Warning! This submit incorporates SPOILERS for Lanterns episode 5.
Lanterns episode 5 landed on HBO Max final evening, and it was jam-packed with surprising moments, main reveals, and vital updates to the bigger plot. Among the many greatest occasions in the latest episode was the extreme knock-down, drag-out struggle between Hal and John, which had been constructing for fairly a while and ended with John strolling away with the Inexperienced Lantern Ring. Though that was removed from the one shocking second in episode 5 (Zoe being shot and killed by John, who then rips out her coronary heart, in all probability takes the lead on that entrance), it does have a possible connection to the comics that completely leads into the DCU cameo that followers have been ready for and that was simply confirmed by the Lanterns episode 6 trailer.
Particularly, in episode 5, John and Hal battle it out over who’s going to be the true Inexperienced Lantern, with Hal feeling just like the rightful Inexperienced Lantern as a result of the ring selected him and John believing he’s entitled to the position of Inexperienced Lantern as a result of he was recruited by the Guardians themselves—and, as Lanterns has made clear, John and his dad and mom went to nice lengths to safe that future for him as nicely. This struggle in episode 5, to a level, mirrors a narrative from the comics, particularly Inexperienced Lantern (1990) #25, wherein Hal and Man Gardner likewise battle each other for the title of Inexperienced Lantern. Up till this level, Man—who had his DCU debut in Superman final summer season—hadn’t appeared within the present, so it appeared this comedian guide arc was being swapped out for a confrontation between John and Hal (though in addition they had fights within the comics). Now, although, the Lanterns episode 6 preview has confirmed Man is about to look, elevating questions on what his position within the story will probably be.
Will Man Be Combating for the Function of Inexperienced Lantern?
It was already identified that Man would seem in some unspecified time in the future in Lanterns, really making him the actor with probably the most DCU appearances to this point, in order that in and of itself just isn’t a shock, however the truth that he’s exhibiting up now, in episode 6, raises some questions. In spite of everything, not solely did Hal simply lose the ring to John, but additionally, John determined to surrender the Inexperienced Lantern Ring and stroll away after realizing he not felt proper about what he was doing. Which means that, theoretically, there isn’t any one presently within the position of Inexperienced Lantern, completely making approach for Man to take up the position. This is smart, provided that Man is Inexperienced Lantern in Superman, which takes place after the 2016 timeline of Lanterns when this struggle between Hal and John happens.
In all probability, because of this the struggle between Hal and Man from the comics won’t be occurring within the present—though that’s removed from a assure. There are nonetheless just a few episodes left, and Hal doesn’t seem to be the kind to only quit and stroll away. Nevertheless, Man’s position appears to be a cameo, not the start of a big character arc, so audiences in all probability shouldn’t count on the huge battle of the comics to happen in episode 6. Even so, it’s thrilling to know that Man is about to make his Lanterns debut, and it’s simple to think about that this may have some connection to subsequent 12 months’s Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow.