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The premiere of “Lanterns,” now available on HBO Max, opens with a shocking murder mystery that immediately sets the tone for the grounded superhero series. The episode features the discovery of Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, found dead in the bleachers by fellow Green Lantern John Stewart, portrayed by Aaron Pierre, and town sheriff Kerry, played by Kelly MacDonald. The discovery occurs during a brutal winter in 2026, establishing an unexpected stakes-raising moment for the genre.
The show employs a non-linear narrative structure, jumping between timelines starting from 1996 to build the foundation of John’s connection to the Green Lantern legacy. Co-creator Damon Lindelof explained that the decision to kill off the protagonist in the first episode stemmed from the show’s core concept as a murder mystery. “The more that we talked about it, the more that it kept coming back to the idea of, ‘What if it was one of them?'” Lindelof told Variety, emphasizing the importance of establishing real emotional consequences for the audience.
Chandler expressed enthusiasm about the dramatic ending, while MacDonald discussed the emotional weight of filming Hal’s death scene. The episode showcases the developing mentorship between Hal and John as they investigate unexplained deaths in a Nebraska town, with tension simmering between the reluctant mentor and eager student. This bold narrative choice represents a departure from typical superhero storytelling conventions.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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