LANTERNS (HBO MAX) - A BOLD, POWERFUL JOURNEY OF WILL

Photograph by Courtesy of DC Studios/HBO Max

“IN BRIGHTEST DAY, IN BLACKEST NIGHT”

Since 1940, comic fans have witnessed an Emerald Knight step forth in the name of Justice. Martin Nodell & Bill Finger Introduced the world to Alan Scott in the pages of All-American Comics #16. Little did they know at the time what a mysterious & powerful green ring would lead into a historic franchise of characters.

Alan Scott was the first to don the moniker of GREEN LANTERN. The origin of the ring was more magic based until a drastic makeover in 1959. Showcase #22 by John Broome and Gil Kane did away with the fantasy aspect of the ring. It was replaced with a sci-fi origin and new recipient of the ring.

CHECK OUT GREEN LANTERN CORPS!

With a brash & fearless persona, Hal Jordan and his will power took up the role of Sector 2814’s representative of the Green Lantern Corps. The GLC represents a collective of space law-enforcement. Jordan’s adventures took him to far reaches of the galaxy while growing in popularity each issue after in his own solo series in 1960. Once the 1970’s hit, Denny O’Neil and Neil Adams challenged Jordan on a new level. Paired with Oliver Queen, the duo tackled many difficult themes of an ever-changing society. Their saga concluded the initial series, but it also brought forth a new Lantern in 1972 that has revolutionized the role: John Stewart.

Stewart’s popularity led to his role as the main Green Lantern In 1980’s DC Comics. Even as there has been other Lanterns to take up the power and responsibility since, Jordan and Stewart paved the way. Their personas have crossed into pop culture via animation, video games and live-action movies. This impact hasn’t left James Gunn’s mind as he was named head of DC STUDIOS.

“LANTERNS” was announced in January 2023 as a project coming to HBO MAX. Guessing who the featured lead characters would be was a no-brainer. Kyle Chandler (Hal Jordan) & Aaron Pierre (John Stewart) were casted as the leads. Created by Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and Tom King, “Lanterns” is set around a mysterious murder in United States Heartland while showcasing the complexity of both Jordan and Stewart. The eight episode series debuted on August 16th, 2026 and just wrapped up its’ initial season on September 4th.

Here is our Fanlight Zone review of the first season of “Lanterns”

*** SERIES REVIEW *** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Kyle Chandler (Hal Jordan ) Photograph by John Johnson/HBO Max

When dealing with this franchise, trying to translate the space odyssey can be difficult. Hal Jordan’s time in live action (looking at 2011’s “Green Lantern” with Ryan Reynolds) is polarizing to say the least. Many fans still remember the misfire that film was. Knowing this, the creators knew that they had to switch things up. Taking the space aspects and grounding them to Earth (with different settings of 2016 and 2026) proved for a winning formula while challenging the stat quo fans know.

With “Pilot” throwing the most curveballs at the audience, the writing delved heavily into the entanglement of both leads on top of a greater conspiracy. Chandler’s performance captures the over-confidence of Jordan while being abrasive to his own mortality. Having him be the grizzled space officer whos’ seen it all led to an impactful debut.

As the season went on, viewers discovered more than bargained for with Jordan as more secrets came to light. It divided the audience at times on the true motives behind his actions. Much like the comics, Jordan is not a perfect hero by any means. This became increasing evident when training his replacement for Sector 2814: John Stewart.

Stewart’s inclusion offered a solid change of view to who was truly worthy of the mantle. Their first meeting drove home the problems brewing as styles clashed. Pierre tapped into Stewart’s tough childhood to push his determination into new spaces. This was made crystal clear in “OutKast”, where star performances by J. Alphonse Nicholson & Jasmine Cephas Jones as John’s parents gave a direct and unforgiving look at family dynamics surrounding a gifted future.

Stewart’s drive also clashes with Jordan’s paranoia often to radical landing spaces. The moment that defines this in “Lights Out” where Jordan’s fears consume his actions to attempt to leave Stewart to die in a burning car. As previously stated, Jordan is not perfect but this moment crossed a line on how much fear consumed him to act in such a desperate manner.

Aaron Pierre (John Stewart) Photograph by John Johnson/HBO Max

Jordan’s fears grew heavily due to the manipulation of The Manhunters (led by Poorna Jagannathan as Zoe Macon) & Sinestro (Ulrich Thomsen). Both classic GL villains crashed the scene in show-stealing fashion. In 2016, The Manhunters infiltration of Rushville, Nebraska & the Macon Family led the belief of a larger conspiracy unfolding. Their actions drew both Jordan and Stewart to investigate a high school football game shooting.

Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry Kane provided a needed break between Stewart and Jordan’s bickering. Their discoveries lead to a full unmasking of ulterior motives, capped off with the series strongest episode: the previously mentioned “Lights Out”.

With one resolution there, attention turned Jordan’s former mentor and iconic villain. Thomsen’s portrayal made him an instant fan favorite. The devil on Jordan’s shoulder made quiet moves until taking over scenes in “Dirt and Stars”.

MORE GREEN LANTERN!

The writing created a sense on unpredictability with a shocking move in episode one. Having Hal Jordan “murdered” by an unknown assailant allowed his relationship with Stewart to become even more uneasy. The style of teaching was “tough love” while certain aspects crossed lines. Its’ influence from the O’Neill/Adams stories can’t be denied while watching the show either. It gave a new look to their dynamic while showcasing the weight and scars that come with the mantle of Green Lantern.

There are few moments that can be classified as filler. The most guilty suspect is the amount of time devoted to Hal’s “space plant”, Earl. While a form of comedic relief, placement just seemed forced instead of welcomed. Time jumping also became problematic at times. It established the “slow burn drama” but certain areas seemed to loose its’ impact when major reveals occurred. Even Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion)’s appearance felt rushed instead of having a longer stay. Granted, Gardner hit the key points needed, but one more episode would have been a perfect run spot.

All that said, the positives shine way brighter in emerald light than any negative points could.

FINAL GRADE: 9.4

“Lanterns” welcomes in an intense look at DC Comics’ space enforcement with an engaging season that never stops pushing boundaries. Chandler and Pierre deliver riveting performances while remolding the images of the iconic Lanterns of the past. It stages a vision of the immense gravity of protecting others while trying not to falter under its’ pressure. Backed by an all-star cast and superb writing, it is easy to see this series shines bright within the new world of DC Studios.

Hit me up on FLZ social media and let me know your thoughts on LANTERNS (HBO MAX/DC Studios) in the comments below. Thanks for reading!