The CW is inundated with superhero shows now – that broody hooded archer that began it all, Arrow; run Barry run! on The Flash; up up and away with the Girl of Steel on Supergirl; and of course our favorite time-traveling misfits in Legends of Tomorrow, give us all a hero of one form or another to look forward to on nearly every day of the work week. Last night we welcomed the latest addition to the superhero family, Black Lightning, in all his electric glory!
So what do we know right off the bat? The show is based on a DC comic book series of the same name that began in 1977. The city of Freeland, where Black Lightning takes place, has a seriously bad gang problem. One gang in particular, calling themselves The 100 Gang, marches around dealing drugs and pulling guns without regard for innocents or the threat of cops. The cops seem at best ineffective and at worst corrupt, and the mostly-black community already has a well-deserved distrust of the police, clearly demonstrated when Jefferson gets pulled over and manhandled rather rudely by some, what else, white cops.
Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) is the principal of Garfield High, where his younger daughter Jennifer (China Ann McClain) attends, while his elder daughter Anissa (Nafessa Williams) is a nursing student by day and a political activist by whenever else she can get away with. It seems as though the pristine reputation Dad has at Garfield High and in Freeland in general is far too taxing for his youngest daughter, who angsts at being labeled the Queen of Garfield High and tries to prove how baller she really is by sneaking off to go clubbing at a place called The 100 Club, because that doesn’t sound blatant at all. But the wrong end of a dealer who owes a mid-level gangbanger called Lala (William Catlett), he insists on it, leaves Jennifer reeling and terrified.
Jefferson, meanwhile, is just trying to smooth his way back into his ex-wife’s good graces, and does seem to be getting somewhere with it too, when of course bold as a brass The 100 Gang pops into Garfield High and drags off both his daughters. Jeff’s-ex Lynn (Christine Adams) simply tells him to bring their girls home, and we see his well-defined jaw tighten as to the consequences of that kind of command.
See because, Jefferson has a deep black secret. Some nine years ago this former Olympic athlete took up the mantle of the superhero Black Lightning, for all sorts of noble reasons, but more or less primarily to clean up Freeland and make the place safe for his daughters again. But he kept coming home all banged up to hell and gone, his wife roundly informing him that his heroic antics are just another addiction, and finally insisting on a divorce. Thus, the hero Black Lightning hung up his mask and hasn’t been heard of in Freeland for nine whole years. Until now.
Most of us have seen Taken, right? Pierce certainly isn’t a man with spiffy CIA-like skills or anything, but what he does have is incredible meta-like powers over all kinds of electricity and things related to it, and has a serious mission to protect his ex-wife and daughters. So when his family gets caught up in the gang violence he thought had been curtailed with the defeat of Tobias Whale (Marvin ‘Krondon’ Jones III), notorious kingpin and Black Lightning’s main nemesis, Jeff has to grit his teeth and return to Gambi, the tailor front man who designed Lightning’s costume and was like Alfred to his Batman.
Of course Gambi’s been working on a new suit, and even as Jeff laments not wanting to go back into the superhero life again, Gambi (James Remar) reminds him it was only a matter of time anyways, and how not only does Jeff’s family need him, but the whole city of Freeland and perhaps the world, needs Black Lightning to return, perhaps now more than ever. And still Jeff struggles, knowing it was his difficulty with duality that led to his divorce and separation in the first place. But he’s going to need to come clean far sooner than anyone realizes, because it turns out, this whole meta-powers thing actually appears to be hereditary!
Nothing says, “I’m back bitches!” like a spiffy new suit and a good old fashioned motel brawl, during which Lightning dutifully avoids outright killing anyone. But oh does he revel in taking out his frustration physically on some scumbags that truly deserve it, as we all would. And that’s where Black Lightning truly shines.
Right now, the main target audience of the CW superhero shows have all gotten kind of tired of seeing the heroes journey from the very beginning, where he (or she) struggles with morals and ethics and powers and all that funnery. We are aging and tired and scared, for us and for our kids and our lives, and want nothing more than to be able to take back our streets and make them safe for any color, any kind of person. Black Lightning gives us all of that in the best way possible; any one of us could be Jefferson Pierce tomorrow, and how utterly badass would that be?
