[TV] Lanterns - Episode Review

One of the most highly anticipated TV shows of the year has premiered: "Lanterns", an HBO original series, is based on the group of DC Comics characters known as the "Green Lanterns," who can be simply defined as a space police force created to bring peace to the universe. Among their ranks is "Hal Jordan," the first human to wear the ring—the emblem and protective weapon of every Lantern.This TV series (finally) explores the concept of this peace organization or group, which serves as a police force investigating cases that threaten peace on different planets—a premise that naturally leads to a simple “buddy cop” dynamic, where the relationship between a seasoned Green Lantern and a rookie develops; The major difference between what was previously the concept for a potential movie and what the TV series has become is the wise decision to now focus on Earth, which allows us to see the old and new laws imposed by “The Guardians”—the creators of the Green Lanterns—which dictate that Earth may have only one bearer of the “Power Ring.” As a result, this time around our protagonists are “Hal Jordan” as the seasoned Green Lantern, alongside “John Stewart,” who may one day become his successor; both will embark on a journey spanning different timelines, yet united by a difficult case.The first episode, titled “Pilot,” is a great introduction to both protagonists, although this time the narrative—or point of view—is centered on the character “John Stewart,” a character who certainly needs to be introduced to an audience that doesn’t read comics or hasn’t had the chance to get to know him (like me) through the ’90s animated series based on the Justice League. The decision to have Stewart begin the story of this case—where we first see what may be his training to join the “Green Lantern Corps”—offers a perspective on the character that I personally wasn’t familiar with; his attitude of appearing to respect the chain of command—which leads him to claim he respects Hal—is often called into question because it’s clear he feels better prepared to be the ring bearer; this might make him seem like an annoying character, but we mustn’t overlook the fact that at this stage in his life, he’s in the midst of training, and his arrogance can lead to both successes and problems.As for "Hal," he’s definitely the mentor no one wants to have, and that’s because he doesn’t feel he needs immediate reinforcement. But I think we should wait until we understand why the decision was made to make such a radical change—to have another Earthling wear the ring—when Jordan is still a Green Lantern; His arrogance, lack of humility, unfriendliness in certain situations, and his tendency to handle cases on his own create a barrier that makes it difficult for him to become a mentor, a coach, or someone who can be fully admired. Surely, through his actions in the series’ future, we’ll discover the great hero he truly is, despite the obvious suffering he endures.The first episode is magnificent; I thought the unhurried pace of the introductory narrative for the many characters in this story was just right, as were the well-timed moments to delve into the protagonists’ origins—especially those moments when they stopped being afraid, which is a very recurring and important theme for the Green Lanterns. The dynamic between the characters is spot-on because it’s clear that “Hal,” played by Kyle Chandler, doesn’t appreciate having an apprentice/partner/replacement, just as “John,” played by Aaron Pierre, who—despite respecting Hal—believes he does have what it takes to carry the mantle of a Green Lantern; these two aspects are crucial to the characters’ development because they’re now part of a case that’s yet to yield major revelations; they’ll surely have to put their differences aside and learn to work together, and that dramatic element is what I’m most looking forward to, rather than seeing the power ring in action. Personally, I’m really excited to discover the past, present, and future of these characters—about whom I know very little—though I do recognize certain plot points and other characters who may appear in upcoming episodes. But it’s precisely my lack of knowledge about so many other things that I want to uncover, from the perspective of heroes who are far from perfect.