"Lanterns" wants to be the "True Detective" of superheroes. But wanting is not enough
After years of development, DC's beloved superhero returns in a new series that attempts to trade cosmic spectacle for mystery and murder investigation. Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre lead the cast, but the opening episode struggles to generate tension. Fortunately, the talent behind the scenes suggests that the show may be worth sticking with.
Adapting superheroes for the small screen and turning them into a successful series is no small feat. The starting point is promising, with familiar characters capable of sparking interest and attracting a massive audience. In an industry hooked on intellectual property, Marvel and DC Comics have a wealth of brands—from Spider-Man to Batman—that drive streaming subscriptions. However, the promise of these characters comes with a significant challenge.
While movie theaters offer two-hour spectacles filled with explosions and spaceships, television requires eight episodes of complex, nuanced drama. And, most importantly, it requires mystery. Producer Greg Berlanti took on this task, aiming to bring Hal Jordan, the commander of the Earth district in the intergalactic police, back to the forefront. Since its 2019 announcement, the project has undergone numerous transformations, leadership changes, and creative shifts. The result is the new series "Lanterns," which premiered this week, and, frankly, it is a disappointment.
Unlike the 2011 "Green Lantern" movie starring Ryan Reynolds, which was packed with dizzying visual effects, the current series aims for a grounded, realistic tone. The script is clearly inspired by "True Detective," attempting to give the story a serious, gritty dimension. Kyle Chandler plays an older, bitter version of Hal Jordan, while Aaron Pierre portrays his trainee, John Stewart. The relationship between the mentor and the rookie is the dramatic heart of the show, reminiscent of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, forced to fight very real "windmills."
Their investigation leads them to Rushville, Nebraska, following a mass shooting. Jordan suspects an alien attack, setting the stage for a mystery. However, the pilot episode moves sluggishly, lacking the tension or sharp humor needed to hook the viewer. While trailers promised a grand struggle between worlds and the arrival of the shape-shifting "Manhunters," these ambitions remain largely unrealized in the first episode.
Despite this, the show is worth watching, if only for the presence of Damon Lindelof on the writing team. His work on "The Leftovers" and "Watchmen" proved he can masterfully blend superhero tropes with deep political philosophy. One can hope that under his guidance, the writing team can move beyond the characters' personal spaces and weave a complex, geopolitical, and galactopolitical conspiracy. While replicating the brilliance of "Watchmen" is a tall order, the ambition behind "Lanterns" is enough to warrant patience for now.
