In brightest day, in blackest night,
No evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evil's might,
Beware my power ... Green Lantern's light.
*
HBO/DC's Lanterns is about to premiere, and its makers have granted fans a glimpse into its intended, melodramatic direction.
Most already know that Lanterns is a dual-lead deal, with Kyle Chandler's Hal Jordan showing the ropes to Aaron Pierre's John Stewart, or is someone disguised as Jordan set to teach? (The shaky rumor mill has gotten me and others confused about that, but we'll just wait and see what does, in fact, develop.) In any event, the duo's main exploit bounces off a rippling-effect murder and will include intermittent visits from Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner, thus linking the series to James Gunn's new Superman franchise, as well as (and if only by implied default) the parallel-tracked Peacemaker. As an added treat, Ulrich Thomsen is portraying the imprisoned, Hannibal-Lector-like Sinestro: yet another slice of feels-right casting for this eight-part event.
We've been told enough times over that the show will emphasize its evident, "buddy" component, which could place it in that Lethal Weapon/Tango & Cash/Rush Hour/48 Hours category, but there's also a Manhunter catch to the story (not of the Martian kind, but rather something robotic, plucked from DC's deeper roots.)
Maybe an approach along the lines of The Batman (a grounded fringe, though sprinkled with lighter moments) could prove all the more prosperous for Lanterns. I can also see it having a Streets of San Francisco vibe, albeit with super-tech rings to help with the investigations. Yeah, that would work.
With that said, I've often thought a television series based on the 1970s, Green Lantern/Green Arrow comics could strike a chord, considering the title's shrewd handling of socio-political perspectives. On the other hand, an angle of that sort, nurtured in today's lopsided climate, would likely be biased, so why even bother? Even so, if Lanterns is successful, maybe something at least akin to the concept could surface and pave the way for Oliver Queen's long-awaited, live-action return. Ah, dream on, right?
Anyhow, HBO lights its Lanterns this Sunday (August 16 at 9pm), with further episodes dropping weekly. I'll share my inclusive reaction when the season is through.
