‘Lanterns’ Review: A Light in the Blackest Night

The following Lanterns review is spoiler-free and covers Episodes 1-4.

After a stretch where it seemed like every comic book character had a great chance of getting their own television show, the era of superhero television is looking bleaker than it has in years. Wonder Man was cancelled despite being a critical darling and earning Emmy nominations in the MCU, and reports are that DC Studios is no longer moving forward on projects like Waller and Paradise Lost.

Thankfully, in an era where series are getting cut short left and right, HBO’s newest Sunday night feature, Lanterns, provides plenty of hope for the future, as series co-creator Damon Lindelof has revealed the writers’ room for Lanterns Season 2 has already begun working.

Starring Aaron Pierre as Jon Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, the duo’s chemistry and acting chops are the highlights of the series. While the Green Lanterns are known for their adventures throughout space, Lanterns takes a left turn to the rural United States for a much more grounded mystery. While the first four episodes could certainly benefit from being more fantastical, the two titular Green Lanterns carry the story in an entertaining fashion.

Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler Carry the Load in ‘Lanterns’

Although it’s certainly possible that some Green Lantern fans may feel let down by the grounded nature of the show, it’s undeniable that James Gunn and the DCU have struck gold with Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler in the roles of John Stewart and Hal Jordan. Many scenes feature extended exposition between the two, but it never feels overdone because of the immense chemistry shared by the two stars.

Even individually, both Pierre and Chandler light up the screen and will have fans gravitating to future projects graced by their presence. While the rest of the cast is more than competent in their own right, highlighted by a stellar performance from Garrett Dillahunt as William Macon, almost the entire series fully revolves around John Stewart and Hal Jordan, and Lanterns benefits from the decision.

‘Lanterns’ Leans Too Heavily on a Common Trope

The mystery and intrigue throughout the first four episodes are sky-high. However, while Lanterns is an exciting detective story, it would greatly benefit from the rings and lanterns actually being used more. The series relies on the common superhero trope of de-powering their heroes to make the story more grounded. While this clearly helps keep the budget in check, it’s a bit of a disappointing start for those who want to see a variety of creative constructs from the Green Lanterns.

Luckily, the mystery of Lanterns Episodes 1-4 more than make up for the lack of fantastical elements, especially considering trailers and clips released from HBO and Warner Bros clearly suggest more action with the rings is coming. Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, Tom King, and company have done an incredible job of crafting a whodunit in rural USA with more than meets the eye. Despite the de-powering trope holding back the first few episodes, the newest HBO and DCU series still approaches greatness.

HBO Continues To Make Sunday Nights Worthwhile

There could certainly be more action, especially with the Green Lantern rings, throughout the first four episodes of Lanterns. However, as the landscape of superhero television grows increasingly shaky, Lanterns provides stability with an exciting new story.

Aaron Pierre is certain to be a mainstay of the DCU going forward as he beautifully embodies the role, while Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan plays off Stewart’s serious nature, adding levity and emotional depth to the story. Lanterns is a great rebound for James Gunn’s DCU after the financial disappointment of Supergirl, and it’s sure to be appointment viewing every Sunday night for DC fans.

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