Here’s my extremely fresh review of Lanterns S1E04 and this episode really turned up the heat on the Hal and John dynamic, which works so well. As always folks, this is a spoiler free review, but I will at least assume you’ve watched 1-3 going into this.

So far I have been a fan of Lanterns and there is nothing here in Episode 4 to change my stance.

Buddy Dynamic

The Hal and John buddy dynamic has ben interesting so far, but I really think it gets turned up a notch in Episode 4. Both are faced with forces determined to pull them in a specific direction, and yet, they remain somewhat functional as a team.

I know there was a fuss made when Kyle handler was cast as Hal Jordan. We all know they wanted Josh Brolin initially. Yet, I really can’t imagine anyone better for either of these roles than these two, they just have a chemistry that works.

Episode 4 also see’s a bit more movement on the main plot of 2016. There’s a lesson to be learned here for writers out there. We the audience have suspected certain pieces of the plot emerging. I’ll be careful here folks, but what I want to do is commend how this information being ‘out there’ for the characters is handled.

RELATED: Lanterns S1E03 Review – John’s Backstory Time

We get to see John react in real time to our own suspicions as Hal questions him. Hal of course catches on quickly enough given he’s not been present to the same information we the audience, or John has. You occasionally need to outright give some exposition for audience members who’s brains simply don’t connect the dots. Most shows will offend the other type of viewer who is following along by being too blunt or hitting it wrong. Show, not tell (where possible) and Lanterns pulls this off well this week.

The Future

I’m intrigued to see what the end-game of Lanterns Season 1 is. I can see the pieces, but I’m not yet sure how to put them all together. At this point, half way through I could probably speculate 2/3 completely different endings which would give the series a very different feel. I always feel secure with a show that does this well, as long as they nail the landing.

I’d happily watch more of this Lanterns universe in the wider DCU. I prefer a grey as opposed to black and white approach to storytelling and Lanterns works better in the grey than it does in monochrome. superman on the other hand, is the opposite. Therefore, I wonder how the two tones will mix in Man of Tomorrow?

Oh, and I love how manipulative Sinestro is with Hal, really well cast and really well performed. Would like to see more in the future of this DC, take note….

GRADE: A

A good episode which really turned up the drama and the chemistry between the two lead characters. A somewhat revealing episode in terms of plot threads but with plenty enough mystery that you’re not sure what happen next. So far this has been one of the best shows of 2026.

As always, leave your own thoughts on Lanterns S1E04 below, or what you think of my take.

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