.
[Markovian Ranger]
First Citizen, Gravedigger.
I have Black Lightning
in my sight.
Permission to take the shot?
[Gravedigger]
Permission granted.
[Inspector Henderson]
Drop them.
[gunshots]
[grunts]
No.
No, no.
No, no. No!
No, Henderson!
What are you
doing here, man?
[groans]
Saving your black ass.
Get me out of here, man.
I can't.
What you mean you can't?
Henderson, you got
a hole in your chest.
- [groans]
- If I move you...
Damn.
Damn, I'm not ready, man.
[sniffles]
Thank you for
saving my life, man.
Seemed like a good idea
at the time.
[gasps softly]
I can't feel my legs, man.
Henderson, man,
you're my best friend.
I'm sorry I let you down.
Never, man.
Never.
Now, you don't
let down Freeland.
[gasps softly]
[crying]
[both grunting]
[groaning]
Grace.
[straining]
No, Grace. Stop.
Grace, stop!
[breathing heavily]
[Grace shouting]
[grunts]
Grace. Grace. Come on.
[sniffles] Oh, my God.
I didn't mean to...
[breathing heavily]
Gambi. Gambi. Gambi.
I'm here.
We're in the Pit. And Grace,
she's hurt. She's hurt bad.
I don't know what to do.
You need to stay on mission.
We'll get her out
when we're done.
[crying]
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry.
Whoa, you need to
lay back down.
There's no time.
I figured out how the ASA's
countermeasure kicked me out.
I'm going to find Odell.
[computers beeping]
Is that the anti-booster?
Yeah.
I'm gonna deliver it
with this.
No. No. Give it to me.
Jeff, he's not just gonna
let you shoot him.
You concentrate
on staying alive.
And while he's busy
with you, I'll do it.
[sighs]
I hate to say it,
but you're right.
Jeff, I heard what happened
with Henderson over the comms.
I'm so sorry.
What happened here?
I don't wanna talk about it.
Okay.
Hey.
You ready?
Yeah.
Let's go.
[Gravedigger scoffs]
You again.
Well, this time
I brought a friend.
What's up?
Wanna know a secret?
Volcanic lightning
beats magnetic field.
[all grunting]
[straining]
[Lightning] Dad,
Brandon and I have Gravedigger.
But I'm not sure
how long we can hold him.
He'll kill her.
You go ahead.
I'll catch up.
[grunts]
[panting]
Katie.
Activate self-destruct.
Password, please.
Rosebud.
Self-destruct activated.
And put this safehouse
on a ten-minute fuse,
then blow it.
Understood.
[grunts]
Oh, you're back, huh?
You gonna run again?
[both grunting]
[groans]
Damn.
You all right?
Yeah, I'm good.
Are you good?
Mom.
- Sweetie, are you okay?
- Yeah, Mom, I'm good.
- You okay?
- Yeah, I'm good.
Lynn, Black Lightning
is fighting Gravedigger.
He needs that anti-booster.
Mom, go.
Go, we're fine. Go.
[both grunting]
I ain't got time for this.
- [grunts]
- [groans]
What were you thinking, hmm?
- [gunshot]
- [grunts]
[scoffs] You should've
gone for the head.
[straining]
[exclaims]
You know what I was thinking?
You ain't too tough
without those extra powers.
[screams]
[gasping]
You have nothing
to be ashamed of.
You fought well.
Something's wrong.
The ASA system
is really, really upset.
It's on self-destruct.
Override.
Saying it can't be.
They have 60 seconds
to get out.
Jeff, you need to get out of there,
right now. There's a self-destruct.
The safe room will survive,
but it's already been sealed.
Everyone, you've got less than
a minute to get away from the Pit.
Okay, I'll pick him up.
You get on my back.
No, we have to go.
- What?
- He lives, we die.
Lynn, he's family.
We can't leave him.
No,
Jeff. We have to go now. Come on!
Come on.
[sighs]
Now, you didn't really think
I was gonna let you get away?
Not after making me kill
my own mother, did you?
Caveat emptor.
That shut-down
only works for Painkiller.
I'm Khalil.
We haven't officially met.
Don't try to stop me.
No, you're gonna stop yourself.
