Lanterns' momentous twist surprised Poorna Jagannathan, too

The fifth episode of HBO's Lanterns series, titled "Lights Out," surprised actor Poorna Jagannathan with a significant revelation about her character, Zoe Macon, the mysterious Manhunter infiltrating a Nebraska town. Not only does the episode confirm Zoe's identity, but it also portrays her downfall as she is controlled by residents of Rushville for saving their lives at a great cost. Acting on her feelings for John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), Zoe's actions lead to her downfall.

Jagannathan, known for her roles in The Night Of and Never Have I Ever, expressed surprise at the Manhunter twist, stating that even she didn't see it coming. She explained how she played Zoe differently before and after the reveal, aiming to portray her as an integrated human who takes on a real cover and feels emotions like regret and compassion.

Zoe's deep relationship with her grandson in the town, who is one of the few people unaware of her true identity, highlights her capacity for love and deep connections. Her remorse over killing Abin Sur and her eventual betrayal by John Stewart are significant moments in her character development. The episode explores Zoe's manipulation of John as he is perceived as the more powerful Green Lantern, while their relationship also evolves into a personal connection.

Jagannathan acknowledged the challenge of building this dynamic with Aaron Pierre while maintaining the enigmatic nature of Zoe's character.