Spoiler alert: Please move ahead with caution as this article contains major plot points and the ending of Lanterns Episode 1.
DC’s Lanterns has arrived and the first episode wastes very little time setting up a mystery that could drive the entire season. Instead of throwing viewers straight into a giant superhero battle, the series introduces Hal Jordan and John Stewart through a much more grounded investigation that involves a strange death in Nebraska.
Here’s everything we know after the Lanterns pilot.
What Happens In Lanterns Episode 1?
The episode introduces Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, as an experienced Green Lantern who has already spent years protecting Earth. The story then introduces John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre, a new recruit who is beginning his journey as a Green Lantern.
The two are very different. Hal is older, experienced and clearly tired of his life as a Lantern while John is still figuring out what the job actually means for him.
Their paths come together when they are pulled into an unusual case in Nebraska. The episode mainly takes place in 2016, but the story also jumps backwards and forwards in time.
Why Does Lanterns Jump Between Different Years?
The pilot uses multiple timelines to slowly reveal what happened to Hal Jordan. The story moves between 1996, 2016 and 2026. The earlier timeline gives viewers more background on Hal while 2016 focuses on his relationship with John and their investigation.
Then comes the major jump to 2026. This is where the episode changes everything. John returns to Nebraska and discovers that something terrible has happened to his former mentor.
Is Hal Jordan Really Dead?
Yes, the episode presents Hal Jordan as dead. In the 2026 timeline, John finds Hal’s body in the stands of a football stadium. Hal appears to have suffered a gunshot wound and there is no sign of his Green Lantern ring.
The episode does not reveal who shot him or exactly what happened between the events of 2016 and his death. That mystery is clearly going to be one of the main storylines moving forward.
So, while the pilot establishes Hal’s death as the situation John is now dealing with, there are still plenty of unanswered questions surrounding it.
Where Is Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern Ring?
This could be one of the biggest clues. When John finds Hal, his power ring is missing. The episode does not explain where it went or who has it.
That immediately creates another mystery around Hal’s death. Was the ring taken after he was killed? Did Hal lose it before his death? Or does someone else now have it?
The first episode does not provide an answer, so viewers will have to wait for the story to reveal more.
Who Could Have Killed Hal Jordan?
This is where Lanterns leaves viewers with its biggest question. The obvious suspect is William “Will” Macon, played by Garret Dillahunt. Macon is a powerful local businessman in Rushville and is also connected to an anti-alien militia. His involvement in the town’s growing tensions makes him an immediate person of interest.
But there is a catch. Macon may be too obvious a suspect.
Throughout the episode, the show gives viewers enough reasons to keep an eye on him, while also suggesting that he may not be acting alone. Macon himself indicates that he is working for someone else, which could mean that he is only one part of a much bigger operation.
That makes Hal’s murder more complicated than simply blaming Macon. If he is involved, the bigger question could be who is above him and why would they want Hal dead?
At this point, there is no confirmed answer until the new episode arrives.
What Happens To John Stewart?
John becomes even more important after the time jump. When we first meet him, he is still learning from Hal and trying to understand his new responsibilities. His relationship with Hal is not always easy, but the two gradually become partners in the investigation.
By 2026, John is the one left to deal with Hal’s death.
That gives his character a very different position for the rest of the season. He is no longer simply Hal’s trainee. He now has his own reasons to find out what happened.
What Happens Next In Lanterns?
The first episode leaves the biggest questions unanswered, which means the mystery around Hal’s death will likely continue alongside the Nebraska investigation.
Lanterns has eight episodes in its first season and is releasing weekly. In India, the series is streaming on JioHotstar. Episode 2 is scheduled to arrive on August 23.
