10 Key Differences Between Lanterns TV Show and Source Material
10 Key Differences between the Lanterns TV Show and the Source Material…so far
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at key differences between the “Lanterns” TV show and its source material. That is, so far, as the 2016 timeline comes to a close in Episode 5. Get your protective construct ready. Spoilers are incoming.
What Would You Prefer? Green Spandex?
Guy Gardner gave us our first look at the Green Lantern suits in “Superman.” A sensible outfit considering he’s part of a team. However, fans of the character were hopeful that the DCU would find its way back to the sleek, glowing, construct uniforms from the comics in “Lanterns.” First indications prior to the release of the show were not promising. As we saw in Episode 2, Hal’s uniform doesn’t get more physical than that, coat hanger and all. A divisive choice for sure, but we’ll be damned if Kyle Chandler doesn’t look great in it. We’ve yet to see John wear his suit, and with his attention to detail, it would not be surprising if he took its tailoring into his own hands.
“True Detective”… But Make It Green
During the first trailer for “Lanterns,” the audience was quick to point out that we barely saw any powers, lanterns, or space for that matter. The more grounded, detective-style look seemed interesting, but was missing a lot to satisfy the expectations set by a James Gunn-style universe. However, the source material’s spacey-looking lore eventually shined through. We first venture into the galaxy during Episode 2, when Hal dons his suit and travels to a prison planet to have a chat with a certain pink villain from the comics. It’s become clear that the grounded nature of the first part of the show was the best way to set the basis for the Jordan-Stewart relationship. So we’ll probably head out to space soon.
The Halogram
In Episodes 1 and 5, we meet the lovingly named Halogram. Turns out, Green Lanterns in the DCU can create a sentient copy of their consciousness and store it in their rings. In this case, Holo Hal serves as a messenger between past and present, warning about the impending calamity approaching Rushville. While this is not an ability pulled straight from the source, there is a connection back to scattered uses of “conscious projections” or “energy twin” powers seen in some comic books. Only the most prolific ring bearers can project their consciousness into green, ghost-like clones of themselves, capable of traveling great distances and communicating with other lanterns, all while their physical bodies remain still. Think Force Projections, but Green.
Lantern Boot Camp
“Lanterns” introduces a mentorship dynamic between our protagonists. Hal is meant to train his successor, and while not established in canon, the emotional weight of the endeavor is a great setup. This, however, breaks with tradition. The Green Lantern Corps is a military-style organization. Recruits from all sectors are brought to the planet Oa for training by senior Lanterns, such as fan favorite Kilowog. While there have been exceptions, it’s very much established lore. Partnerships and mentor relationships ARE present in the source material, Sinestro and Hal being one of the most prolific. The decision to break with this tradition feels like a personal move by the Guardians (or a Guardian?) to remove Hal from active service, at the expense of his life if needed.
Two Lanterns, One Ring
One question that’s been lingering since the ending of Episode 1 has to do with the rings, specifically Hal’s. Rings are unique to each Lantern, responding to their very specific characteristics and power base. It can jump from character to character, but only if it chooses to do so. It’s strange for Hal and John to share a ring, as comic logic would dictate that John would get his own for training. John’s entry into the Corps seems less and less traditional. Some would say “off the books.” One piece of canon could point to an explanation: Green Lantern Rings can create perfect, working copies of themselves, a power used for protection, backup, or, in one case, selling ring copies for financial gain (because comics).
The Construct’s Power
Alright, what the hell was up with the bird? In Episode 2, Hal tells John to fly… please. After a failed attempt, a small bird construct appears. All well and good, still in training after all. However, as John takes off the ring, the bird remains. Hal is surprised, and the audience’s collective minds are blown. Something feels off. Ring constructs run on willpower and are tethered to that specific ring. Not only should John not be able to create constructs on a borrowed ring. The bird should have disappeared as he took it off. Rare exceptions include the Alpha Lanterns or being Jade, the daughter of the original Green Lantern. In the show, this ability reinforces the unique relationship between John and the Guardians, as well as showcases his tremendous willpower.
Are You Afraid?!
Let’s be fair, putting you in a green bubble in the middle of the night and asking “are you afraid?” is a terrible recruiting tool, but pretty much on par with the comics. The rings choose those who are meant to wield them. In early comics, this meant someone fearless. As the character evolved, requirements expanded to include willpower and imagination. This is where the show deviates. By making John’s recruitment more of a bureaucratic, checklist job interview, fearlessness becomes the sole caveat. This trait can be manufactured, as in John’s case, or a result of trauma, as with Hal. Either way, the lack of focus on the other skills puts the show in an awkward position. It’s unclear who is worthy. Future episodes may address this as we continue John’s story. After all, where there’s a will… there’s a magic ring with world-ending capabilities…
The Tale of Abin Sur
This philosopher and academic from the planet Ungara essentially exists to crash-land on Earth and hand over his ring to Hal Jordan. Whatever form the Green Lantern story takes, if it involves Hal, there’s little to change. “Lanterns” gave his death a deeper meaning. In the comics, the reasons for his crash vary, but the location is constant: Coast City, Hal’s hometown. Changing it to Rushville, Nebraska gives his final mission an intentionality that can tie back to the Guardians’ super obvious personal beef with Hal. Abin Sur was not just responsible for making Hal the first human Lantern, much to the Guardians' distaste. In trying to hide the last Manhunter on Earth, without their knowledge, he kept one of their most dangerous creations alive.
The Manhunters
As Zoe mentions, the Guardians created The Manhunters to enforce justice. When they got too brutal, the big green management team on OA decided to exterminate their own creation, leaving only Zoe alive, thanks to Abin Sur’s actions. Except for changes to their main power base, general appearance, and coital based conquering techniques, they’re not a full departure from the comics, but rather an oversimplification of the Manhunter lore. In the comics, the Guardians’ rejection of the Manhunter methods resulted in revolt, extermination, massacres, and conquest. This watering down of the lore sets them up not only as a plot device for the show, but as anchor points for parallel storylines such as Antaan, who many believe could be Atrocitus, a survivor of a Manhunter Massacre and creator of the Red Lantern Corps.
The Origin of John Stewart
Introduced in the 1970s, John Stewart was portrayed as an anti-authority, outspoken, and confident architect from Detroit, Michigan. Very much a product of the racial expectations characters of color were subject to at the time, his storylines were steeped in pride, racial friction, and social injustice. He was, as in the show, meant to be a backup to Hal Jordan. By the 2000s, thanks to the “Justice League” animated show, his attitude and personality did a full 180. He became a full-fledged Marine. Aaron Pierre’s Stewart is a great combination of past origins, bringing in the struggles of an African-American family and finding discipline through the lens of privilege and service to one’s country. However, the interference by the Guardians and the grooming of a child to become a Lantern is very much a concept original to the show. One that gives added emotional weight to this John Stewart’s origins.
What has been your favorite “Lanterns: moment so far? How do you think the season will end? Let us know in the comments below!
