Lanterns Episode 2 Review: “Trust Fall” Brings Sinestro Into the Mystery

Lanterns wastes no time picking up where the first episode left off, and this episode immediately gives us more of the relationship between Hal Jordan and John Stewart. John is literally woken up by a bucket of water to the face, and he is already frustrated with Hal. He wants answers, especially about whether Hal has spoken to the Guardians, but Hal isn't exactly in a hurry to make that phone call. That doesn't sit well with John.

Then comes flying lessons. Hal makes it look incredibly easy, while John is doing everything he can to figure out how to control the ring. Instead of flying, John ends up creating a bird. At first, it seems like a failure, but Hal notices something interesting. When the ring runs low on power and John removes it, the bird doesn't disappear. John has created something that exists independently of the ring, which could be a very important detail moving forward.

Hal sends John to his massive house in Coast City to pick up the lantern and feed Earl, whatever Earl is. He also tells John to keep the bird alive. If he loses concentration, he fails. John is clearly trying to prove himself, and I actually like that this show isn't making him instantly great at everything. He's learning.

Meanwhile, Hal goes back to the football field to investigate. He searches through what appears to be an empty town but eventually discovers that everyone is still there. His ring runs out of charge, leaving him falling to the ground. Hal later interrupts a town hall meeting, and Kyle Chandler continues to show exactly why he was the right choice for this version of Hal Jordan. His comedic timing is fantastic.

Kerry is discussing whether the football game should be postponed, but everyone knows there is more going on. Her husband confirms it, and the entire town feels uneasy. The way the episode balances the mystery with comedy works extremely well.

While John is exploring Hal's gigantic house, Hal is breaking into the morgue and stealing bodies. John finds a box that turns out to be a pocket dimension and retrieves the lantern. We also get a look at Hal's Green Lantern suits hanging up, and John immediately asks if he'll need one. John really wants this!

Hal eventually figures out that the detectors around the football field aren't just looking for aliens. They're biological detectors, which explains why he needed the bodies. Then John gets kidnapped.

The episode gives us an awesome van fight and chase sequence before John is eventually knocked unconscious. He's taken by Antaan, played by Paul Ben-Victor, and questioned about the Manhunters. They believe John is close to Hal, and they're especially interested in the bird construct he's carrying. They explain their version of the Manhunters and even inject John with information in what looks like an incredibly painful process.

Back in Nebraska, Hal gets into more trouble with Kerry and Macon. Kerry knows about the alien detectors, and it turns out her father-in-law put them there. Hal wants answers, but Macon isn't willing to cooperate. He threatens Hal if he steps onto his property, and Hal isn't exactly the type of guy who takes threats well.

John is eventually tasked with identifying the Manhunter, while Hal wakes up in the hospital after being shot. They actually shot Hal! Kerry tells him that he kept saying "Sinestro" in his sleep, and Hal claims he isn't authorized to talk about it. Of course, Kerry already has information pulled up on her phone.

I also really like Kerry as a character. She's the sheriff, this is her town, and she doesn't appreciate Hal coming in and undermining her. She reveals that she's originally from Gotham and moved to Rushville on a whim.

And now my brain is going crazy. What if Kerry is connected to Kate Kane?! What if she's connected to Bruce Wayne?!

Maybe I'm reaching, but this is DC, so I'm going to have fun with the possibilities.

John eventually makes it back to Rushville and runs into Zoey at a diner. The bird is STILL alive, which continues to make me think there is something important about John's ability to create constructs. John also admits that if he had known Zoey was married to William, he wouldn't have slept with her. Her response makes it clear that she isn't exactly upset that he didn't know.

John gets back to Hal, who charges the ring and even performs the oath ridiculously fast. John also brings back the suit, but he refuses to disrespect it. After seeing the condition of the rental car, Hal is understandably pissed.

John finally tells Hal about Antaan, the Manhunters and everything that happened to him. Hal starts putting the pieces together and realizes the Lantern everyone is looking for was Abin Sur. And that's where things get REALLY interesting.

John and Hal clearly have issues with each other, and honestly, that's what makes this partnership work. They don't trust each other yet, and neither one is willing to completely back down. But Hal finally suits up and heads into space.

AND THEN SINESTRO SHOWS UP! He immediately asks about John Stewart. Now THAT is how you end an episode.

"Trust Fall" continues building the mystery while giving us more of the Hal and John dynamic, and I'm really enjoying the slower detective-story approach. The chemistry between Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre continues to be one of the strongest parts of the series, and the introduction of Sinestro has me even more interested in where this story is going.

Two Lanterns. One mystery. And now Sinestro is involved.

Yeah...I'm ready for Episode 3.

What did you think?

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