Grant Morrison Calls 'Lanterns' Finale Morally and Legally Incoherent
Comic writer Grant Morrison said the HBO Max series "Lanterns" finale fails to address the legal and moral implications of Hal Jordan's murder, though he praised the show's performances. Variety reported that the episode identified the second Manhunter responsible for Jordan's death, showed Sinatra's creation of a Yellow Lantern ring, and positioned John Stewart as the sole Green Lantern for an upcoming DC Studios film. The Hollywood Reporter noted that Stewart assumes an unsanctioned lantern after Jordan's killing, a choice the creators said prioritized emotional storytelling over spectacle.
TVLine said series creator Chris Mundy explained the decision to omit Stewart's Green Lantern costume from the finale was driven by the episode's emotional focus, not a lack of design work. TVLine also reported that co-creator Tim King clarified Stewart's ring is a unique, unsanctioned lantern distinct from the official Sector 2814 Green Lantern.