By Beau Kealy Macleod
Lanterns is the newest project for the DCU and is making a splash online, sparking new memes and redeeming the DCU after its previous project, Supergirl, a disappointment compared to 2025’s Superman. Lanterns follows two main characters; Hal Jordan, the first human Green Lantern, and John Stewert, his protégé, hunting an intergalactic war criminal, known as a Manhunter.
The show serves to humanize the superheroes and display their flaws, especially Hal Jordan, who is portrayed as a grumpy, mean old man, not wanting to let go of the heydays, refusing to train his protégé to avoid being replaced. Lanterns is an emotional roller-coaster of a show, each plot twist is like a 90 degree turn, changing the direction of the show and how you view the characters.
For a television show on space cops, it feels refreshingly grounded; it makes you relate to the characters, the setting, and their struggles. It allows you to connect with the world more as if it was real life. The plot is a thrilling mystery that leaves you itching for the next episode, dying to know more about what’s happening in Rushville, Nebraska.
Online, people are loving the show and giving praise to the brilliant casting of Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler. Many people here at Benicia, such as fellow student Hudson Dunne, were complimenting him for the life he brings to the character with his own unique quirk, like the seemingly common occurrence of rolling out a moving car suddenly with no prior warning.
However, that isn’t the only genius casting choice. The other main character of the show, Aaron Pierre, is another genius casting, who is played by John Stewert. He is absolutely incredible, creating many viral moments, such as times when his natural British accent slips through a sudden and abrupt change from the character’s American accent. However, that doesn’t ruin the scenes. In fact, it makes them better and offers a form of comedy, even in serious scenes.
Many people’s opinion online is that the show is incredible, and I can agree with that statement and suggest that anyone who has not watched it give it a chance, and watch your socks get knocked off. The show appeals to fans of the comics and potentially new fans who have no knowledge of green lanterns by mixing comic plots with new original things, creating a new experience for everyone.
