Grant Morrison’s criticism of ‘Lanterns’ centers on a question that goes beyond whether the HBO series delivered a satisfying ending: how can the Green Lantern Corps function as an intergalactic law enforcement agency if its own officers can be attacked without consequences?
Morrison praised the performances of the two leads but argued that the finale undermined the franchise’s central premise by failing to address Kerry Kane’s actions against Hal Jordan.
Grant Morrison Criticizes ‘Lanterns’ Finale for Ignoring Hal Jordan’s Murder
Grant Morrison shared some strong opinions about the ending of ‘Lanterns’, and the legendary comic book writer believes the DC series stumbled when it came to one of its biggest decisions. Although Morrison praised the show’s performances and storytelling, the finale’s handling of Hal Jordan’s death left him frustrated.
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Morrison explained that the series worked largely because of its two leads, particularly Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan. However, the way the story addressed Hal’s murder raised serious questions about the Green Lantern Corps and the justice system it represents.
“I found it hard to accept that the character Kerry Kane shot Hal Jordan in the head, and everyone seemed to think that psychotic outburst was fine,” Morrison wrote. The finale revealed that Kerry Kane killed Hal Jordan to protect her son, Noah, whose connection to the Manhunters was central to the season’s mystery.
Rather than presenting the murder as a straightforward case of justice, the series leaves viewers wrestling with the characters’ complicated moral decisions. “There should probably have been some response to that,” Morrison added.
It’s a fair question, especially for a franchise built around an intergalactic police force. Kerry’s grief and desperation may explain why she pulled the trigger, but understanding her motives doesn’t automatically resolve the crime.
Why ‘Lanterns’ Finale Undermines The Green Lantern Corps
Morrison’s broader criticism concerns the show’s own premise. Unlike traditional superhero stories about vigilantes operating outside the law, ‘Lanterns’ presents its protagonists as officers serving an interplanetary judiciary.
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“For a show that’s not about masked vigilantes with their own personal code, but deals with weird space policemen working for an interplanetary judiciary, it was a morally and legally incoherent conclusion,” Morrison argued.
The writer also questioned John Stewart’s decision to let Noah go, despite the potential danger he could pose. Together, these choices left Morrison feeling that the series backed away from the consequences of its own story. Ultimately, Morrison isn’t dismissing ‘Lanterns’ as a failure. But for a series about justice across the galaxy, that contradiction is difficult to ignore.
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