My Thoughts on Lanterns

The video is the creator’s take on DC’s “Lanterns” / “Lightning” (as they describe it) after the series ends, with a strong “mixed review” vibe: good character work and mystery atmosphere, but frustrating choices that underuse the Green Lantern action/tools and make the finale feel rushed and implausible.

Main Plot Recap (as the Reviewer Describes It)

• The story centers on Rushville and a terrifying threat: a “Hunter” thought to be extinct.
• Hal Jordan gets involved alongside John Stewart, who becomes Green Lantern after years of preparation.
• John Stewart is framed as unusually fearless, and even able to create without the ring—a standout power the reviewer finds impressive.
• The case becomes a detective / mystery hunt:
  • Hal and John repeatedly bump into trouble and setbacks.
  • They eventually identify the Hunter, which connects to someone they’ve encountered before.

What Stands Out (Highlights)

• Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) is the best part The reviewer calls Chandler’s performance a “hit,” capturing Hal as competent and protective—even when the writing gives him limited usefulness elsewhere.

• Strong character chemistry The dynamic between Hal and John (and their shared mystery-solving) is repeatedly praised as the glue holding the show together.

• Detective mystery pacing (mostly effective) The show is credited for building tension and delivering answers in a satisfying way—until the finale.

Biggest Criticisms / Reactions

Green Lantern lore and action feel underused

• The ring appears very few times, and the reviewer compares its screen use unfavorably to other films, claiming Guy Gardner does more with the ring elsewhere.
• The series has a “superhero shell,” but doesn’t behave like an actual superhero/action show when it counts.
• A recurring frustration: major opportunities to use the ring’s capabilities get dismissed with small, lame explanations (the reviewer mocks it with examples like “5% charge” / “can’t use it”).

The finale lacks a satisfying climax

• There’s action at the end, but the reviewer says it’s short and ends almost immediately, making the finale feel like it sprints to closure.

• Most shocking moment: Sheriff Carey kills Hal The reviewer calls it the single worst decision:

  • Sheriff Carey shoots Hal in the head, seemingly during a heated/illogical moment where Hal isn’t doing anything reckless.
  • The reaction is described as extremely strong and visual, with a “gaming-like” comparison to instant killing.
  • The reviewer also criticizes how Gal Jordan’s death/funeral is handled—portrayed with disrespect or dark humor, as if the show mocks him for not fitting social expectations.

The Hunter threat isn’t shown enough

• The reviewer argues the show keeps telling how dangerous Hunters are, but rarely delivers spectacular proof on-screen.
• Even major moments (like Sinestro being freed) are treated like off-screen backstory rather than dramatic set pieces.
• Zoe / Huntress is mentioned as not delivering the impressive threat the show promised.

Guy Gardner is inconsistent

• The reviewer dislikes how Guy is portrayed as less capable than expected from prior versions, calling him effectively a “weakling.”
• They’re also unhappy with how easily Guy is convinced into a new arrangement, feeling it doesn’t match his established fight-anyone / fearless personality.

A blackmail subplot feels like filler

• A side plot involving a diner employee blackmailing John for $300,000 is called “ridiculous” and ultimately pointless.

Ending Setup / Possible Future

• The reviewer believes Hal Jordan may not be permanently gone, pointing to hints—especially Sinestro implying a return via Yellow Lantern / ring power.
• They speculate the series could continue and want a second season, mainly to see whether the setup gets paid off, since the show seems to have “ingredients” but doesn’t fully deliver.

Key Characters Mentioned

• Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) – praised as the best performance; controversially killed in the finale.
• John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) – praised; noted for fearlessness and unusual ring abilities.
• Gal Jordan – portrayed as arrogant but effective; his death/funeral tone is criticized.
• Sheriff Carey – central mystery character; harshly criticized for killing Hal.
• Noah – revealed as the Hunter connection tied to the season’s big secret.
• Guy Gardner – criticized for inconsistent characterization and how he’s handled in the finale setup.
• Sinestro – referenced for lore and hinted return possibilities.
• Zoe / Huntress – mentioned as not delivering the threat the show promised.

Presentational “Personalities” (as the Video Frames Them)

• Kyle Chandler (Hal Jordan)
• Aaron Pierre (John Stewart)
• The reviewer/creator (narrating voice) – delivering the critique, jokes, and comparisons throughout