A bit of a change of pace for Lanterns Episode 6 "Bad Optics" as the show returns to the big mystery in 2026. We discuss it all and the huge cameo in full spoiler filled detail.
Lanterns Episode 6 “Bad Optics” Synopsis
Episode Written by: Justin Britt-Gibson and Damon Lindeloff
Episode Directed By: Stephen Williams
In 2026, John Stewart has become an architect and works with his brother Marcus. His mother tells him that the other former Green Lantern Hal Jordan, who has been living in Rushville to make amends for the 2016 incident, wants to apologise to him.
John meets Hal at a café, but they fail to reconcile, and John breaks his nose after Hal goads him about being too afraid to take the ring.
After returning home, John learns from Sheriff Kerry Kane, who began a relationship with Hal, that Hal has been murdered.
John uses a beacon set up by Guy Gardner to summon him to Rushville, where he is met with hostility from Billy Macon Jnr. and the townspeople. A fight breaks out, forcing Kerry to arrest John.
The next day, Guy visits John, who asks him to retrieve Hal's suit and ring for his funeral. Guy also reveals that Sinestro has escaped from prison.
After leaving the station, John encounters Maggie, a waitress from the café, who demands compensation for the damage he caused her family in 2016 or she will tell Kerry that he was the one who broke Hal's nose. After Hal's funeral, John digs up his grave, takes his ring, and with a small top up of power, summons the "Hal-o-gram".
Lanterns Episode 6 Cast
- Aaron Pierre as John Stewart
- Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan
- Kelly MacDonald as Sheriff Kelly
- Jason Ritter as Billy Macon
- J. Alphonse Nicholson as John Stewart Sr.
- Shea Pritchard as Noah Macon
- Jasmine Cephas Jones as Bernadette Stewart
- with Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner
Rushville Redneck Bar Quiz
During each podcast we'll ask a question about each episode in our Lantern's Redneck Bar Quiz. You can send in your answers each week to feedback@tvpodcastindustries.com At the end of the eight episode series the fellow Lantern with the most correct answers will be in with the chance of getting their hands on some Lanterns goodies. All questions will be updated on: https://www.tvpodcastindustries.com
Question 6: What's the name of the nursing home where John Stewart's father is?
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Next time on The Lanterns Podcast
The penultimate episode will be released on the 28th of September so we'll chat all about The Lanterns Episode 7 on our next podcast.
Until then, Keep Watching, Keep Listening and keep guarding the universe.
Derek and John
TV Podcast Industries
All images and audio clips are copyright of Warner Bros. and their respective copyright owners.
The music for the episode is a clip of How to Train Your Dragnet by Ezra Lipp.