Black Lightning Showrunner Teases Arrival of Ishmael ✖ Black Lightning's fourth and final season kicked off last week and revealed that, despite saving Freeland from the Markovians and the ASA's occupation, things aren't all good for Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning (Cress William). The hero is still reeling from the death of his best friend, Detective Henderson, as well as the trauma of everything else the Pierce family has been through. That trauma is set to be an important aspect of the season, but there are other threats that the Pierce family will face before the series ends. According to showrunner Salim Akil, Ishamel will make his arrival this season as well.