Lanterns Finale Reveals Who Killed Hal Jordan and John Stewart’s Future

The first season of Lanterns has finally revealed who killed Hal Jordan. The October 4 finale also sets a new direction for John Stewart in the DC Universe.

The HBO series stars Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan. Its central mystery focused on Hal’s death and the hidden Manhunter threat.

Kerry Kane Killed Hal Jordan

The finale confirms that Sheriff Kerry Kane, played by Kelly Macdonald, shot Hal.

Hal had discovered that Kerry’s son Noah was a Manhunter. He confronted Kerry and warned her about Noah.

Kerry panicked during the confrontation. She then shot Hal.

Noah later falsely confessed to the murder. He wanted to protect his mother from the consequences.

The revelation resolves one of the season’s biggest mysteries. It also confirms that Hal’s death was not a fake-out. Co-creator Damon Lindelof said the creative team wanted the death to carry real emotional weight.

Noah’s Manhunter Identity Confirmed

The finale also confirms Noah as a Manhunter hybrid.

Showrunner Chris Mundy said Noah’s story explores the conflict between programming and free will. Noah was born with Manhunter traits but grew up with his human mother.

Dananeer Mobeen Makes Singing Debut With ‘Touch’

“What’s programming and what’s free will?” Mundy told Entertainment Weekly.

Noah becomes afraid of what he could become. He eventually asks John to kill him.

John refuses.

Instead, John recognises Noah’s ability to make his own choices. He allows Noah to continue living his life.

The decision gives the finale a central theme. It asks whether a person can overcome the nature they were created with.

John Stewart Takes a New Path

The finale also changes John Stewart’s role as Green Lantern.

John gains access to an unauthorised lantern created by Sinestro. The lantern contains yellow energy linked to fear.

John uses the energy to recharge his ring. The move gives his Green Lantern powers a new dimension.

John then chooses to operate independently on Earth rather than simply follow the Guardians.

Mundy said the creative team wanted John to take the role on his own terms.

The decision also helps establish John as an important figure in the wider DC Universe.

Hal Jordan’s Story Ends for Now

Hal remains dead at the end of Season 1.

The finale does include a digital version of Hal. However, the story does not use it to undo his death.

Lindelof previously said the creators did not want Hal’s death to become a fake-out. The decision was important to the emotional arc of the season.

Meanwhile, John Stewart’s story will continue in Man of Tomorrow. Aaron Pierre is expected to reprise the role in the DC film.

HBO has not officially confirmed a second season of Lanterns. However, Mundy has discussed possible future storylines and remains open to continuing the series.