Lanterns Goes True Detective Mode in a Subpar Penultimate Episode — Review

One of my biggest concerns after Lanterns Season 1 Episode 5 was that the story would peak midseason.

The alien-and-manhunter mystery seemed like the show’s most exciting arc, and when it resolved so early, I wasn’t sure the narrative could keep up the energy.

Lanterns is one of those shows where, even if an episode isn’t the most interesting, the performances and general atmosphere keep things engaging.

The chemistry between Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre props up Lanterns Season 1 Episode 7, “The Jordan Boys Legacy.”

Chandler’s Hal Jordan is easily one of the strongest pillars of the show, so when he died, bringing him back in the form of a backup is not only important to the story but keeps the show from becoming boring.

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When paired with John, the duo gives Kohle and Hart from True Detective a run for their money as partners.

The Murder or Suicide of Hal Jordan

Now, Hal’s death, while intriguing, doesn’t carry the same stakes as a manhunter and the aliens willing to blow everything up to kill it.

The death of a washed-up superhero doesn’t have the same ring as a potentially genocidal intent or even the death of a superhero at his peak.

I don’t think discovering who killed Hal will have the same payoff.

He had many enemies and pissed off everyone he met; perhaps some finally snapped and got the job done, especially at a time when Hal didn’t have the backing of the Guardians.

Maybe he got tired of his existence and killed himself, an idea the episode toys with by revealing that Hal’s dad committed suicide.

It would be an interesting direction to take the story, but if confirmed, I’d just wonder if that’s it.

The post-Manhunter narrative only pays off if Hal’s death is part of a larger conspiracy, preferably one involving the Guardians.

Hal and John’s trip to another planet hints at a large mystery after they find that an entire planet essentially committed suicide.

The problem is that it raises more questions than answers, which is not necessarily a bad thing for a penultimate episode.

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We need to know what happened, but some other lingering mysteries need resolving, chief among them: Sinestro.

Viewers familiar with Green Lantern lore might not struggle to place the character in the narrative, and may even predict his role.

But for some of us who are only just interacting with this universe for the first time, Sinestro feels odd. He pops up randomly, with no explanation of his past or why he’s important.

Who’s Your Daddy?

But for what this hour lacks in propulsive thrill, it makes up for it in character exploration.

As they navigate the planet’s dangerous atmosphere, Hal and Jordan are forced to confront parts of their existence.

It becomes clear that they connect so well because they are two broken people trying to beat a system they never stood a chance against.

Hal has inherited trauma from his male ancestors, and the reason he thinks he’s fearless is that he’d never valued his life that much.

Seeing people in your lineage go down the same route can make you feel like your future is already written.

And it’s not just suicide; it’s alcoholism, gambling, broken relationships, poverty — you name it.

Meanwhile, John carried the hopes not just of an entire family, but of a racial group.

He had to prove that Black men in America were as strong as their White counterparts and could do anything.

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It’s a heavy weight for a grown man to carry, so think about what it does to a child. Of course he was scared. Everyone would be. He only did a better job of hiding it.

All this could be true, or it could be whatever’s in the air.

I have a feeling that it is true, though.

Gut Check

“The Jordan Boys Legacy” builds on mysteries in a dangerous way.

The mystery of Hal’s death is the key to a successful season, and the solution needs to be huge. 

But so far, we also have many mysteries and questions that need answers.

1. What happened to the planet?
2. Who is Sinestro?

3. What do the Guardians have to do with it?
4. Why can John project and create constructs purely from his mind?

And what’s up with Noah Macon? I know not much goes on in small towns, but does the entire town need to make an event out of whatever that was?

There’s more than meets the eye here.

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Lanterns risks becoming one of those shows propped up by great acting, writing, and production value, even when the story or pacing leaves a lot to be desired.

Lanterns Season 1‘s reputation hinges on delivering an explosive season finale.

Intrusive Thoughts

• Kyle Chandler should win an Emmy for Hal Jordan’s look. I’ve started copying his resting annoyed face and cynicism.

• Wouldn’t murders be easier to solve with a copy of the victim guiding the investigation?

• Cairo Cash Lee could be the next Michael B. Jordan.

Over to you, Lanterns Fanatics. What did you think of the penultimate episode? Do you think the mystery is connected to the Guardians?

What if Kelly killed Hal because he discovered something about Noah?

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.

Say something in the comments, share if you like, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.

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