Because you're smart enough
to realize
that a bullet to the head
is too good for him.
He needs to be shackled,
caged, humiliated,
and then die alone.
- [gunshots]
- [gasps]
[Black Lightning] Khalil!
I shot him
through the spleen.
Don't need it, anyway.
He'll be all right.
No. Unless he has internal
bleeding or gets an infection.
And if that's the case,
it's God's will.
He's all yours.
[indistinct
radio conversations]
[Commando 1] Fire in the hole.
[Commando 2] Clear!
[Commando 1]
Cover this area.
[Major Grey] Mr. Gambi.
We know you're in here.
We know you have
the briefcase.
[Gambi] Can't help
but notice you have
your most trusted
Commandos with you.
Showing off that you're in
our personnel files, tailor?
Brag much?
[Gambi] Thanking you.
For bringing me the last ASA personnel
to know the Pierce family's secrets.
You're welcome.
They all know you very well.
You're not gonna
get out of here.
[Gambi] I've seen worse.
[gunshots]
[Commando 1]
Visual. Visual.
[Commando 2]
He's on the move.
[keypad beeps]
Flash out.
- [grenade clatters]
- [Commando] Flash in.
Go, go.
All sides clear.
[Commando]
Nothing here, sir.
He's here somewhere.
- Help me.
- Okay.
All clear.
My left.
Pulling.
TC!
You okay?
[coughs]
Come on.
- [coughing]
- I got you.
Come on.
You're doing good.
- [groans]
- You're doing good.
Look, so what's
your assessment?
She's in a coma.
I'm sorry, honey,
but you know how this goes.
It could be ten minutes,
it could be ten years.
And there's no data
to determine how the
shape-shifting might affect it.
No.
Come on, come on, come on. There's
gotta be something that you can do.
She needs to be some place
where she can have constant care.
And we can pray.
The last of our troops are
returning from Freeland.
The Americans have declined
to keep prisoners of war,
but demanded reparations
for the damage to Freeland.
The Prime Minister
has flatly refused.
Meanwhile, the Americans are
conducting hearings to investigate
the provocation that
made our raid necessary...
Thanks, Ma.
[female reporter on TV] The Commission
has been convened by Congress
to look into
the Freeland conflict.
A heinous and brutal attack
on American soil.
Among others, the vigilante
known as Black Lightning
is expected to testify.
[scoffs] The Neon Negro's about
to get his 15 minutes of fame.
He ain't nothing but a snitch.
Just like you.
Well, my brother,
looks like it's time for me
to pack my bags.
Things seem copacetic
back home.
Plus, I got a date with
a beautiful divorcee doctor.
She's gonna help me get the crown
of Freeland that I am destined to wear.
I am pleased to report that every
meta-human in Freeland has been stabilized.
And though I was able
to fix their bodies,
their lives remain shattered.
They're outsiders,
in need of reassimilation into society,
and education,
a place to live.
I have your recommendations
here for a boarding school
keyed to the needs of
Freeland's meta-humans.
This Congressional Commission
hereby ratifies your plan.
Thank you.
The Commission calls
Black Lightning.
So what happened in
Freeland was not random.
It was the latest in a long,
reprehensible history
of experimenting
on black people.
From trial-and-error surgeries
on women in bondage,
to giving men syphilis
at Tuskegee,
and now to decades of
illegal human experimentation
to create meta-humans.
All the evidence
is in this briefcase.
The Chair recognizes
Judge Isabella.
Black Lightning,
where did you get that briefcase?
[Black Lightning]
From the ASA.
Now, what you're looking at is the
master control for the ASA's operation
on meta-humans.
The Chair recognizes
Judge von Eeden.
Black Lightning, I assume the information
in there is encrypted, is it not?
It was.
But it's been cracked.
And it will reveal
a crime against humanity
orchestrated by the ASA,
and brought to its height
with Agent Odell and Freeland.
As Chair of the Commission on the
Freeland conflict, I promise you this,
Agent Odell is being detained,
and he will be prosecuted to the
full extent of the law.
Furthermore, the ASA will be disbanded,
effective tomorrow.
For security reasons,
everyone will remain where they are
until Black Lightning, Thunder,
and Lightning have left the building.
The lobby has been cleared
for your exit.