Poorna Jagannathan Discusses Zoe’s Faustian Deal in ‘Lanterns’ Episode 5 Twist
‘Lanterns‘ has skillfully crafted Zoe into one of the most captivating supporting characters, showcasing her calm confidence that allows her to fit seamlessly into any environment. This quality made her a joy to watch, even before the show hinted at the deeper, more enigmatic layers of her character.
Poorna Jagannathan, who portrays Zoe, brought a wealth of experience in morally complex roles, including her notable performances in HBO’s ‘The Night Of’ and Netflix’s ‘Never Have I Ever.’ This versatility made her an ideal choice when the show revealed in its fourth episode that Zoe is actually the Manhunter, the shapeshifting figure central to the season’s mystery in Rushville.
Jagannathan recently shared her surprise regarding this revelation. In an interview with Variety, she admitted that she was completely unaware of Zoe’s true identity until she received the script for the fourth episode, humorously noting that everyone else seemed to have predicted it except her. She expressed gratitude for the secrecy maintained during casting, as prior knowledge would have likely made her audition feel less authentic.
This secrecy greatly influenced her portrayal of Zoe, especially in a flashback that illustrates how deeply Zoe has ensnared the entire town of Rushville in her quest for survival. Jagannathan described this dynamic as a contract that Zoe holds over each resident, where her self-preservation is intricately linked to their willingness to protect themselves, likening it to a genuine Faustian bargain that Zoe repeatedly engages in.
Jagannathan also analyzed Zoe’s strategic choice to ally with John Stewart instead of Hal Jordan when danger loomed over Rushville. She explained that Zoe recognized that securing the gratitude and protection of a Green Lantern would serve as her ultimate safeguard, quickly discerning which man would be the more reliable long-term ally.
First teaser for Episode 6 of ‘LANTERNS’.
Read our review: https://t.co/Q8gD40hnDk pic.twitter.com/7KSusB8jhH
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 14, 2026
Jagannathan noted that her assessment was clear-cut. She recognized John as the superior protector because she could already perceive the qualities that would eventually make him an exceptional Green Lantern, a perception that influenced every calculated decision she made amid the escalating chaos of the episode.
This chaos culminated in the episode’s conclusion, as Zoe’s carefully woven web of alliances began to unravel with Antaan and his militia closing in on Rushville, while John’s tumultuous relationship with Hal reached a breaking point. The repercussions of Zoe’s unmasking reverberated through nearly every major storyline that had been subtly developed in the first four episodes, providing the season’s midpoint with a genuine sense of stakes.
For Jagannathan, embodying a character defined by manipulation and self-preservation presented a refreshing challenge after years of roles that explored different emotional landscapes. Her performance in this episode has already sparked considerable discussion, transforming what began as a background character in Rushville into one of ‘Lanterns’ most intriguing antagonists by the time the mystery unfolded.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments.