What happens when True Detective and X-Files got together and had a baby? The new HBO series Lanterns is what you get. And by the way I’m speaking of season one True Detective here.
The parallels to the other HBO series is not that far off given the fact that Lanterns writer Chris Mundy also worked on True Detective. Based on DC Comics characters John Stewart and Hal Jordan, Lanterns take us on a journey through both of these men’s lives in pretty significant ways. What the series offers us is a dramatic backstory, explosive on-screen chemistry and crime mystery that takes us down a path that gets darker and darker with each episode.
In the pilot, we begin with John Stewart’s backstory, which explores the question, “Are you afraid?”— the central tagline featured throughout the show’s promotional materials. The series examines this theme through the lens of John’s childhood and his experiences as a young boy. The theme around this episode is about fear and ultimately I believe it is the theme around the entire series as we learn more about John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler). Themes of fearlessness are what weigh heavy here.
J. Alphonse Nicholson plays John Stewart’s father, a man we gradually come to understand as someone who wants his son to achieve the dreams and opportunities he was never able to fulfill for himself. We witness a striking moment between them when he places an apple on top of his son’s head and takes a shot — an intense display that immediately reveals this is far from a typical father-son relationship. There’s also his mother, Bernadette (Jasmine Cephas Jones) who is someone not to be played with. Dare I say, she’s one of the most formidable characters in this entire series, and you’ll understand why John carries so much bravado, it’s because of the woman who raised him.
I must say, this is an incredible introduction to the psyche of John Stewart, not only as a character, but as a person shaped by his experiences and the expectations placed upon him. The pilot gives us a deeper understanding of what informs his worldview before moving forward, where we’re introduced to a hilarious opening sequence featuring Hal Jordan reconnecting with an adult John Stewart.
Kyle Chandler fully embraces the role, portraying John Stewart’s mentor as a cocky, arrogant, and entitled figure with a larger-than-life ego. Meanwhile, Aaron Pierre delivers a brilliant performance by internalizing John’s reactions, responding to Hal Jordan with the perfectly measured “no, sir” exchanges that become the ultimate form of quiet defiance. It’s a subtle but effective way of showing John’s restraint while also expertly conveying his ability to humble a man like Hal without ever losing his composure.
Sheriff Kane, also known as Kerry, played by Kelly Macdonald, is one of my favorite characters in the series, and I think she will quickly become a fan favorite. She’s doing everything she can to hold things together in this small town, but Hal constantly undermines her authority, creating a fascinating dynamic between the two characters. What’s really cool about this universe is the small town is aware that extraterrestrial life exists including the sheriff who runs it. So it’s not like people are skeptical of alien existence.
Ultimately, Lanterns feels like a refreshing new chapter for the Green Lantern mythos. It feels like one that balances the cosmic scale of the DC Universe with a grounded, character-driven mystery. The series takes its time building the emotional foundations of John Stewart, while introducing a compelling dynamic between him and Hal Jordan that promises to be one of its greatest strengths. With standout performances from Aaron Pierre, Kyle Chandler, and Kelly Macdonald, the series establishes a world filled with complex relationships, unresolved tensions, and questions that extend far beyond the case at hand. If this opening episode is any indication, Lanterns has the potential to redefine how audiences see the Green Lanterns by exploring not only the power of the ring, but the courage, fear, and humanity behind the heroes who wield it.
Lanterns premieres August 16th on HBO and HBO MAX.
