Lanterns Episode 5: The Manhunter’s Fall and John Stewart’s Reckoning

Key points

• Zoe Macon, played by Poorna Jagannathan, was revealed to be a Manhunter, a synthetic shapeshifter created by the Guardians of the Universe.
• John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre, killed Zoe after she betrayed him, marking the end of her 30-year cover in Rushville, Nebraska.
• Hal Jordan and John Stewart engaged in a physical fight, with John ultimately taking the Green Lantern ring.
• John Stewart rejected the Green Lantern Corps, returning Hal’s ring to the Guardian.
• The episode featured the destruction of Rushville and the death of William Macon, played by Garret Dillahunt.

Background

Lanterns is an eight-episode HBO series based on DC Comics, starring Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. The show has been praised for blending superhero elements with a grounded crime drama. Poorna Jagannathan previously starred in Hulu’s canceled crime comedy Deli Boys.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter and Los Angeles Times emphasized the surprise of Zoe’s Manhunter reveal, with Jagannathan noting she was unaware of the twist until reading the script. TheWrap focused on the physical fight between Hal and John, highlighting director Geeta Vasant Patel’s intention to make the scene feel realistic rather than fantastical. Mashable noted the episode’s impact, describing it as a season finale despite three episodes remaining.

Why it matters

Episode 5 of Lanterns fundamentally shifts the narrative, resolving the Manhunter mystery and altering the dynamic between Hal and John. The episode’s high stakes and character deaths have generated significant discussion, highlighting the show’s ability to blend genre elements with emotional depth.

What to watch

Lanterns will continue airing new episodes every Sunday on HBO and HBO Max until October 4, 2026. The remaining episodes will likely address the aftermath of Rushville’s destruction and John Stewart’s rejection of the Green Lantern Corps.