The season finale of Lanterns finally delivers the answer to the question that has haunted every episode: who killed Hal Jordan? As John Stewart steps fully into his role, the truth about the Manhunters in Rushville comes to light, and while the reveal may not shock the most attentive viewers, it sets the stage for a thrilling new chapter in the DC Universe. The episode grapples with themes of accountability and the age-old battle between nature and nurture, leaving us with a sense that the real Green Lantern adventures are only just beginning.
Hal's Final Days and a New Beginning
The finale opens in 2016 Rushville, a town left in ruins after Zoe's devastating energy attack and the ensuing conflict between Antaan's forces and William Macon's militia. John leaves Hal at a motel, where Kerry finds him in rough shape. When she asks if it was all worth it, Hal is struck by the question—it's the same one he posed to John before stealing the power ring. Hal admits he endangered others for selfish reasons, and he expects the Guardians to punish him for his recklessness. His prediction comes true, and we jump to 2026, where Hal is released from prison and starts a new life with Kerry in Rushville.
Their fresh start is soon tested. A dinner in town draws stares, and Kerry publicly forgives Hal, warning the townsfolk to leave him be. That night, Hal agrees to attend Noah's football game, but their quiet evening is shattered when Molotov cocktails are thrown through the windows. As the house burns, Hal is saved by Noah, who reveals himself to be a Manhunter, just like his grandmother. It's a twist that careful viewers might have seen coming, especially given Noah's earlier interactions with Zoe. Still, Noah saves Hal for his mother's sake, though he warns him to keep the secret.
John's Interrogation and Sinestro's Scheme
Meanwhile, on an alien world, John interrogates a chained Thaal Sinestro. It turns out Noah freed Sinestro from prison, but Sinestro insists their dealings are over. John doesn't buy it, and after some waterboarding, Sinestro reveals that Noah convinced him to forge a lantern—one that harnesses fear, a weapon Sinestro believes is the most powerful in the universe. John moves to charge his ring, but the Halogram warns him against trusting Sinestro's creation. The villain then drops a bombshell: Hal followed Noah through the portal, and Sinestro told Hal to kill the Manhunter, but Hal refused. John realizes Noah's true plan—to kill a Guardian, something only Sinestro has ever done. Sinestro offers to bring Hal back to life, but John and the Halogram reject the offer.
As John prepares to leave, the Halogram helps him understand Hal's final words. Hal's warning not to tell anyone he was there was to protect John, ensuring no one would suspect he knew about Noah. It's a poignant moment that deepens the bond between the two Lanterns.
The Confrontation and a New Threat
Back in Rushville, Noah ambushes John, steals the ring, and forces him into a car. John reveals he knew Zoe was a Manhunter and that she wanted him to kill her to protect Noah. At the football game, Noah admits he didn't burn down Hal's house—he saw the smoke and went to help. He also insists he didn't want to kill Hal, but couldn't risk Kerry learning the truth. When Noah questions whether he can overcome his programming, John shares his own journey of self-doubt, suggesting that asking the question is the first step to answering it.
But Noah's ambitions are far from over. He speaks of a desire for power, and with a ring and lantern, he would be unstoppable. The episode ends with John facing a new challenge, one that hints at a larger threat looming over the DCU. As the credits roll, it's clear that Lanterns has only scratched the surface of what's to come.
For fans eager to see how the Green Lanterns stack up, check out our ranking of every Green Lantern in the series. And if you're curious about the show's impact, Lanterns has been a global streaming sensation. The finale also sets the stage for future DCU stories, much like other shows that promise more to come.
