Lanterns creator calls Hal Jordan’s resurrection “schmucky-bait”
The emotional crescendo of Lanterns has reached its conclusion, finally delivering the devastating truth about who was responsible for Hal Jordan’s tragic fate. While fans desperately hoped for a twist that would keep the Green Lantern alive, the showrunners have confirmed that Hal’s death was intentional, closing the book on his storyline for the season.
In post-finale interviews, co-creators Damon Lindelof and Chris Mundy were unequivocal. When pressed about the possibility of Hal returning in a potential season two, they firmly stated that bringing him back alive was never an option. Lindelof was blunt, explaining that the decision was driven by narrative necessity rather than wish fulfillment.
“Even though we knew that it was going to be emotionally devastating and/or disappointing and maybe even frustrating, we knew that the worst possible schmuck-baity thing that we could do is show you a pilot where Hal Jordan was definitively dead, and then try to walk it back and say, ‘Oh, he was a clone’ or ‘He’s only mostly dead’ in the Princess Bride vernacular,” Lindelof noted.
Showrunner Chris Mundy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the show’s intent to provide emotional closure. He confirmed that the finale was designed to achieve that emotional finality for both John and Hal’s relationship.
“It’s absolutely the end of the season and the end of John and Hal’s relationship. I think our intent was always just that, to close that off emotionally. That’s the best way to say it,” Mundy explained.
Despite this definitive ending, a flicker of hope remains. Lindelof left a sliver of possibility open, suggesting that while the story ended, the door remains ajar. He concluded with the hopeful sentiment, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Beyond the heartbreaking fate of Hal Jordan, the season finale also delivered significant revelations regarding the broader mythology of the series. It confirmed a heavily rumored theory that Kerry’s son, Noah, was, in fact, a secret Manhunter. Furthermore, the episode showcased John coming into possession of a powerful, fear-infused lantern crafted by Sinestro.
The finale successfully wrapped up this intense arc, leaving viewers with a complex emotional landscape. Lanterns is now available for streaming on HBO Max and NOW.
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