The new DCU series Lanterns delivers a compelling sci-fi thriller that blends the grit of True Detective with cosmic adventure, and it earns a near-perfect verdict. Based on the first seven episodes, the show follows two Green Lanterns—space cops armed with powerful rings—as they uncover an extraterrestrial conspiracy in Nebraska.
A Promising Addition to the DCU
The DCU has had a mixed start, with Superman soaring and Supergirl underwhelming. However, the small-screen offerings have impressed, including Creature Commandos and Peacemaker season 2. Lanterns continues this trend, offering an odd mix of True Detective and a space adventure like Doctor Who.
The show stars Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, a cocksure veteran who doesn't play by the rules, and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart, a by-the-book new recruit. While training, Hal receives a report of a mass shooting in Rushville, Nebraska, and flies off to investigate, convinced it's no ordinary spree killing. Both quickly uncover a darker extraterrestrial plot than they imagined.
Sophisticated Themes and Strong Performances
The series plays with contrasts: the maverick Hal versus the straight-laced John, alien planets versus the empty plains of Nebraska, and grand alien invaders versus relatable local forces. It explores ideas about difference and shared desires like safety, family, respect, and power. The show also offers compelling thoughts on fear and how courage can be a privilege, touching on race and what it means to 'be without fear' for an African American man.
The central mystery is intriguing, though it doesn't quite reach the heights of True Detective. The show is more interested in space lasers, ring-slinging, and nods to the Green Lantern mythos, but it's action-packed, funny, and understands it doesn't have to stop being a superhero show to be sophisticated.
The cast is brilliant, with Garret Dillahunt as the chief antagonist and Kelly Macdonald delivering a convincing American accent. However, the show belongs to Chandler and Pierre. Chandler is sensational as the weary, sardonic Hal, revealing a broken man beneath the bravado. Pierre makes the taciturn John likeable, giving him relatable humanity.
Verdict: A Near-Perfect Superhero Show
Ultimately, Lanterns is a near-perfect superhero show, comparable to The Penguin, Loki, and WandaVision. It's funny, exciting, and has enough emotional depth for grown-ups. The show airs on HBO and HBO Max on August 16 in the US and on HBO Max in the UK on August 17.
