Spoilers for Lanterns HBO TV show included
A Green Lantern power ring is supposed to recognize someone with the will to face fear. Not only that, but the ring is supposed to choose its next wielder. For John Stewart, getting that ring should be the moment everything he has worked toward finally makes sense. HBO’s Lanterns gives him that moment—and then has him walk away.
It is one of the show’s biggest departures from the comics. It also raises a question that runs through John’s relationship with Hal Jordan: Does being chosen to wield the ring mean you should accept everything the Green Lantern Corps asks of you?
In the Comics John Stewart was Chosen by the Guardians and he accepts the ring
John Stewart first made his debut in Green Lantern #87 in 1971. At the time, Hal Jordan was Earth’s Green Lantern, and Guy Gardner had been designated as a possible replacement. However, when Guy became injured, the Guardians of the Universe chose Stewart to serve as Hal’s substitute. At the time, John was an architect with strong convictions, and Hal initially questioned whether he was suited to the job.
In the original comic story, John never rejects the ring. He takes the opportunity and proves that the Guardians were right to choose him. And he also proves that Hal was wrong to underestimate him.
John accepted the role of Green Lantern and learned how to use the ring. He showed Hal that he could make his own judgments rather than simply follow his lead (much like the Lanterns show is portraying). In the comics, as the years passes, John would change substitute Lantern into one of the Corps’ most accomplished Lanterns. His background as an architect became part of what made him distinctive: he could imagine a structure and build it with his ring down to its smallest details.
That distinction matters when watching Lanterns. The television series is telling a different version of John’s journey. Viewers familiar with the comics may expect his training to lead directly to his taking over as Green Lantern. Instead, the show makes him question the ring at the very moment he could claim it.
Why Does John Walk Away in the Show?
In Lanterns, Hal is the experienced Lantern and is training John as his potential successor. Unknown to Hal, the Guardians have chosen John to replace him. Hal eventually finds out and it puts a strain on their relationship. Especially during their investigation in Rushville, Nebraska. John wants a chance to prove himself, however Hal is reluctant to give up the role that has defined so much of his life.
By Episode 5 of the series, John has seen what the struggle over the ring has done to both of them. He has begun to question the Guardians and the way they have guided his entire life. When he finally gets the ring, he does not experience the triumph he expected. As a result, he gives it back to the Guardians and walks away.
I can understand why that choice in the TV show might frustrate comic fans. John Stewart is a Green Lantern, and seeing him use the ring is part of the reason many people tuned in. But I also think the scene gives John a choice. In the show, he has spent so much time (starting from childhood) trying to earn the role, that he has never stopped to ask whether he wants it. Or whether he trusts the guardians offering it.
Hal Jordan’s Comic Book Background
To understand why Hal struggles with the idea of a successor in the TV show, it helps to know how he became Green Lantern in the comics.
Hal Jordan’s origin story is that he was a test pilot and was summoned to the crashed spacecraft of Abin Sur. Abin Sur was the Green lantern for Earth’s space sector and he was dying. Abin Sur had his ring choose a replacement for him and as such entrusted Hal with his power ring and the duty of protecting Earth’s sector of space.
Hal’s courage is central to his entire character. He is portrayed as confident, quick to act, and willing to put himself in danger to protect others. It is those qualities that make him an extraordinary Green Lantern, though his confidence can also make him quite stubborn. This stubbornness is why he does not always see another person’s point of view right away.
That was apparent in the comics when he first met John Stewart. Hal doubted the Guardians’ decision and John had to prove himself. In the end, John’s actions made Hal to reconsider his judgment. The relationship between the two of them changed over time, growing into a friendship between two Lanterns who approached the job differently.
The TV show places that difference at the center of its story. Hal has years of experience and knows what the ring can do. John brings his own intelligence, determination, and sense of right and wrong which ignites conflict between the two heroes. Their confrontations is not about which one of them is stronger, it is about what each man believes a Green Lantern should be.
Lanterns is available on HBO Max