Episode 5 of HBO's
Lanterns
dealt with the immediate fallout from the revelation of the Manhunter's identity. The shapeshifting alien, Zoe Macon, revealed her motivations and history to stars Poorna Jagannathan and Garret Dillahunt in interviews.
Hal Jordan learns that the Manhunter is targeting John Stewart because she sees him as the more powerful Lantern. "She assesses him to be more dangerous, more of a threat than Hal. Hal she can just take care of," Jagannathan explained. This tactical assessment stems from the Manhunter's core programming: to understand and conquer a civilization by seducing its strongest member.
Zoe herself adopted the appearance of a woman of color, stating that being an outsider granted her a unique perspective for conquest. Jagannathan related this to her own upbringing as the daughter of an Indian diplomat, moving frequently and adapting to new environments. "The core of me is still an outsider," she said, finding strength in overcoming obstacles.
"It's a wild relationship"
While Hal confronts the Manhunter, he sends Antaan, an alien seeking revenge for his species' genocide, after Zoe's husband, William Macon. William willingly steps in as a decoy, having been saved by Zoe from cancer and granted a new lease on life. "I think she expands his mind," Dillahunt said of their relationship, where he sees himself as the "first mate" to Zoe's "captain." He admitted to some jealousy regarding John Stewart.
Zoe's past with Antaan is revealed: after the Guardians of the Universe deactivated the Manhunters, Zoe was unaffected and sought refuge with Antaan, with whom she fell in love. However, her programming ultimately led her to commit genocide against his species. "She had to bring her form of justice to this chaos, which resulted in a genocide," Jagannathan explained. "Antaan didn't understand that. He didn't understand my core and who I am. He thought I had changed, and I can't change."
Resisting programming
Despite her programming, Zoe developed genuine feelings for John, who understood her in a way Antaan never could. John deduced that Zoe killed Abin Sur out of fear of exposure. In her final moments, as John is forced to shoot her, Zoe expresses her surprise at his actions. "She assumes everyone works through their programming like she does, and she is blindsided that John doesn't," Jagannathan stated.
John Stewart's ability to resist his own programming is a key theme. He defies orders from both the Guardians and Hal Jordan, ultimately turning down the opportunity to replace Hal. Like the Manhunters, who the Guardians could not control, John proves to be an unpredictable force, untethered by external commands or destiny.
The first five episodes of Lanterns are streaming now on HBO Max. New episodes release Sunday through Oct. 4.