Episode 5 of HBO's "Lanterns" has seemingly concluded a central plotline with the apparent death of Manhunter Zoe, portrayed by Poorna Jagannathan. The episode saw John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre, confront Zoe, whom he had previously formed a connection with.
Stewart utilized Hal Jordan as a ruse to gain the upper hand against Zoe. Despite their prior interactions and a deal for life-saving technology, Stewart ultimately eliminated Zoe. He confirmed the kill by removing her heart, intending to present it to the Guardians. "I thought the role was written with a lot of compassion and it wasn’t a black and white [story]," Jagannathan commented on her character's portrayal, noting that Manhunters are victims of their programming.
Zoe's final moments, as she looked through Stewart's sniper scope, suggested a sense of surprise at being outmaneuvered, a situation she had never encountered before. "She’s always been the smartest person in any situation," Jagannathan explained. "She made that same contract with John. You know, ‘I can help you. I can heal you. I can save you. Do you want to heal?’ And he says, ‘Yes.’ So she’s made that contract and no one has ever broken that contract because life is so precious to everyone, right? When you give someone back their life, you’re so indebted. So to meet someone who has outmaneuvered her, it’s quite a moment."
Following Zoe's death, Stewart took possession of Hal Jordan's lantern ring and Zoe's crystallized heart. He presented these to a Guardian, played by Laura Linney. However, upon putting on the ring, Stewart reported feeling empty rather than powerful. He reflected on Hal Jordan's struggles with the ring, stating, "Hal betrayed everything to keep this ring. His code, the oath, even himself, and it broke him. Probably doesn’t even remember why he wanted the damn thing." Stewart subsequently removed the ring, declaring, "And neither do I."
This decision potentially clarifies why John Stewart is not the Green Lantern assigned to Earth in the 2020s-set series "Peacemaker" and "Superman," a role that is instead filled by Guy Gardner, played by Nathan Fillion.