Lanterns Finale: Kerry Kane Kills Hal Jordan, John Stewart Becomes Earth's Independent Green Lantern

Key points

• Kerry Kane is revealed as the killer of Hal Jordan, acting out of fear for her Manhunter son, Noah.
• Noah Macon is identified as a Manhunter who sought a yellow lantern from Sinestro but ultimately chose to relinquish power.
• John Stewart accepts the Green Lantern ring but rewrites the oath to embrace fear, establishing himself as an independent operator on Earth.
• Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) is tasked with watching the stars, while John focuses on Earth, setting up a potential conflict in Man of Tomorrow.
• The series concludes with strong ratings but no confirmed renewal, though Stewart will appear in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow film.

Background

Lanterns is an HBO Max series that reimagines the Green Lantern mythos with a grounded, character-driven approach. The show focuses on two main time periods: 2016 and 2026, with the latter taking place after the events of the 2025 film Superman. The series has been praised for its non-traditional approach to superhero storytelling, avoiding clichés and focusing on emotional depth. The finale, 'Dirt and Stars,' is the culmination of a season-long mission to launch Stewart on his superhero career with a quiet, emotional final chapter that brings his origin story full circle.

How outlets are covering it

SlashFilm emphasizes how the finale sets up John Stewart's return in Man of Tomorrow, highlighting his role as an independent Lantern. The Ringer focuses on the emotional and character-driven aspects of the finale, praising the show's avoidance of action-packed clichés. Variety provides a detailed recap of the plot, including the reveal of Noah as a Manhunter and Sinestro's creation of a yellow lantern. The Hollywood Reporter discusses the creative decisions behind the finale, noting the show's commitment to emotional storytelling over spectacle. All sources agree on the key plot points but differ in their emphasis on the implications for the DCU and the show's future.

Why it matters

The finale of Lanterns not only resolves the central mystery of the season but also sets the stage for John Stewart's role in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow film. By establishing Stewart as an independent Lantern, the show creates a unique dynamic within the DCU, potentially leading to conflicts and collaborations with other characters like Guy Gardner and Superman. The strong ratings and critical acclaim for the series suggest that it has the potential to become a significant part of the DCU, even without a confirmed renewal.

What to watch

The future of Lanterns is uncertain, with no confirmed renewal for a second season. However, John Stewart's appearance in Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for July 9, 2027, is confirmed. The film will likely explore the intergalactic mission to take down Brainiac, with Stewart's role as an independent Lantern potentially clashing with Guy Gardner's responsibilities. The show's strong ratings and critical acclaim may influence decisions regarding a potential second season, especially if the DCU continues to expand.