Lanterns “The Weenie⁩” Review

Season 1 Episode 4 – As the 48-hour deadline nears, John develops a new theory about the Manhunter’s location, leading him and Hal to run their next move by Sheriff Kane. Meanwhile, Hal’s visit to Sinestro has consequences.

Please note that our reviews are based on likes and dislikes. These contain significant spoilers. If you haven’t already watched the episode, we recommend that you click off the article and come back once you have watched the episode. Enjoy!

Highlights

1. It’s nice seeing a construct actually being made. John creates a huge drilling machine to get them underground and infiltrate the ranch. It’s about time we see some creativity with the rings as this is something I’ve been waiting for the series to explore properly. Hopefully, this is only the beginning when it comes to seeing more unique constructs.

2. Hilariously, after they infiltrate the ranch, Hal steps on a pressure plate that will alarm the entire place if he moves. John creates a 183lbs kettlebell to take his place, which of course fails. Three men head in and manage to capture both Hal and John. Despite the humour at the beginning, this scene did feel genuinely intense once everything started going wrong.

3. It turns out Zoe is the Manhunter. She confirms this to John after sleeping with him, revealing that she was the one who saved his life. Earlier in the episode, we learn that William Macon was almost dead from cancer before being saved by the Manhunter. He also mentioned that Zoe was his nurse, and now we know why. Everything is starting to come together beautifully.

4. Zoe’s car is hit by some sort of orbital strike as she leaves the motel. That entire moment was brutal and completely caught me off guard. We even see Hal create some sort of shield over the motel to keep everyone inside safe. It was another great use of the ring and easily one of the biggest moments of the episode.

5. Earlier in the episode, John has a conversation with the Guardian, who tells him to take the ring and recite the oath, officially making him a Green Lantern. This comes after they lay into Hal’s integrity and personality, with John eventually claiming he’ll do the job better than Hal ever did.

6. Later, John and Hal head to a slaughterhouse and approach the man behind the orbital strike. He manages to call a strike over John’s house before playing the recording of John’s conversation with the Guardian. The cat’s out of the bag now. Hal knows exactly what John and the Guardian have been planning behind his back.

What Didn’t Work

I don’t like how easily Hal was manipulated by Sinestro in the opening episode. It felt almost too easy, especially considering this is Hal Jordan we’re talking about. I understand that Sinestro is manipulating him and there’s obviously more going on beneath the surface, but I’m struggling to buy into just how quickly Hal has fallen for it. I can’t say I’m a fan of this at all.

Standout Character

It does feel genuinely difficult to decide this week. Both Hal and John stood out in their own ways throughout the episode. However, as we always have to hand out this prestigious award with each episode, I think Hal just edges it. His reaction in the final scene, after discovering what John and the Guardian had been planning behind his back, completely changed the atmosphere of the episode. That final moment alone gives Hal the edge for me this week.

Favourite Moment

The episode ends with the rental car Hal and John are driving smashing directly into a lamppost. This appears to be completely deliberate from Hal, seemingly attempting to kill John after discovering his intentions. Obviously, next week’s episode will give us the answers, but this was genuinely one of those “oh God” moments before the episode suddenly cut to the credits.