Chase the ‘Black Lightning’ on the CW, Tuesdays at 9/8c!
Ryan Reynolds has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, known for his quick wit, charm, and ability to effortlessly switch between comedy, action, and heartfelt moments. With a career spanning multiple genres, Reynolds has delivered some truly iconic performances. Here’s a rundown of the top five Ryan Reynolds movies that every fan should watch, filled with SEO keywords to help you discover them easily.
1. Deadpool (2016)
Ryan Reynolds found his career-defining role as the wise-cracking antihero Deadpool, and the movie became a game-changer for superhero films. With its R-rated humor, brutal action sequences, and Reynolds’ perfectly timed one-liners, Deadpool is a must-watch for fans of comic book movies. Reynolds’ portrayal of Wade Wilson/Deadpool is the perfect blend of his trademark sarcasm and heart, making it one of his most beloved performances.
2. The Proposal (2009)
In this romantic comedy, Ryan Reynolds stars alongside Sandra Bullock as Andrew Paxton, an assistant who agrees to a fake engagement with his demanding boss to help her avoid deportation. The Proposal showcases Reynolds’ comedic timing, and his chemistry with Bullock elevates the film to one of the best romantic comedies of the 2000s. Reynolds’ charm and humor make it a standout in his filmography, and fans of rom-coms shouldn’t miss it.
3. Free Guy (2021)
In Free Guy, Reynolds plays Guy, a non-playable character (NPC) in a video game who gains self-awareness and decides to take control of his own destiny. The film combines action, comedy, and a surprisingly heartfelt story about finding your purpose. Reynolds’ performance is both funny and endearing, making Free Guy one of his best films in recent years. Fans of video games, action-comedies, and feel-good films will love it.
4. Buried (2010)
Buried is a tense thriller that features Ryan Reynolds in a solo performance, trapped in a coffin with only a cell phone and lighter. The film is a masterclass in suspense, and Reynolds’ gripping portrayal of a man fighting for his life showcases his dramatic acting chops. Buried is a must-watch for fans who want to see Reynolds in a more serious, intense role.
5. 6 Underground (2019)
In Michael Bay’s action-packed 6 Underground, Reynolds leads a team of vigilantes who fake their own deaths to take down notorious criminals. The film is pure adrenaline, filled with high-octane action sequences and Reynolds’ signature humor. If you’re looking for a fun, explosive action movie with witty banter, 6 Underground is the perfect choice for a thrilling movie night.
Honorable Mentions:
Deadpool 2 (2018): Reynolds continues to shine in this hilarious and action-packed sequel, cementing his role as the ultimate antihero.
Detective Pikachu (2019): Ryan Reynolds voices the adorable Pikachu in this family-friendly adventure, bringing humor and heart to the beloved Pokémon character.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017): An action-comedy where Reynolds teams up with Samuel L. Jackson for a wild, thrilling ride.
Ryan Reynolds’ versatility as an actor shines through in each of these films, whether he’s playing an action hero, a romantic lead, or tackling more serious roles. From Deadpool to Buried, his unique blend of charisma and talent keeps audiences coming back for more. Make sure to add these top five Ryan Reynolds movies to your watchlist!
John C. McGinley has built a career filled with dynamic, memorable performances across film and television. With his sharp comedic timing, intense dramatic prowess, and remarkable versatility, McGinley has earned a loyal fan base. From iconic TV roles to scene-stealing film appearances, this talented actor has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Here’s a look at the top five performances of John C. McGinley that every fan should revisit.
1. Dr. Perry Cox – Scrubs
No list of John C. McGinley’s best roles is complete without mentioning Scrubs and his portrayal of the no-nonsense, cynical, yet oddly lovable Dr. Perry Cox. Over the course of the show’s nine seasons, McGinley brought depth to what could have been a one-dimensional, sarcastic character. His performance fluctuated between gut-wrenching monologues on the realities of the medical profession and rapid-fire insults delivered with razor-sharp precision. Fans loved his dynamic relationship with J.D. (Zach Braff), especially the heartwarming moments that showed Cox’s mentor-like role.
