Lanterns Bad Optics Review - A Slow Burn That Shines

Lanterns: Bad Optics is the sixth episode of the first season of the 2026 HBO Max television series Lanterns, a DC Studios production created by Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King. The episode is directed by Stephen Williams and written by Justin Britt-Gibson and Damon Lindelof, continuing the murder mystery storyline centered on Hal Jordan and John Stewart.

Key Facts

Attribute Value

Series Lanterns (Season 1, Episode 6)

Episode Title Bad Optics

Release Year 2026

Streaming Service HBO Max

Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Director Stephen Williams

Writers Justin Britt-Gibson and Damon Lindelof

Created By Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, and Tom King

Based On Green Lantern created by John Broome and Gil Kane

Production Companies DC Studios, Man Woman and Child Productions, Warner Bros Television

Principal Cast Kyle Chandler, Aaron Pierre, Kelly Macdonald

End Credit Scene Yes (making-of and trailer)

What Is the Plot of “Lanterns: Bad Optics”?

The episode follows John Stewart (Aaron Pierre), who has given up the Green Lantern ring to pursue architecture, after Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) is released from jail and relocated to Rushville. Hal is subsequently murdered, and Stewart investigates his death alongside Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald).

The narrative establishes that “Bad Optics” is set in 2026, with Stewart contacted by his mother (Jasmine Cephas Jones) to inform him that Jordan is out of jail and wants to apologize. The episode depicts a diner conversation between the two characters before Jordan’s death, which aligns with the previous episode’s stinger. The review notes that all characters are presented as potential suspects, including Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion).

“Lanterns: Bad Optics” portrays the murder of Hal Jordan as the inciting incident that transforms the series into a full murder mystery, with every character presented as having a potential motive for the killing.

How Does the Episode Handle Its Pacing and Performances?

“Bad Optics” is described as a deliberate slow burn that shifts the series’ tone from the previous episode’s calamity to an investigative murder mystery, using interactions with townspeople to deliver exposition about the Rushville incident. The review emphasizes that the slower pace allows performances to take prominence.

The opening diner scene between Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler is highlighted as a standout moment, with the review praising the two actors for their non-verbal communication and on-screen tension. This scene provides the grounding for the episode’s first major event: Hal Jordan’s murder.

“Watching two consummate actors play off each other, where much of the conversation is non-verbal, is honestly a delight.” — TL;DR Movie Reviews

The episode shifts from the impact of the death into a “fascinating slow burn” as Stewart investigates the townspeople, each of whom has reasons to lie about their involvement with Jordan. The review describes this tonal shift as moving the series into the murder mystery genre it was always purported to be.

The episode’s slow-burn pacing deliberately shifts the series into murder mystery territory by leveraging layered character interactions instead of action set pieces to advance the plot.

Who Is This For?

This episode is intended for viewers following the Lanterns series who are invested in the character dynamics between John Stewart and Hal Jordan, as well as fans of slow-burn murder mysteries. The review indicates the episode is a follow-up to the previous episode’s cliffhanger and requires familiarity with the series’ ongoing storyline.

Viewers who appreciate character-driven television and extended dialogue scenes will find the episode’s focus on performance to be its primary strength. The review notes the episode “lets the show breathe” after last week’s dramatic events, appealing to audiences who prefer narrative depth over fast-paced action.

The ideal viewer for “Bad Optics” is a series regular who values sustained dramatic tension and character study over high-stakes action sequences.

Common Questions

Who is suspected of murdering Hal Jordan in “Bad Optics”?

The episode presents every character as having a reason to kill Hal Jordan, including Guy Gardner. The reviewer speculates that Noah (Shea Pritchard) is the likely murderer, but the episode does not confirm the killer’s identity.

Does “Bad Optics” have an end credit scene?

Yes. The episode includes a making-of feature and a trailer after the end credits.

What is the significance of the diner scene in “Bad Optics”?

The diner scene establishes the reconciliation attempt between John Stewart and Hal Jordan before Jordan’s murder. The review describes it as a “delight to watch” due to the non-verbal performance interplay between Aaron Pierre and Kyle Chandler, setting the emotional stakes for the murder investigation.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the review published by TL;DR Movie Reviews by Brian MacNamara on September 21, 2026. The review was written after viewing the episode on HBO Max, with the reviewer confirming they personally paid for the service. All plot details, casting credits, and performance assessments are derived directly from the source review.

This article was last updated on September 21, 2026.