Earlier today Cress Williams told us Black Lightning is pulling a lot of material from the comics. The panel at San Diego Comic-Con backed up this claim. James Remar (Dexter) is playing Gambi and Damon Gupton (Whiplash) is Inspector Henderson, both staple characters from the comics.
Peter Gambi is introduced right off the bat in Black Lightning #1 as Jefferson Pierce’s confidant. He is the only good guy in a family of villains; a tailor in Metropolis' Suicide Slum. When he was young and part of the mob, he actually killed Pierce's father, but he reformed and designed Black Lightning’s costume and force field belt. Peter eventually sacrificed his life for Pierce, who forgave him for his past crimes. It’s awesome Gambi is in the series because you can’t really start Black Lightning’s story without him.
Inspector Henderson, head of Metropolis Organized Crime division, doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Black Lightning right away but they do have the same goal of taking down notorious gang The 100. Henderson just doesn’t necessarily agree with Black Lightning’s approach. In the end, they develop a mutual respect after Black Lightning saves Henderson, who was kidnapped by Tobias Whale. He actually entered the Black Lightning comics around the same time Superman and Jimmy Olsen were featured when Black Lightning was being framed for murdering Joseph Toledo by Merlyn.
The footage revealed at SDCC did not show either one of the characters, but that’s not surprising considering the cast has only read a script for episode 1. In the footage a voiceover says, “He put his trust in the system to provide equal justice for all. But how can there be justice when darkness rules our streets. Our kids are dying and nobody cares. We won’t let this evil consume us. It’s time for him to return and light up the darkness once more.”
It’s clear there will be some tension between Jefferson Pierce and the police force. Showrunner Salim Akil said at the panel the series will explore police brutality and doing that through a character like Inspector Henderson is certainly a good way to take a closer look at what works in America's criminal justice system, and what doesn't. Check out our additional panel coverage for more information on how Black Lightning will tackle social issues.
