Lanterns, you can't just put Kyle Chandler on a football field like that
HBO’s Green Lantern show invites unflattering comparisons by evoking Friday Night Lights, but it’s doing something interesting here.
The first episode of HBO's new DC series Lanterns centers around the relationship between seasoned superhero Hal Jordan, portrayed by Kyle Chandler, and his probable successor, John Stewart. The inciting incident takes place in a small town football field where Hal Jordan is seen staring blankly in the stands. The scene, reminiscent of the Friday Night Lights theme, adds nostalgia to the story.
Kyle Chandler, known for his Emmy-winning role as Eric Taylor in the TV series Friday Night Lights, plays Hal Jordan, a character that could overshadow his previous roles. Lanterns subtly toys with the viewer's nostalgia for the beloved TV character while exploring Chandler's portrayal of a more cantankerous and unqualified Hal Jordan.
The use of nostalgia for Coach Taylor, from Friday Night Lights, is handled carefully to avoid comparisons with the cultishly adored show. The premiere effectively kills off Hal Jordan, making the audience feel the loss of a familiar character while also introducing a new Green Lantern. This approach allows Lanterns to establish its own identity and step away from the shadow of Chandler's past roles.
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