The trailers for Lanterns by HBO’s DC Universe teased a radical departure from the usual superhero fare, offering a grittier, more True Detective-esque experience. While the rebooted DC films have been enjoyable but forgettable, Lanterns stands out as a beacon of creativity within the genre.

The series unfolds with two primary storylines. The first takes us back to 2016 in Rushville, Nebraska, where a mass shooting at a local football game introduces us to the current and new Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and John Stewart, respectively. Their investigation is initially met with skepticism from Sheriff Kerry Kane, only to be proven wrong when the suspect, an alien, self-detonates.

The second storyline jumps forward to 2026, where Hal Jordan returns to Rushville as a social pariah following the devastating events of 2016. The murder of Hal Jordan becomes the focus of the second half of the series, as John Stewart teams up with Sheriff Kane to solve the mystery.

The cast delivers outstanding performances, with Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre bringing depth and substance to their roles. The show’s themes, particularly the push and pull of leadership and the clash between Hal and John’s contrasting personalities, add layers to the narrative. The stakes are high, making their conflict not just personal but potentially catastrophic for the town.