2. Bob Slydell – Office Space
In Mike Judge’s cult classic Office Space (1999), McGinley plays Bob Slydell, one half of “The Bobs,” two management consultants brought in to downsize the company. His dry, deadpan delivery as he calmly discusses firing employees is both hilarious and cringe-worthy. Though McGinley’s screen time is limited, his performance remains one of the most quoted and memorable aspects of the film, contributing to Office Space’s enduring popularity in pop culture.
3. Sergeant O’Neill – Platoon
McGinley’s role as the tough and morally conflicted Sergeant O’Neill in Platoon (1986) earned him critical acclaim. In Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning Vietnam War film, McGinley stands out among a stellar ensemble cast, including Charlie Sheen and Willem Dafoe. His portrayal of O’Neill, who shifts between opportunism and fear as the war intensifies, is powerful and haunting. This role marked McGinley’s breakout in Hollywood, showcasing his range in serious, dramatic parts.
4. Stanley Miller – Stan Against Evil
In this underrated horror-comedy series, McGinley plays Stanley Miller, a retired small-town sheriff reluctantly pulled back into battling demons after his wife’s death. Stan Against Evil blends humor with supernatural elements, and McGinley’s comedic timing is on full display. His character is gruff and often surly, but the way McGinley balances Stanley’s grumpiness with heartfelt moments of vulnerability makes this performance a standout in his career.
5. FBI Agent Ben Harp – Point Break
In Point Break (1991), McGinley plays the by-the-book FBI Agent Ben Harp, who’s tasked with overseeing the young undercover agent Johnny Utah, played by Keanu Reeves. McGinley’s role is small, but his performance is unforgettable as the humorless, hard-nosed superior who has no patience for Utah’s laid-back, surfer persona. His iconic line “Young, dumb, and full of…” has become a classic in action movie history.
Honorable Mentions:
Dr. Cox’s Real Talk Moments in Scrubs: Some of McGinley’s best scenes come from his character’s vulnerable, often brutally honest speeches. Fans of Scrubs will recognize his mix of humor and emotion, which made Dr. Cox unforgettable.
John C. McGinley in The Rock: His role as Captain Hendrix in The Rock (1996) shows his ability to stand out in action-packed, ensemble casts.
John C. McGinley’s career is a testament to his versatility and talent. Whether playing a grumpy doctor, a slick FBI agent, or a worn-out war veteran, McGinley commands attention every time he’s on screen. His ability to switch between comedy and drama with ease is what sets him apart, and it’s why fans continue to revisit his best performances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, these five performances are the perfect way to appreciate the incredible range of John C. McGinley.
The highly anticipated new season of Squid Game is set to deliver even more nail-biting suspense and shocking twists that fans of the global phenomenon have come to love. As the series returns, viewers can expect an escalation in the deadly games, with new challenges that push participants to their physical and psychological limits.
In this season, the stakes are higher than ever as a new group of contestants enters the arena, each with their own desperate reasons for participating. The games are more dangerous, the alliances more fragile, and the betrayals more heartbreaking. With the introduction of new characters and deeper insights into the shadowy organization behind the games, Season 2 promises to expand the *Squid Game* universe in unexpected ways.
The creators have teased that the upcoming challenges will be more complex and terrifying, testing not only the contestants’ physical endurance but also their moral boundaries.
Expect to see returning characters facing new dilemmas, as well as fresh faces whose backstories will tug at viewers’ heartstrings.
The new season is rumored to feature shocking revelations about the origins of the games and the true motivations of the game’s organizers, ensuring that fans remain on the edge of their seats.
Squid Game has captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary, and Season 2 is poised to take these elements to the next level. Fans can brace themselves for a roller-coaster of emotions as the game continues with even more at stake.
Top 5 Ryan Reynolds Movies You Need to Watch Right Now
Top 5 Performances of John C. McGinley: A Versatile Actor with Unforgettable Roles
What to Expect from the New Season of Squid Game: Thrills, Twists, and High Stakes
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