Jefferson is incarcerated, the Markovians are coming and no one in Freeland is ready.

One of the best Arrowverse series returns with its best premise to date. From Jefferson under guard to the final scene, this has the urgency that the show has sometimes lacked. Everything is different, everything is dangerous and nothing is set in stone.

That’s especially true of Agent Odell, who is neither quite a hero or a villain here. Odell and the ASA are a catalyst for vast change in the city and on the individual level too and the episode does its best work on that scale. This is a street level, neighbourhood level show dealing with international intrigue and doing it very well.

The personal is also where the characters shine. Lynn and Jefferson, in these extreme circumstances, are more them than ever before. Driven, frightened, courageous. Their kids are much the same and the show is clearly setting up a clash between Anissa and Jen as the younger sister grows into her powers. There’s also interesting stuff brewing with Deputy Chief Henderson and Jefferson’s powers.

Verdict: There’s a lot going on here and it’s all typically impressive stuff. But this feels different and very much in a good way. This is the year Black Lightning joins the Arrowverse, this is the year the show steps up and based on this episode? It’s going to be just fine. 8/10

Alasdair Stuart