'Crisis on Infinite Earths' sorely underutilized Black Lightning even though the character has the potential to be a true Paragon

Having Black Lightning appear in the crossover was certainly a nice treat for the hero's fans and it has definitely raised the profile of this show. However, seeing as the Anti-Monitor still managed to destroy the multiverse, Jefferson's contributions ended up being all in vain.
PUBLISHED JAN 2, 2020
Tom Cavanagh and Cress Williams in Crisis on Infinite Earths (The CW)
Tom Cavanagh and Cress Williams in Crisis on Infinite Earths (The CW)

From a writer's point of view, the best thing about crossovers is that you get to fit all your best characters into one story. The worst thing about crossovers is that you have to fit all your best characters into one story. 

If even one hero doesn't get enough screentime, it reflects poorly on the story and that can be an issue because let's face it, you can't give equal focus to a dozen characters even if you have five hours to work with. Despite how epic The CW's 'Crisis on Infinite Earths' has been so far, this is the main problem that's got us a bit disappointed with the crossover event. 

Seeing as 'Black Lightning' didn't have a full-fledged crossover episode, we didn't expect all the characters from the show to play a pivotal role in the event. And yes, it's only Jefferson Pierce / Black Lightning (Cress Williams) who gets to even show up during the crossover. To be fair, Jefferson did get to do something during the event, helping the Flashes (Grant Gustin and John Wesley Shipp) take out the Antimatter Cannon. However, seeing as the Anti-Monitor (LaMonica Garrett) still managed to destroy the multiverse, Jefferson's contributions ended up being all for nothing. 

He didn't even get to be a Paragon, which is a position that Jefferson, with his strong moral code and sense of justice, was perfectly suited for. Ultimately, 'Crisis' would probably have reached the same point it's currently at even if Black Lightning hadn't joined the event and that's just sad.

Having Black Lightning appear in the crossover was certainly a nice treat for the hero's fans and it has definitely raised the profile of his show. But that said, Jefferson could have been given more to contribute to the event, seeing as he is technically a more experienced hero than any of the other Arrowverse leads.

'Crisis on Infinite Earths' Part 4 will air on The CW on January 14. 'Black Lightning' Season 3 will be back on The CW on January 20. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Miley Cyrus revisits her ‘Hannah Montana’ era with surprises, candid confessions, and unexpected moments.
33 minutes ago
The premiere of 'Daredevil' Season 2 teases the return of a major Netflix Marvel hero, one who Matt Murdock is very familiar with
1 hour ago
‘School Spirit’ starring Peyton List and Milo Manheim has been greenlit for a fourth season on Paramount+
1 hour ago
Miley Cyrus brings humor and surprise to the ‘Hannah Montana’ anniversary event, with candid moments and playful jabs.
1 hour ago
The second season of the action-adventure series will delve into Murdock's fight against Fisk's rule over New York City
3 hours ago
‘The Americans’ gets a bold Korean reimagining at Disney+, with big names attached and early doubts giving way to curiosity around the project.
4 hours ago
Netflix shared pictures from the sets of 'Nobody Wants This' featuring the cast and crew returning for the show's third installment
4 hours ago
The Season 2 premiere raises the stakes as Murdock prepares to team up with other vigilantes to take down Fisk
5 hours ago
While the series might feature ample drama in 'Bridgerton,' fans familiar with the book know how it all ends for Francesca.
15 hours ago
'Punisher: One Last Kill' has the perfect release date sandwiched between 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2 finale and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'
16 hours ago