Black Lighting has been a fantastic series so far in The CW’s Arrowverse. This is one that really has stood on its own. Until the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover, it did not mingle with the other DC series on The CW. This really allowed the series to flourish on its own merits by not having to count on the support of other heroes. We have seen several characters other than Cress William’s Jefferson Pierce aka Black Lightning shine. One perfect example is Khalil Payne aka Painkiller who is played by Jordan Calloway.

Lucky for us The CW and Warner Bros. Television have also seen his potential. via Deadline today we have learned that they are developing a Black Lightning spinoff called, Painkiller starring Calloway. There will be a backdoor pilot around the character. This is planned on airing as the seventh episode of Black Lightning‘s fourth season that kicks off in February of next year. Painkiller will be written, executive produced and directed by Salim Akil.

Painkiller is back in action for a special episode for Season 4! #BlackLightning pic.twitter.com/bWRzBBBYeL

— Black Lightning (@blacklightning) November 12, 2020

Khalil Payne aka Painkillers Tragic Journey

Khalil’s character has been a tragic one. In the first season of the series, we saw the young high school kid have his sports dreams crushed after a bullet left him in a wheelchair. He was then enhanced by the nefarious Tobias Whale, played by Marvin Jones III, who used him as the weapon, Painkiller. If you’re a fan of the series, how could you forget that cringe-worthy scene where Tobias rips Khalil’s enhancements out of his back? Gives me chills just thinking about it!

He really then goes on to be used again by the ASA. Really the only relationship that ever keeps him as Khalil rather than Painkiller has been the one he has with Jennifer Pierce aka Lightning, played by China Anne McClain. In the third season, we saw him have his biggest challenge yet (yes besides death). That was to bury the dark and lethal Painkiller persona that resides inside of him. This challenge left him with no choice but to distance himself from his friends and loved ones. Finding a new home in Akashic Valley. As he fights his destructive, violent past he will attempt to start over. His new calling is to bring justice instead of punishment. All while still dealing with the darkness inside.

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Calloway’s Painkiller is one of the best characters in the Arrowverse. It’s great that he will have his moment to star in his own series. If they kept his story on Black Lightning I think it would overshadow some of the other plotlines. We won’t have to wait long to see this series’ potential as it’s backdoor pilot will be part of Black Lightning‘s fourth season.

Good idea or bad idea for a Painkiller series? Let us know in the comment section below!

Source: Deadline