The Bird Got on the Plane: an Xpanded Universe Mini-Review of Lanterns Episode 2

Something is very wrong with Rushville, Nebraska. Hal Jordan won't stop asking about the hospital equipment. The sheriff won't stop stonewalling him. And a Green Lantern's bird somehow made it from Nebraska to California and back — a minor detail that has kept Michael obsessed with avian aviation logistics. Michael Allen Lake and Mairead Blue return with their weekly breakdown of Lanterns, the new HBO DC series starring Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre as John Stewart. This week they dig into Episode 2 — Trust Fall — covering the Manhunters and their dark history in Green Lantern lore, the mystery surrounding Zoe and her unsettling interest in John Stewart, the Sheriff Kerry Kaine connections (Gotham and Gil Kane), John's extraordinary ring construct ability, and the greatest password ever committed to television: Mogo doesn't socialize. Also, our favourite akita Ray makes cameo appearances at 12:24 and 20:10 -- so check those out. Did you know he is the Xpanded Universe culture critic? Plus — is Hal Jordan actually dead in the 2016 timeline? Mairead makes the case. Michael remains focused on the bird. Mogo doesn't socialize, but apparently neither does Earl! Lanterns reviews drop weekly. Subscribe to Xpanded Universe and join the conversation. Chapter Titles 00:00 Introduction 0 0:51 What Is Wrong With Rushville? 03:07 Gil Kane / Kerry Kane Connection 05:07 Hero, Villain, or Anti-Hero? 08:07 Manhunters: Comics History, TV Mystery 10:35 John's Unexpected Ring Ability 12:26 The Bird Trope 14:21 What Did You Think of Earl? 15:51 Mogo Explained 18:18 Where Is the Season Headed? 20:07 Is Hal Jordan Dead? The Theory Revisited 22:40 Final Thoughts and Closing