Following episode 1’s shocking cliffhanger, HBO’s Lanterns returns to our 2016 timeline, expanding its scope. John is intercepted on a solo mission, while the elder ring-bearer continues his investigation into Rushville’s mass shooting.
Begrudgingly reunited, Hal plans to teach John how to fly. But when the trainee can only muster a bird construct, Hal pivots, assigning him to retrieve his lantern to recharge the ring. John makes his way to Coast City and disobeys orders, grabbing the ring and Hal’s suit.
Meanwhile, Hal uncovers how Will Macon identified the aliens in disguise — the football field’s metal detectors signal alien specimen. He brings this revelation to Sheriff Kerry Macon during a press conference, only to learn she’s aware of the alien technology. Betting her father-in-law is hiding more on his ranch, the pair make an unplanned visit. Rather than let her do the talking, Hal pushes Will’s buttons and pays the price. His sniper shoots Hal for trespassing.
John succeds in getting the lantern, but finds himself kidnapped by unknown assailants. He wakes up to meet his captor, an alien named Antaan. Antaan enlightens John on a shapeshifting alien race known as manhunters who executed massive genocide against his people. Long-believed to be exterminated by the Guardians, they suspect a sole manhunter remains in the Nebraska town, and murdered his alien team sent to investigate. Antaan tasks John to covertly identify the deceiver within 48 hours, or they will destroy the town.
Back in Rushville, an injured but stable Hal forms a truce with Sheriff Macon while John seems to bond with Zoe Macon. Later, John spills the beans about his mission, which validates Hal’s gut that something more is going on. As John retires, Hal charges the ring and soars to an intergalactic prison. Here, he greets Sinestro, a former Lantern turned villain, and asks about manhunters.
Episode 2 is a solid follow-up to the “Pilot,” strategically building our mystery while subtly revealing more about our characters. As the episode title states, trust is paramount for our leads, and must be wielded wisely. Hal trusting Kerry seems to be a step in the right direction. And John sharing the manhunter mission with Hal proves he understands what needs to be done. However, his ease to trust Zoe may reap the wrong fruit.
Speaking of those two, the series’ exploration of race is fascinating. Both John and Zoe navigate the world bound to whiteness to achieve success, acknowledging the optics and its costs. It’s an interesting dynamic juxtaposed to Will Macon’s overt alien bigotry and ironic fear of colonization.
The writers continue a decent balance between the Columbo-style sleuthing and straight comic action. John’s chase sequence worked well, leading us to the episode’s zenith with Paul Ben-Victor’s scene-stealing scene. This bit of Lantern history with Hal’s ending scene proves the show can do it’s detective show within the DC Universe without sacrificing either.
Rating: 8.5/10