TV Review: ‘Lanterns’ Green Looks Good in the DCU

In James Gunn‘s growing DC Universe, Lanterns is the project that had my attention from the start. Co-creators Damon Lindelof, Chris Mundy, and Tom King, have clearly been inspired by a previous HBO property, True Detective. Full disclosure before this review continues: True Detective is one of my personal all-time favorite television series, making the comparisons a tough sell before viewing. Time will tell if Lanterns joins my own personal pantheon, but the results proof that such a possibility is in the cards. That gritty, detective style tone helps to make these episodes given to press my favorite DCU property to date.

Lanterns follows a member of the intergalactic police force known as the Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). When the disgruntled duo is sent to investigate a case in small-town America, a darker mystery begins to take shape. To say anymore would spoil the terrific fun to be had. This has to start with the rather obvious fact of the two central performances.

Aaron Pierre as a stoic, militarized, John Stewart feels ripped directly from the page. Often stone-faced and meticulous, Pierre imbues John with a real humanity. Simultaneously, that also includes a genuine feeling of heroism. For comic book fans, that gives Pierre a chance to deliver exactly what they’d hope for in the character. He imbues John with that emotional balance which over these episodes, left me encapsulated from start to finish. To help in that journey a strong contrast to John’s stoic heroism comes in the form of Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan.

As a fan of the Green Lantern comic book, Lanterns portrays the character of Hal Jordan in a different light that may not appease the die-hard fanbase. He is a charming rogue, that teeters a fine line alongside occasional unlikability. Chandler makes his version of Hal Jordan very easy to see a “classical superhero.” Yet, it’s the understated snark that packs a punch. He has never been better here, delivering a performance that feels wholly unique to the superhero genre. By no means is his Hal Jordan an anti-hero, but very much akin to a jaded older detective (à la True Detective). He knows how the game (or case) works, and how to bend the rules to get results. While such an archetype is not new in television, it feels rather fresh in the world of superheroes. Those willing to go along for the dimensionality that Chandler brings to the role won’t be disappointed.

Being a True Detective-like story, the banter and dynamic amongst the titular characters is quite important. That is thanks not only to both Chandler and Pierre, but also the writing. Mundy, Lindelof, and King are scattered throughout the writing of this season alongside some other collaborators. That spread alongside these central performances help make every joke, emotional beat, or plot mechanic move with ease. That includes how all of the characters fit on the board in this small-town, and the mystery that encompasses them. Every episode unfurls enough bread-crumbs, alongside effective action. The results of which will appease the superhero fans, while also offering several unpredictable surprises for a casual viewer.

Where Lanterns falters is within it’s supporting characters. To be clear, that is not fault of a capable casting including Kelly Macdonald, Garret Dillahunt and Poorna Jagannathan to name a few. The problem is that the writing they are given is significantly less interesting. Those actors or characters will certainly not take viewers out of the show. The problem is that they will leave audiences wanting to spend more time with just John (Pierre) or Hal (Chandler). With that, there is no denying the pleasure in watching all of the stories pieces (no matter the character) fall into place.

Knowing the lore of these characters, credit has to also be given to the use of powers. That particularly shines through the use of the Green Lantern’s infamous ring. All that needs to be said is one simple thing. Fans will be anything but disappointed, and the casual viewers will be impressed with the actions cinematic qualities. While certainly not rivaling something like Game of Thrones, the action is undeniably impressive and unique in the superhero lineage.

The bar is small for saying what the best thing in the growing DCU has been, but Lanterns takes the cake for me. Not only is it an effective mystery with two great central performances, but set in a world that respects the mystery and detective genre. Add in the superhero elements, and the finished product delivers something that feels genuinely special. Which not just in the world of superheroes, but the general entertainment media saturation, makes Lanterns another show of 2026 to eagerly recommend.