The third episode of the series Lanterns, titled OutKast, introduces viewers to the origin of John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre. The episode begins with John Stewart falling from the sky into an abandoned shopping mall and entering a flashback sequence. This flashback explores how John was chosen to become a Green Lantern, showing that his father, John Sr., had been offered the ring first. John Sr. was lifted from his bed by a green bubble in the night and offered the ring, but he refused out of fear. That refusal led to Hal Jordan receiving the ring instead, setting up a complex relationship between the two men.
John Stewart’s mother, Bernadette, played by Nicole Ari Parker, is central to understanding his journey and motivations, according to The A.V. Club. She demonstrates a strong will and determination that shapes John’s character throughout the episode.
The showrunner Chris Mundy explained how they approached the story early on, noting that they wanted to explore what it meant for John’s father to have been offered the ring, according to a report from ign.com. This idea was developed into a powerful narrative that reflects on sacrifice and the consequences of choices.
The episode also touches on themes of race and privilege, especially in how Black superheroes are perceived within the DC universe, TheWrap reported. Vanessa Baden Kelly, who worked on the show with Chris Mundy, said they wanted to go deeper into John Stewart’s backstory. She noted that while Hal Jordan had a rich history, John Stewart’s origin was less developed in the comics. The show’s creators drew from their own experiences and conversations about how Black men are judged differently in society.
They used the character of John Stewart to reflect on these broader issues without being preachy or heavy-handed. The episode also references the original John Stewart from DC Comics, who first appeared in the 1970s and was known for his boldness. That early version of John Stewart was a confident hero who engaged with political movements of the time.
The creators of Lanterns wanted to honor that legacy while also making a modern version of the character. J. Alphonse Nicholson, who plays John Stewart’s father, said he was grateful for how the writing room handled the story. He emphasized that it raises important questions about who gets to be fearless in a world where race plays a role.
The Guardians of the Universe, portrayed by Laura Linney, appear in the episode as mysterious figures who guide the selection process. They explain that they are the ruling body of the cosmos and that their choices carry great weight.
The episode also explores how John’s upbringing shaped his path to becoming a hero. It shows how John was conditioned from birth to be ready for the responsibility of wielding the Green Lantern ring. This origin story sets up John Stewart as a character who has been waiting his whole life for this moment.
It also adds depth to the relationship between John Stewart and Hal Jordan, showing how their paths are tied together in unexpected ways. The story explores how John’s family dealt with the loss of the ring and what it meant for them to live in a world where they were so close to greatness.
It’s a powerful narrative that blends personal history with larger themes of identity and justice. The episode also touches on how the Guardians’ decisions are not always perfect or infallible. It shows that even beings who are supposed to be all-knowing and powerful can make mistakes.
The creators of Lanterns wanted to create a story that felt both familiar and fresh in the world of superhero narratives. They balanced the deconstruction of traditional superhero tropes with the need to bring new life into the DC universe.
The result is a compelling origin story that gives John Stewart a unique place in the Green Lantern mythos.
IMAGE: Cast of Green Lantern at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con by rwoan CC2.0
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