‘Lanterns’ Review: A Grounded Buddy-Cop Drama for the New DCU

The 2011 Green Lantern film starring Ryan Reynolds was so notoriously poorly received that it became a cultural punchline. It is, therefore, a significant achievement that the new HBO miniseries Lanterns—a cornerstone of the rebooted DC Universe overseen by James Gunn and Peter Safran—establishes a confident, grounded tone that finally does justice to the expansive sci-fi lore of the Green Lantern Corps.

Lanterns skews toward a mature audience, embracing themes of violence, complex morality, and heavy emotional stakes that distinguish it from more family-oriented superhero fare. Developed by showrunner Chris Mundy alongside Damon Lindelof and author Tom King, the eight-episode series functions as a gripping, sophisticated piece of television that feels entirely distinct from the cinematic missteps of the past.

A Compelling Odd-Couple Dynamic

At the heart of the narrative are two of the most iconic figures in the Green Lantern mythos: Hal Jordan, played with crumpled charisma by Kyle Chandler, and John Stewart, portrayed with steely intensity by Aaron Pierre. The series leans into the classic buddy-cop dynamic, contrasting Jordan’s seasoned, maverick approach to intergalactic law enforcement with Stewart’s disciplined, by-the-book methodology. Their friction provides the emotional anchor for the show, elevating the material beyond simple superhero spectacle.

Sophisticated Storytelling and World-Building

The series utilizes a time-hopping structure that adds layers of intrigue to its central mystery, which begins with an investigation in Rushville, Nebraska. By grounding the story in a specific, small-town setting and introducing characters like the local sheriff, played by Kelly Macdonald, the show avoids the common pitfall of feeling like a bloated movie stretched across eight hours. Instead, it feels like a deliberate, paced television drama.

While the series features the signature green energy constructs and intergalactic scope expected of the franchise, it exercises restraint. The creators have opted for a more tactical approach to the characters’ powers, which helps maintain tension and stakes. By forcing the Lanterns to manage their resources, the show keeps the focus on the characters’ internal struggles and the Blade Runner-esque paranoia that permeates the plot.

Ultimately, Lanterns succeeds by balancing high-concept superheroics with grounded, human drama. It tackles complex issues of race, political instability, and personal trauma with a maturity that feels refreshing for the genre. While the full impact of the series will be determined by its finale, it currently stands as the most promising and sophisticated entry in the new DCU to date.