Here’s my review of Lanterns S1E01 and whilst it was a good start, and right up my street, it may not please some comic book fans. Folks this is a spoiler free review and there’s a bit to spoil if not careful, so I will be. Let’s get started.
Good Start
I enjoyed this premiere episode a lot, it feels like the kind of show that ticks my boxes. In fact I can see real similarities tonally with Watchmen, which considering Lindelof’s involvement is perhaps not a major surprise.
This show is definitely more, Watchmen/Penguin than it is something like Peacemaker or any of the Marvel’s shows. You can see why this belongs on HBO and not HBO Max, though some fans are unhappy with rumors around the conditions HBO placed to make that happen. We are only on episode 1 and the week’s ahead teaser I share below shows maybe more budget was spent later in the Season. However, I do think some comic book fans will be a bit bored by Lanterns opening episode, especially younger fans. It really is set up as an adult drama series, which for me is perfect.
I really enjoyed the banter and dynamic between Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), they have good chemistry together and a rather awkward relationship. It will be interesting to see how that relationship develops and it looks like some rocky moments ahead.
RELATED: Waller And Paradise Lost Shows Shelved – More Rejected In DCU TV Shakeup
It’s worth pointing out that this opening episode takes us across three different time periods. First we begin in 1999 with Hal Jordan in his younger days, then we spend most of the episode in 2016 before finally jumping to 2026. My guess is that most of the show will be set across 2016 and 2026, but I would not rule out taking a step back further again down the line.
The opening episode only briefly introduces us to much of the supporting cast, outside Kelly McDonald’s Sherriff. Therefore, I think I need to wait to see more and how everyone connects to the mystery at hand. As for what is going on? It remains mysterious as we learn through the eyes of John and the little he gets from Hal.
I’m intrigued though and I feel happy to tune in next weeks and get another piece of the puzzle.
Notes
Honestly, I have few notes on this opening episode. One would be that the age of the cast seems all a bit too similar. For example John isn’t a young man, Hal isn’t quite an old man, but they have that dynamic. The Sherriff seems around 5-10 years younger than her in-laws as well. I could also at times hear Kelly McDonald’s Scots accent coming through, but maybe I’m simply more primed to hear that as a fellow Scot.
Aadditionally, there’s a moment in the show with a bomb. No details, but lets just say after you’ve seen it, you’ll be wondering why it was designed with a beeping countdown.
Small little picks that don’t really impact on my enjoyment. Though, I’ll save getting too excited for further down the line. After all, it’s only the first episode.
GRADE: A-
Enjoyable, adult show so far. Early days, but I have great hopes for how the series will progress. Kinda doubt younger adult superhero fans will be into this, though that could change in future episodes. There’s less super and more drama here, which is fine by me, but won’t be for everyone. Don’t expect to see Hal and John fighting monsters in space. at least, not yet.
Check out the week’s ahead teaser below if you want a glimpse of what to expect. Share your own review for Lanterns S1E01 below if you can.
