Season finale of "Lanterns" reveals Hal Jordan's killer and sets up John Stewart as Earth’s Green Lantern
The concluding episode of HBO Max’s "Lanterns" identifies the second Manhunter responsible for Hal Jordan’s death, shows Sinatra’s creation of a Yellow Lantern ring, and positions John Stewart as the sole Green Lantern for an upcoming DC Studios film.
The final episode of HBO Max’s "Lanterns," titled "Dirt and Stars," resolves the series-long mystery of who killed former Green Lantern Hal Jordan. The plot reveals that Sheriff Kerry’s son Noah, who was rescued and rebuilt with Manhunter technology, is the second Manhunter and the one who murdered Jordan.
In a flashback, it is disclosed that Kerry, after being saved with Manhunter tech by Zoe Macon, became pregnant with Noah, who inherited Manhunter programming. Fearing Jordan would expose her son’s identity, Kerry shot him as he tried to leave.
The episode also shows Sinestro supplying Noah with a newly forged Yellow Lantern ring powered by fear-inducing gas harvested from the planet devastated by the Manhunters. John Stewart interrogates Sinestro, declines to use the yellow ring, and leaves Sinestro stranded on the planet.
After Noah’s confession, John allows him to leave and later confronts Kerry about her knowledge of Noah’s nature. He ultimately assumes the role of Earth’s Green Lantern, calling himself an “independent contractor” and informing Guy Gardner that he will protect the planet while Gardner watches the stars.
John’s new ring is powered up, and he distributes restitution to a waitress whose family perished in the Manhunter attack. He reunites with his family, including his estranged mother, and recites a personalized version of the Green Lantern oath that emphasizes embracing fear.
The episode sets up John Stewart’s appearance as the Green Lantern in DC Studios’ upcoming "Superman" sequel, "Man of Tomorrow."