‘Lanterns’ Episode 5 Recap and Ending Explained: John Stewart’s Decision on the Ring
HBO’s ‘Lanterns‘ has crafted its initial episodes around a rivalry that feels almost classic for a superhero narrative. Hal Jordan and John Stewart, the seasoned veteran and the eager rookie, spent the early chapters of the season circling each other while delving into a murder case in Rushville, Nebraska, each believing he was the more suitable candidate for the ring.
This setup allowed the DC Studios drama to resemble a grounded detective story rather than a conventional origin tale, with the show’s shape-shifting Manhunter mystery gradually tightening around the characters. By the time the fifth episode aired, the partnership between the two Lanterns was already showing significant strain.
The episode, titled “Lights Out,” marks the moment that tension reaches its breaking point, concluding the season-long 2016 murder investigation and compelling John to make a choice that alters the course of the remainder of the season. Directed by Geeta Vasant Patel and penned by Justin Britt-Gibson, it delivered more action than the series had showcased throughout the first half.
Before the episode, John had confessed to one of the Guardians that he had spoken out against Hal, leading to a vote that removed Hal from his position and placed John in his stead. This decision came shortly after both Lanterns independently realized that Zoe, someone John had grown close to during their investigation, was likely the Manhunter they had been pursuing.
First teaser for Episode 6 of ‘LANTERNS’.
Read our review: https://t.co/Q8gD40hnDk pic.twitter.com/7KSusB8jhH
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The episode begins with Hal leaping from a moving vehicle to confront the Manhunter before John could, further damaging their already fragile trust. John spends the initial part of the episode escaping from the hospital, contacting his father, and telling his mother that he plans to take the ring directly from Hal if necessary.
Meanwhile, Hal sends forces after William Macon, falsely claiming he is the Manhunter, a scheme that results in Antaan killing Macon and discovering Hal’s deception. As Hal attempts to capture Zoe himself, he eliminates Antaan mid-explosion, allowing Zoe to flee while John confronts Hal back at the motel, nearly wresting the ring from him.
The episode concludes with John sitting across from Lianna, the Guardian portrayed by Laura Linney. He informs her that Hal is still alive and presents the Manhunter’s heart as evidence that the threat has been neutralized. Her response is measured, acknowledging that even the Guardians make mistakes and that all anyone can do afterward is attempt to rectify them.
What follows is a significant emotional moment. John reveals he has spent much of his life dreaming of what it would be like to wear the ring, only to discover that donning it left him feeling hollow, blaming Hal for what he became while holding onto it. Instead of taking the Green Lantern oath, John hands the ring back to Lianna and simply walks away.
This choice by the writers is a deliberate twist, withholding the anticipated heroic moment just as the narrative seems to be leading toward it. Bestowing the ring upon John at this juncture would have been the expected payoff after a season of buildup, but the show opts for restraint, indicating that his journey toward becoming a full-fledged Green Lantern is far from over.
This restraint redefines what kind of series ‘Lanterns’ has been throughout. The season has utilized its detective framework to strip away the typical elements of a superhero origin story, and resolving the 2016 case without immediately elevating John keeps that grounded approach intact as the season progresses.
John’s refusal also leaves the Guardians’ strategy in uncertainty, as they had already voted to remove Hal before Lianna’s response indicated that the Guardians are willing to acknowledge their own errors. Sinestro’s manipulation of the conflict between the two Lanterns remains another unresolved thread, and his influence throughout the earlier timeline hints at a larger agenda still waiting to be revealed.
With the 2016 mystery resolved, the season now has the opportunity to shift focus toward consequences rather than setup, transitioning to 2026 for the remaining episodes to finally explore what happens to Hal Jordan in the present day. ‘Lanterns’ releases a new episode each Sunday, with three chapters remaining after this one and the season finale set for October 4.
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