Thomas Storai 
“Lanterns is off to a fantastic start; it’s basically True Detective but with science fiction elements. The series premiere lays the groundwork for a lot to come and immediately hooks you into the story.”
Lanterns is the latest chapter of the DCU. It is created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof and Tom King. It stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, Kelly Macdonald, Garrett Dillahunt and Poorna Jagannathan. The first episode is now streaming on HBO Max.
A NEW TAKE
The last live-action story focused on Green Lanterns was the infamous 2011 film starring Ryan Reynolds. It’s something all DC Comics fans have been trying to forget—even Reynolds himself. James Gunn’s DCU first gave fans hope when he successfully introduced Guy Gardner in Superman. Obviously, because of what happened before, some fans had their doubts about Lanterns. But honestly, I never doubted it for two simple reasons: Damon Lindelof and Tom King. Tom King is an actual comic book writer, so he knows what he’s doing. As for Lindelof, he’s one of the best showrunners working today—the man behind Lost, The Leftovers, and Watchmen. Let’s just say it right away: this new take on Green Lanterns is a success, at least the series premiere is.
STORY
The series premiere of Lanterns is basically True Detective with science-fiction elements. After all, Green Lanterns are kind of like space cops, so putting Hal Jordan and John Stewart into an investigation involving aliens feels quite fitting. There’s a small-town setting, complete with a shady rich man and a sheriff. It’s heavily mystery-coded, and it’s a really intriguing mystery.
Beyond the True Detective elements, the series explores Hal and John’s relationship. Hal is the veteran, arrogant Lantern, while John is his trainee. Undoubtedly, it’s a complex relationship—one that doesn’t exactly please Jordan. As a result, things are difficult between them. It’s going to be captivating to see how their relationship evolves throughout the season. The series premiere lays the groundwork for a lot to come and immediately hooks you into the story it’s trying to tell.
CAST
Moreover, Kyle Chandler is simply perfect casting as Hal Jordan. When you see him on screen, you’ll immediately think, “Yes, this is Hal.” There’s something about his presence and the way he carries himself that feels exactly like the character. Even though he’s playing a veteran version of Hal who’s even more arrogant, he’s exactly what the character should be. We had to wait a long time, but we finally have our Hal Jordan. Seeing that opening scene with Hal in his suit, being interviewed on TV, is truly magical. Considering how the series premiere ends, we probably won’t see much of him beyond this series, so I do hope we get to see him wearing the suit more than twice. It’s something we need.
Aaron Pierre is a great casting choice as John Stewart. He brings that mysterious side to the character while also having a strong, imposing presence. Kelly Macdonald fits right in as a detective. It’s a great cast!
VERDICT
Lanterns is off to a fantastic start; it’s basically True Detective but with science fiction elements. The series premiere lays the groundwork for a lot to come and immediately hooks you into the story. Kyle Chandler is perfect casting as Hal Jordan, and Aaron Pierre is great as John Stewart.
The series premiere of Lanterns is now streaming on HBO Max.
Collectables and Anime Editor for Future Of The Force.
Star Wars expert and Japan connoisseur.
