Lanterns: Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre Star in DC’s Sci-Fi Mystery

Television has a long history of featuring intriguing odd-couple investigators. Think of iconic duos like Scully and Mulder from The X-Files, Cohle and Hart from True Detective, or any version of Holmes and Watson. HBO’s latest series, Lanterns, presents a fresh twist on this beloved formula by exploring the concept of “what if these investigators were space cops?”

The space cops in this story are Green Lantern Hal Jordan (played by Kyle Chandler) and his rookie partner John Stewart (portrayed by Aaron Pierre). Like their counterparts in the intergalactic Green Lantern Corps, they wield the ability to create glowing green constructs using their Power Rings. Lanterns adopts a more grounded narrative, transforming the sci-fi elements of Green Lantern into an engaging Earth-based mystery featuring a captivating duo at the core.

Experience a Thought-Provoking Mystery with Lanterns from DC.

Crafted by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King, Lanterns delves into the evolving dynamics of the mentor-mentee relationship between Hal and John. Hal, with his sharp wit, often undermines John’s confidence by referring to him as “junior” and excluding him from critical Green Lantern discussions. John, a former Marine, strives to maintain his composure despite the mounting pressure, but cracks in his stoic demeanor begin to surface. His father (J. Alphonse Nicholson) reminds him over the phone in the premiere that as a Black man, John faces unique challenges. He must work significantly harder to earn his place as a Green Lantern, and even after achieving that, he will be held to a different, more demanding standard compared to his white predecessor.

Lindelof previously tackled themes of racism in his 2019 reimagining of Watchmen, which highlighted the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, police brutality, and the ongoing issue of white supremacy. In Lanterns, he, along with Mundy and King, also addresses racial themes, though in a subtler manner. Instead of focusing on America’s history of racial violence, the narrative centers on the impossible expectations that John and his family recognize he must meet to thrive as a Lantern, examining the weight of these pressures throughout its most compelling moments.

As Hal and John travel to the small town of Rushville, Nebraska, to investigate a shooting possibly linked to alien activity, issues of race remain at the forefront. In their investigation, they encounter local figure William Macon (played by Garret Dillahunt), whose fears about aliens resonate with contemporary anti-immigrant sentiments. Not to mention, he leads a personal militia, which adds an unsettling layer to the narrative.

Lanterns enriches our understanding of Rushville and its residents as the central mystery unfolds. (It offers a rewarding experience upon rewatch.) The series also integrates numerous essential Green Lantern elements, such as constructs and extraterrestrial beings. it adapts these features to suit a more grounded and gritty mystery tone. In Lanterns, aliens predominantly masquerade as humans, and construct use is often limited to defensive shields. While the absence of more extravagant sci-fi visuals may feel distant from the traditional intergalactic escapades of Green Lantern, it accentuates the impact of the moments when the narrative allows itself to fully embrace its adventurous side.

Witness the Unmatched Chemistry Between Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in Lanterns.

Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler in ‘Lanterns.’ Credit: John Johnson / HBO Max

Driving the narrative forward is the dynamic chemistry between Chandler and Pierre. Their performances complement each other beautifully, even as their characters frequently clash.

Chandler portrays Hal as both infuriating and charming. He enters rooms with an awareness of how to push people’s buttons and knows precisely which ones to engage to achieve his objectives. Despite his potential to be overly irritating, Chandler balances Hal’s cockiness with an approachable warmth, making the character unexpectedly lovable. He may annoy those around him in Rushville, but his antics are undeniably entertaining.

In contrast, Pierre’s John embodies stoicism and restraint. He maintains a composed exterior, yet Pierre skillfully reveals moments of frustration as John’s relationship with Hal evolves. John’s exasperation often leads to the show’s lighter moments, all while underscoring the challenges he faces on his path to becoming a Green Lantern. Pierre has already demonstrated his talent, especially in the 2024 film Rebel Ridge, and he continues to shine in this role, showcasing his impressive gravitas.

The contrasting performances of Pierre and Chandler serve as perfect foils, with each scene resembling a sparring match, often concluded with Hal playfully teasing John. With their captivating chemistry, an intriguing central mystery, and timely themes, Lanterns emerges as an exhilarating addition to the DC Universe.

Lanterns premieres on Sunday, Aug. 16, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.