Lanterns Episode 6 Review: After the Light Fades
Previously on Lanterns
Alright folks, let’s take a stroll down memory lane; it’s a bumpy ride! Last time on Lanterns, we witnessed a plot twist that had more turns than a roller coaster. Our superhero adventure took a nosedive, leaving viewers scratching their heads over the storytelling choices. William, Zoe the Manhunter lady, and the ever-vengeful Antaan? Yeah, they all bit the dust, taking the town of Rushville with them, while John and Hal threw down like it was the main event at a wrestling match, barely focusing on the real bad guys. So, what’s next on the agenda for our showrunner Chris Mundy? Spoiler alert: it’s a big fat ‘nowhere,’ and surprisingly, that’s the best plot twist yet!
Back to 2026
Welcome back to 2026! Our buddy John is now strutting around as a big-shot architect, throwing panic rooms at rich clients like it’s Black Friday. Forget the Green Lantern gig—those are now just tales of yore. Instead of being a pariah for the Rushville mess, he’s now cashing in on it! But let me tell you, his family ties have gone about as well as a lead balloon; he’s not chatting with his parents anymore. Talk about awkward family dinners!
Hal’s Journey
Meanwhile, Hal Jordan, bless his heart, has had the opposite luck. After doing a little time for his shenanigans, he decides to relocate to Rushville. Yup, nothing screams atonement like moving to the scene of the crime! He’s trying to be a stand-up citizen now while also diving headfirst into a romance with Sheriff Kerry—who, by the way, has moved on from ‘Mr. Billy.’ Hal wants to meet John one last time, seeking some sort of validation, but John? He’s got other plans—like avoiding the awkward tension and suddenly finds himself called back to Rushville to help solve Hal’s murder. What a twist!
Facing the Past
Now, here’s the kicker. Episode 6, cheekily titled “Bad Optics,” takes us back to the dead center of the drama. Directed by Stephen Williams and written by Justin Britt-Gibson, this episode is a bit of a mixed bag. Sure, it’s got that nostalgic feel when dealing with Hal’s funeral preps, which John attempts with the help of Guy Gardner. And then there’s Maggie, a little girl who seems to have a knack for blackmail—and yes, she was there when John snatched Hal’s ring back in 2016. It’s a fun little reunion of past regrets!
John’s Internal Struggle
This episode lets the spotlight shine brightly on John as he grapples with the weight of his choices. He’s in full denial mode, claiming he’s happier without the Green Lantern shenanigans. But let’s get real; the harsh truth is knocking at his door! Aaron Pierre totally nails it as John, oscillating between charm and barely concealed rage in scenes with Billy and during family dinners. He tries so hard to keep it together, yet you can see the storm brewing behind that smile.
Hal’s Charismatic Return
Even in his brief appearances, Kyle Chandler makes Hal so incredibly rich in complexity! He’s like that charming jerk you can’t help but root for. Our interactions with John evolve as the two men balance anger, regret, and unspoken apologies. You can feel the desperation in Hal’s attempts to gain John’s forgiveness, which adds a beautiful layer to the narrative. This isn’t just a superhero tale; it’s a story of two flawed humans trying to navigate their mistakes.
What’s Next?
Alright, let’s throw a wrench in the gears! While “Bad Optics” does much to address character flaws and failures, we can’t sweep the previous episode’s missteps under the carpet, can we? There are some tired tropes and some plots that seem to recycle faster than your old treadmill, especially with that extortion subplot. Seriously, haven’t we seen this before? It feels a little too cozy on the couch of cliché.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, this episode dives deeper into uncharted territory for superhero stories. It exposes our heroes—flaws and all—and challenges the very notion of what it means to be ‘heroic.’ And for that, Lanterns deserves applause, even if there are a few mess-ups along the way. So grab some popcorn and tune in for more superhero angst every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max!