Misdirection after Misdirection, breakout HBOMax series, ‘Lanterns,’ feels more like a game of ‘Clue’ than a full fledged DC superhero series and that in no way, shape, or form is a bad thing. ‘Lanterns’ has found a formula that absolutely suits it’s setting and format. The fourth installment of the series upped the ante with an episode that was riddled with twists and turns, following the precedent set by it’s predecessors. Audiences at this point don’t know who’s telling the truth and neither do the individual characters. It’s TV brilliance at it’s best. Bolstered by an A plus cast rife with chemistry, ‘Lanterns’ is a throwback to the water cooler television of the 90s, making ‘Lanterns’ “can’t miss” viewing.
Back in 2016, the mystery surrounding the manhunter in Rushville is thickening. John and Hal are as stand offish as ever, but both are ready to make a move. It’s time to hit Macon’s Ranch. “The Weenie” is the best of the best that ‘Lanterns’ has offered audiences to this juncture. It’s entry level DC for people who LOVE ‘NCIS’ reruns. The storytelling and world building has been second to none, creating a much needed rush of adrenaline for a DCU that has been reeling since the release of ‘Supergirl’ in June.
Miss Scarlett in the Library with the Darkness Gun?
‘Lanterns’ unique approach to storytelling has turned what could have been a throwaway space adventure into a who done it, murder mystery thriller. It’s been truly impressive to watch ‘Lanterns’ throw out line after line of new thread only to weave them perfectly together again as if it was their destiny to be exactly where they ended up. ‘Lanterns’ feels like the spiritual successor to the noir, crime films of the 40s with a twist. Each character never giving away their full hand while being wary of every player on the board. I can honestly say I have no idea what’s going to happen next and if I do, I think of why I’m wrong as I’m speaking. That’s good television.
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The charm in ‘Lanterns’ is it’s ability to make audiences think they have it figured out. The internet has a litany of theories screaming to the ether that so and so is the manhunter. Arguably, no one has a real beat on who it could be and that’s what will keep audiences coming back week after week. The unknown. ‘Lanterns’ presents the unknown as if audiences should already know. The series never shys away from a tongue in cheek self awareness. Leaning into the weird and being exceptionally self aware is ‘Lanterns’ true super power. Hal Jordan says it, himself, “This is weird, right?” Yes, Hal. It’s very weird and audiences love it.
I Said Ish
While ‘Lanterns’ is the sum of all of it’s parts, Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre are the glue that holds it all together. Seriously, the chemistry between these two is electric. Even when other characters are moving in and out of their orbits, the two are always the focal point, drawing the eyes of the audience and making those around them even better. “The Weenie” leans on the chemistry between Chandler and Pierre more so than previous episodes and it works magnificently. This reliance has made for the best episode of the series.
The decision to slow build Jordan and Stewart’s shared screentime has made their relationship far more endearing than audiences would find in similar shows. ‘Lanterns’ has provided the motivations and characteristics for both in terms of their relationship, so that when audiences receive an episode that is heavy on the two, it feels natural and not forced. It’s clear the two have at minimum a mutual respect, although both would argue against that. The best example of this is the slaughterhouse sequence. They seemed more like old friends than adversaries. It was a nice break from the bombardment of snark, but it also adds depth to each character.
Final Thought:
‘Lanterns’ is on a generational streak of incredible television. Coming out of the gate swinging with one of the most compelling murder mysteries ever put on screen, ‘Lanterns’ continues to get better and better each week.
