The season finale of HBO's Lanterns has unraveled the mysteries surrounding Hal Jordan's death and the extraterrestrial presence in Rushville, Nebraska, simultaneously setting the stage for John Stewart's future within the DC Universe, particularly in relation to James Gunn's forthcoming film, 'Man of Tomorrow.'
The Truth Behind Hal Jordan's Demise
The perplexing question of who killed Hal Jordan, whose body was discovered in the first episode, was finally addressed. While initial theories suggested suicide, the finale reveals a more complex narrative. Hal, in a moment of happiness and hope for his relationship with Kerry Kane, attends her son Noah's football game. However, his home is subsequently set ablaze, trapping him. Noah rescues Hal from the fire, using advanced technology previously seen when healing John Stewart. It's revealed that Noah is a Manhunter, a lineage previously hinted at, and that his grandmother, Zoe, used similar technology to give Kerry a "miracle," resulting in Noah's conception and birth.
Hal's investigation led him to discover Noah had freed Sinestro from prison and obtained a Manhunter-crafted Lantern capable of charging a Green Lantern ring, albeit one tainted by fear. Noah's intention was to exact revenge on the Guardians of the Universe by killing Guy Gardner and taking his ring. However, his human conscience conflicted with his Manhunter programming. Initially confessing to Hal's murder to protect his mother, Noah later admits the truth: Kerry shot Hal after learning about Noah's actions and Hal's subsequent attempts to persuade her to flee.
Faced with the revelation of Hal's murder, Kerry turns herself in, but John Stewart intervenes. He decides against punishment for Kerry, respecting Hal's presumed wishes, and spares Noah, seeing his willingness to sacrifice himself and abandon Sinestro's power as proof he is not a monster. Noah chooses a normal life, opting to play football at the University of Nebraska instead of pursuing power at the Naval Academy.
John Stewart's New Path
John Stewart makes a pivotal decision, taking possession of Sinestro's Manhunter Lantern and Hal's Power Ring. This act transfers ownership, erasing Hal's Halogram but allowing for a final farewell between trainer and trainee. John declares his intention to become a Green Lantern who operates independently of the Guardians of the Universe, focusing his protection on Earth while Guy Gardner continues his duties in space.
Despite Guy's concerns about the Guardians' retaliation, John believes their complex history with his family and the unique power of the Manhunter Lantern will deter intervention. This independent stance and focus on Earth-based threats position John Stewart as a key figure for future DCU narratives, including James Gunn's 'Man of Tomorrow.' The film's focus on Brainiac as the primary villain suggests Guy will be occupied with cosmic threats, leaving terrestrial matters to John. Furthermore, Maxwell Lord's confirmed appearances in upcoming DCU projects could see him attempting to recruit John as a replacement for Guy in the Justice Gang, should Guy's extraterrestrial focus limit his availability.