Lanterns Finale: Emotional Stars, But Should You Binge?

The season one finale of "Lanterns" aired last night on HBO Max, finally revealing who killed Hal Jordan and showing Aaron Pierre's John Stewart put on the Green Lantern ring. Tom's Guide attended an HBO panel hosted by Mallory Rubin where Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre discussed the ending.

Chandler admitted he had to "gently wipe away a tear" during the final scene with Pierre, saying goodbye to the role. Pierre called playing John Stewart "a gift" and said he couldn't have chosen a better superhero.

Both actors said they've largely avoided online reaction. Chandler doesn't use social media at all. Pierre said the feedback he's gotten has been from people approaching him in public, all positive. "I haven't heard anything bad," Chandler said, though he assumed the split is 50/50.

Tom's Guide notes that while there has been some backlash, the actors remain insulated. That might be for the best, but it also means the finale's emotional impact is largely internal to the cast and crew.

Asked what they'd do with a Green Lantern ring for 24 hours, Chandler proposed a construct that would make evil-doers fade to transparency—though he added they should still be able to watch HBO. Pierre was stumped.

So, should you watch? If you've been following the series, the finale delivers closure. If not, you're not missing anything essential. The show's creators have sown necessary conversations, but for a casual viewer, "Lanterns" is just another superhero drama. You don't need this.

• Aaron Pierre
• DC
• HBO Max
• Kyle Chandler
• Lanterns
• Tom's Guide