HBO's new superhero series, "Lanterns," offers a more grounded and gritty interpretation of the DC Comics universe, aiming to elevate the source material that inspired the widely panned 2011 film "Green Lantern." The show, which premieres Sunday, Aug. 16, is executive produced by DC leaders James Gunn and Peter Safran and created by Chris Mundy, Tom King, and Damon Lindelof.
Starring Kyle Chandler as the seasoned, devil-may-care Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as his more tightly wound trainee John Stewart, the series leans into a buddy-cop dynamic. Chandler's portrayal brings a charismatic, aging cowboy aura to Jordan, making his character an engaging presence even when the plot becomes convoluted. Pierre's Stewart provides a necessary contrast, and their clashing personalities form a central element of the show.
The narrative follows Jordan and Stewart as they investigate a potential extraterrestrial threat in a Nebraska town. This setup allows "Lanterns" to blend superhero elements with tones reminiscent of crime dramas like "True Detective" and "Fargo." While it benefits from HBO's association with prestige television, the series is described as being more akin to elevated versions of shows like "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." or "Arrow."
Despite Lindelof's involvement, "Lanterns" does not reach the thematic depth or sophisticated genre-blending of his previous HBO series, "Watchmen." The show struggles at times to reconcile its grounded crime drama aspirations with the inherent fantastical elements of its comic book origins, such as Jordan's powers from a glowing green ring. This unevenness in balancing its disparate influences occasionally leaves the audience feeling unsettled, though the series is rarely boring.
"Lanterns" is an enjoyable, if imperfect, watch, featuring strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Chandler. The series also features a supporting cast that includes Kelly Macdonald, Laura Linney, Nathan Fillion, and Jason Ritter.
The show's plot unfolds across multiple timelines and flashbacks, adding complexity to the main storyline. While the series offers human drama and strong acting, its impact might have been greater if released a decade earlier, given the current saturation of superhero content. The familiar tropes, like discussions of intergalactic jargon and CGI effects, are present but do not solely define the series.
"Lanterns" premieres Sunday, Aug. 16, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and will be available for streaming on HBO Max. This iteration is considered a significant improvement over the 2011 "Green Lantern" film starring Ryan Reynolds.
