HBO’sLanternsclosed out season one with a finale that put Aaron Pierre front and center, and honestly, it was the right call. The season spent weeks building the partnership between John Stewart, a young recruit, and Hal Jordan, the veteran hero played by Kyle Chandler, whose mysterious death shaped every episode that followed. Instead of ending on a CGI-heavy spectacle, the finale focused on consequences and character, letting Pierre’s quiet, restrained performance do the heavy lifting.
That choice paid off. Co-creator Damon Lindelof explained that John’s arc is really about not wanting the ring, or at least not wanting it on the terms he’s been given. That tension gave the finale real weight and positioned John Stewart as the future of the Green Lantern legacy rather than just the next name in the lineup. It’s a fresh, grounded take on a legacy Black superhero, and Pierre makes it look effortless.
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to startLanterns, this is it. The season is a quick watch, the payoff lands, and Pierre’s performance is the kind that turns an actor into a household name. Plus, with the finale teeing up what comes next, there’s plenty to speculate about before season two.
Did theLanternsfinale live up to your expectations, or were you hoping for more action? Let us know in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.