Hal and John clash as Hal manipulates John into a deadly trap in Lanterns season 1 episode 4
In the fourth episode of "Lanterns," Hal Jordan and John Stewart’s tension escalates, culminating in Hal luring John into a fatal car crash after a series of manipulations and betrayals.
Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) intensify their rivalry in the fourth episode of "Lanterns," titled "The Weenie." After a failed raid on Macon's compound, the two heroes engage in a series of tense conversations with the Guardians, who accuse Hal of violating his oath and accelerating a looming crisis.
"I was never anything but myself," Hal replies when the Guardians question his motives.
The Guardians pressure John to take the power ring from Hal, citing Hal’s alleged lack of creativity and weakness. John resists, accusing Hal of keeping the ring warm for his own benefit. Later, while tracking a satellite that destroyed Zoe’s vehicle, Hal subtly extracts a confession from John that he believes Zoe is still alive and that he has been tasked with retrieving the ring.
"People dying is part of the job… Avoid real relationships from here on out. Keep people at a distance for their own safety. Lonely fuckin’ job…," Hal tells John.
Hal’s manipulation culminates in a staged car crash: after John apologizes, Hal pretends to fix a rental car, then drives John into a telephone pole, leaving him severely injured. The episode ends with Hal emerging from the wreckage, his green protective bubble intact, while John lies incapacitated.
Critics note that the episode prioritizes the complex dynamic between Hal and John over traditional superhero spectacle, highlighting the strong performances of Chandler and Pierre and the series’ focus on character-driven tension.