As Hal Jordan and John Stewart face off against the Manhunter, the fate of Rushville hangs in the balance
Category: Arts & Culture
In the fifth episode of HBO's *Lanterns*, titled "Lights Out," the narrative reaches a dramatic climax as Green Lanterns Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) confront the Manhunter Zoe Macon (Poorna Jagannathan) in a battle that leaves the town of Rushville in ruins. The episode features intense action and emotional conflict, marking a turning point in the series as Hal's role as Earth's Green Lantern is put into jeopardy.
The episode opens with Zoe, revealed as the Manhunter, unleashing chaos upon Rushville. After healing John from injuries sustained in a car crash caused by Hal, she issues a town-wide kill order against Hal, prompting the citizens to protect her. Meanwhile, Hal, desperate to maintain his status as the sole Green Lantern, orchestrates a plan that involves tricking Antaan (Paul Ben-Victor) and his alien crew into attacking William Macon's (Garret Dillahunt) compound, claiming Macon is the Manhunter.
As the showdown escalates, Hal's plan spirals out of control. Zoe begins obliterating parts of Rushville with a laser satellite, and Hal's attempts to capture her lead to devastating consequences. In a tense confrontation at a motel, Hal and John engage in a fierce battle over the Green Lantern ring. The fight culminates in John overpowering Hal, who is left beaten and vulnerable. In a moment of moral complexity, Hal asks John, "Was it worth it?"—a question that captures the episode's themes of sacrifice and disillusionment.
Throughout the series, *Lanterns* has explored the complex dynamics between Hal and John, two characters who have been positioned as rivals for the Green Lantern mantle. This rivalry is rooted in John's troubled past and Hal's flawed heroism, which come to a head in this episode. Hal's actions, particularly his decision to leave John trapped in a burning car, paint him as a deeply flawed character willing to sacrifice others for his own ambitions. Critics have noted that Hal’s betrayal mirrors themes from the 1994 comic storyline "Emerald Twilight," where he similarly made morally questionable choices.
In the aftermath of the chaos, John grapples with the implications of becoming the Green Lantern. After taking the ring from Hal, he feels an overwhelming sense of emptiness rather than triumph. He tells Guardian Lianna (Laura Linney), "I spent a lot of my life imagining what it would feel like to wear this. Pride, gratitude, power? But then when I put it on ... I just felt empty." This moment highlights John's internal conflict and the burdens of heroism.
As the dust settles in Rushville, the series sets up new mysteries to explore in the remaining episodes. With Zoe dead and Hal's fate uncertain, the narrative shifts focus to the question of who killed Hal Jordan, a mystery introduced in the pilot episode. The fallout from the events of "Lights Out" will likely echo throughout the final three episodes, as John must navigate the consequences of his actions and the potential emergence of a new Green Lantern.
The series has hinted at the introduction of Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), who may take up the mantle as the next Green Lantern. As the storyline progresses, viewers can expect to see how John's rejection of the ring shapes his future and whether he will continue to be involved in the Green Lantern Corps.
In the aftermath of the explosive events, *Lanterns* faces the challenge of maintaining character depth and narrative cohesion. Critics have pointed out that the episode's action sequences, though thrilling, sometimes overshadow the emotional stakes and character development that initially defined the series. As the show moves forward, it will be imperative to balance the spectacle with the complex themes of morality, sacrifice, and redemption.
With new episodes airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, audiences are left to ponder the fate of Hal, John, and the future of the Green Lantern legacy. , and as the series examines its central mysteries, fans are eager to see how these characters will navigate the turbulent waters ahead.