The sixth episode of HBO’s Lanterns titled ‘Bad Optics’ has advanced its storyline to 2026, centering on the central mystery of the season: the murder of Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, according to ComingSoon.net and Yardbarker. Following a 10-year time skip, the episode disclosed that Jordan served a decade-long prison sentence after taking the fall for the destruction of Rushville. After his release, he returned to the town, initiated a relationship with Sheriff Kerry Kane, portrayed by Kelly Macdonald, and was killed just hours after reuniting with John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre.
HBO Series Lanterns Jumps to 2026 and Reveals Hal Jordan’s Murder
Details from the episode and its preview indicate that Jordan died from a single gunshot to the head, delivered point-blank by a shooter who looked at him head-on. A forensic pathologist noted that Jordan displayed no signs of fighting back, and Sheriff Kane revealed that whoever broke Jordan’s nose likely committed the murder. Kerry also confirmed that no witnesses saw the killing and that Jordan had returned to Rushville specifically for her.
Fan Theories Focus on Noah and Other Rushville Residents
With only two episodes remaining in the season, viewers and fans have begun debating various suspects who possessed the motive and opportunity to kill Jordan. Among the emerging discussions, a prominent theory points to Noah, the son of Kerry and grandchild of Zoe. Proponents of this theory suggest Noah might harbor secret resentment toward Jordan for his role in the town’s devastation and the death of his grandparents. Some viewers further speculate that Noah could be a secret Manhunter or Manhunter hybrid linked to Zoe’s past abilities, potentially explaining his unusual strength, speed, and football stardom.
Other potential culprits discussed by fans include Sinestro, played by Ulrich Thomsen, whose escape from his prison on Oa was revealed by Guy Gardner, played by Nathan Fillion. However, many fans view Sinestro as too obvious a suspect. Additional theories focus on local Rushville residents who openly despised Jordan, with some viewers suggesting that Maggie might be responsible since she may have been the last person to see him at the football stadium that night.
John Stewart’s Investigation and Mysterious Discoveries
Following Jordan’s death, John Stewart returns to Rushville to investigate why someone killed him, operating without a Green Lantern ring after returning it to the Guardians in the previous episode. During his investigation, John discovers a mysterious memory cube in Jordan’s storage unit that requires a voiceprint to unlock. He secures Jordan’s old Green Lantern ring to retrieve a holographic recording, known as a “Halogram,” setting the stage for the final episodes to resolve the murder mystery.
The timeline also catches up with John’s life a decade after the conflict, showing him working with his brother Marcus at Stewart Brothers, a company specializing in secure panic rooms and underground shelters designed to protect citizens from superpowered or extraterrestrial disasters.