Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Hal Jordan isn't just different in HBO's Lanterns. He's almost unrecognizable. Episode 1 gets the Green Lantern mythology wrong at nearly every turn, and that's a huge problem for DC's biggest new series.
HBO's Lanterns was supposed to be the definitive live-action adaptation of Green Lantern. Instead, Wes explains why Episode 1 fundamentally misunderstands Hal Jordan, Jon Stewart, and the core themes that have made the Green Lantern Corps one of DC Comics' greatest franchises for generations. From Hal's personality and the misuse of the power ring to the show's detective story and bizarre characterization, nearly every major creative decision feels at odds with the source material.
Wes breaks down why making Hal Jordan another broken, cynical hero completely misses the point of the character, why Tom King, Damon Lindelof, and Chris Mundy never seem interested in telling a Green Lantern story, and how the series borrows elements from prestige crime dramas without understanding what makes Green Lantern unique. If this is the foundation of James Gunn's DC Universe, fans have every reason to be concerned.
🎧 Want the FULL, unedited conversation?
Listen to the entire Geek Fix Podcast right now on Thinking Critical Patreon and Channel Memberships.
Support the Channel / Join the Community
Become a Channel Member for exclusive content
🔗 youtube.com/@Wes_From_TC/join
Support Thinking Critical on Patreon for Exclusive Content
🔗 patreon.com/thinkingcritical
🛒 Official Thinking Critical Merch
🔗 redbubble.com/people/T-Critical/shop?asc=u
Covered in this Video
* Wes' review of Lanterns Episode 1
* Why Hal Jordan feels nothing like the comics
* Jon Stewart's disappointing introduction
* How the show misunderstands the Green Lantern Corps
* Tom King, Damon Lindelof, and Chris Mundy's creative choices
* Why the detective story doesn't work
* The misuse of the Green Lantern power ring
* Why Wes believes Lanterns gets almost everything wrong about Green Lantern
Follow the Channel
📱 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thinking_critical
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thinkingcrit
📘 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1368359010382132
💬 Discord: discord.gg/uHM3Z68
🎮 Twitch: twitch.tv/thinking_critical_yt
Contact Wes
🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/Wes_from_TC
📧 Email: wesdigscomic@gmail.com
🔊 Automatic Dubbing Disclaimer
This video includes YouTube’s automatic dubbing feature for non-English speakers. Translations may contain minor errors and do not always reflect tone or expression. You can switch back to the original English track in the settings if needed.
Hal Jordan isn't just different in HBO's Lanterns. He's almost unrecognizable. Episode 1 gets the Green Lantern mythology wrong at nearly every turn, and that's a huge problem for DC's biggest new series.
HBO's Lanterns was supposed to be the definitive live-action adaptation of Green Lantern. Instead, Wes explains why Episode 1 fundamentally misunderstands Hal Jordan, Jon Stewart, and the core themes that have made the Green Lantern Corps one of DC Comics' greatest franchises for generations. From Hal's personality and the misuse of the power ring to the show's detective story and bizarre characterization, nearly every major creative decision feels at odds with the source material.
Wes breaks down why making Hal Jordan another broken, cynical hero completely misses the point of the character, why Tom King, Damon Lindelof, and Chris Mundy never seem interested in telling a Green Lantern story, and how the series borrows elements from prestige crime dramas without understanding what makes Green Lantern unique. If this is the foundation of James Gunn's DC Universe, fans have every reason to be concerned.
🎧 Want the FULL, unedited conversation?
Listen to the entire Geek Fix Podcast right now on Thinking Critical Patreon and Channel Memberships.
Support the Channel / Join the Community
Become a Channel Member for exclusive content
🔗 youtube.com/@Wes_From_TC/join
Support Thinking Critical on Patreon for Exclusive Content
🔗 patreon.com/thinkingcritical
🛒 Official Thinking Critical Merch
🔗 redbubble.com/people/T-Critical/shop?asc=u
Covered in this Video
* Wes' review of Lanterns Episode 1
* Why Hal Jordan feels nothing like the comics
* Jon Stewart's disappointing introduction
* How the show misunderstands the Green Lantern Corps
* Tom King, Damon Lindelof, and Chris Mundy's creative choices
* Why the detective story doesn't work
* The misuse of the Green Lantern power ring
* Why Wes believes Lanterns gets almost everything wrong about Green Lantern
Follow the Channel
📱 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thinking_critical
📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thinkingcrit
📘 Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/1368359010382132
💬 Discord: discord.gg/uHM3Z68
🎮 Twitch: twitch.tv/thinking_critical_yt
Contact Wes
🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/Wes_from_TC
📧 Email: wesdigscomic@gmail.com
🔊 Automatic Dubbing Disclaimer
This video includes YouTube’s automatic dubbing feature for non-English speakers. Translations may contain minor errors and do not always reflect tone or expression. You can switch back to the original English track in the settings if needed.
