The Green Light children are going south, fast. An ASA scientist is killed when one breaks out, a second escapes in the confusion and Lynn brings Issa, the first child to bring the case to prominence, home for dinner. And that’s when the true nature of his powers emerges…

This show is taking no prisoners this season. Everyone’s plots are fired up. From Tobias’ genuine grief and rage at the loss of Syonide to Khalil’s morally complex position and Jefferson’s even more complex dilemma, there isn’t a character in the show who has it easy. But they all have it interesting.

It’s especially nice to see an actual piece of altruistic superheroism at the heart of this episode, with Jefferson and Gambi working to talk down the escape Pod child. That’s a sweet moment, and it’s one that marks out a gear shift this season. Last year was all about Tobias. This year is all about the consequences of the ASA’s actions. And Tobias, of course, but for now it’s very much a rescue series with occasional crime as opposed to vice versa.

It’s also completely willing to deep dive into its characters. Issa’s power as a human lie detector gives the Pierces a very uncomfortable night and the show doesn’t back down from any of that. Or from Khalil’s nascent emotional maturity as he realizes just what a bind he’s in. Or from Thunder’s approach differing so drastically to Black Lightning’s that he cuts her out of the final op. There isn’t a single character without an agenda here and almost none of them are pulling in the same direction. It’s great. Especially as it finishes with a truly sweet moment between Jefferson and the students at his school.

Verdict: This is the most ethically complex, character driven series the CW have right now. It’s also staking a claim for the best DC show by a mile for a second season running. More power to its electrified elbow. 9/10

Alasdair Stuart