So, Lanterns. I figured now would be a good time to weigh in...
The Green Lanterns represent something of a hole in my knowledge of comicbook lore. Obviously, I have seen Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) and his ridiculous haircut in 2025's Superman. Maybe not the Green Lantern Corps' best ambassador, but I guess we have to bow to the Guardians' infinite wisdom on that one. Or do we? Anyway, over the years I have read one issue of the comic - I'm fairly sure it began with Hal conjuring a giant hand in some attempt at painting - and I've also seen the infamous Ryan Reynolds movie. But that's about it. Although I should point out that I enjoyed seeing Deadpool shower the script for that movie with Ryan Reynolds a lot more than the movie itself.
Which brings us to this new show, in which a delightfully jaded Hal Jordan (played perfectly by Kyle Chandler) and his trainee partner, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) investigate some strange goings on in a remote Nebraskan town. If you're going to use a streaming show to reintroduce a character or property to the masses, drawing inspiration from True Detective isn't a bad way to go. Even superheroes can take on that persona of the annoying and unorthodox protagonist trying to solve a mystery that no one else wants to even acknowledge. Something Chandler does very well. While Pierre more than delivers as the put-upon rookie who only wants to help, and in order to do so must endure his mentor's obnoxious teaching method. Right from the off these two have incredible chemistry, locking us into their hilarious but relatable love/hate, mentor/mentee relationship.
A murder mystery is certainly a unique way to approach a superhero story, but in this case it works. As with any good mystery drama, there is a lot to unravel. All of which involves some shady characters - all equally enigmatic - who are converging on the town of Rushville. A town that apparently holds some significance for Hal. Needless to say, I have a few questions. In fact, at this point my questions have questions. You could fill notice board after notice board with all the questions, suspects and theories relating to this show. Picture Charlie Day trying to unravel the 'Pepe Silvia' conspiracy. But the extra-terrestrial nature of the story means you really can't trust anything you see or hear. Which only makes Lanterns all the more engrossing. In fact, we're only two episodes in and this has already taken over as the top show on my weekly watchlist.
I can't speak for the more hardcore fans, but so far Lanterns is proving to be a fun way to explore the world of the Green Lantern Corps. Instead of your typical origin story, creators Tom King, Damon Lindelof and Chris Mundy have thrown us in at the deep end of an already established world. Much like James Gunn did with Superman. Putting fans and newcomers on more of an even playing field. Yes there have been some controversial moments already. One in particular - although it definitely caught our attention. But the show also raises some interesting questions about origins, for both Hal and John. Not to mention where they - and all the other Lanterns - fit inside the wider DCU. Questions that'll have pride of place on our 'Pepe Silvia' notice board. That is, until we get some much needed answers. Until then, however, I'm happy to be along for the ride.
Seriously, though... what is up with Guy Gardner's haircut?
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