Lanterns Is Better Than Most Superhero Shows—But It's No Watchmen

Lanterns is a highly acclaimed HBO drama that offers a sophisticated take on the Green Lantern character, part of James Gunn's reimagined DC Universe. The drama, created by crime drama specialist Chris Mundy (True Detective, Ozark), Damon Lindelof (Lost, The Leftovers), and Tom King, juxtaposes the contrasting perspectives of two lead characters - Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, and John Stewart, portrayed by Cairo Cash Lee.

The series explores themes of fear, privilege, and societal devaluation through the interactions of the two characters, who are a younger Black man and an older white man respectively. Their disparate relationships to fear are allegorized throughout the series, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Despite its ambitious storytelling, Lanterns lacks the depth and personality of Watchmen, as its philosophical qualities and unique storytelling style are overshadowed by procedural elements and unclear character motivations.

While the show follows Hal and John through various stages of their lives, their relationship remains distant, with Hal being a gruff and egotistical figure who refuses to accept help. The murder mystery set in the rural town of Rushville, Nebraska, serves as the backdrop for the investigation, featuring the Macon family, with Kelly Macdonald's performance earning praise for her compelling portrayal of the local sheriff.

Lanterns defies the superhero genre's typical good-vs.-evil narrative, presenting a more nuanced exploration of character motivations and allegiances. The series ultimately serves as a vehicle for Lindelof's storytelling prowess, using familiar tropes and elements to create a thought-provoking and stylish narrative that goes beyond the standard DC Universe fare.