The second episode of Lanterns, titled “Trust Fall,” reveals more about the death of Hal Jordan and introduces the threat of the Manhunters, while also exploring the burgeoning powers of John Stewart.
Hal Jordan’s Death and the Rushville Mysteries
The immediate aftermath of Episode 1’s shocker – the death of former Green Lantern Hal Jordan – is explored in Rushville, Nebraska. His body was discovered by his trainee, John Stewart. The narrative weaves through multiple timelines to unravel the mysteries surrounding Hal’s demise in 2026.
Key questions revolve around who killed Hal, the presence of four dead aliens on a football field in 2016, and the events that transpired between Hal and John in the intervening years. Hal’s uncovered secrets before his death also remain a central puzzle.
Back in Rushville, Hal Jordan faces the town’s unified opposition to the Green Lanterns’ presence. The townspeople make it clear they want the cosmic law enforcers gone. This widespread sentiment adds another layer of complication to Hal’s investigation.
Hal also takes John to his nearly empty mansion, gifted by an unknown benefactor. Among Hal’s collection of uniforms, they seek his lantern. A clue to opening its case is the phrase “Mogo doesn’t socialize,” a nod to a famous 1985 Green Lantern story.
John Stewart’s Developing Powers and the Manhunter Threat
In 2016, John Stewart undergoes a flying lesson with Hal Jordan that takes a peculiar turn. John manifests a small, seemingly sentient green bird, despite his Green Lantern ring not being charged. Hal is immediately fascinated by this display of power.
Hal instructs John to retrieve his lantern and prioritize keeping the strange bird alive. This event hints at John’s extraordinary potential, far beyond what is typically expected from a Lantern, especially without a charged ring.
Later, John is apprehended by a group of aliens led by Antaan. They seek information about the Manhunters, a dangerous race with a history of genocide. Antaan believes a Manhunter has survived and is hiding in Rushville.
To impress upon John the Manhunters’ destructive capabilities, the aliens infuse him with the memories of one carrying out a mass killing. This ordeal highlights the immense threat the Manhunters pose and the Green Lanterns’ past efforts to stop them.
The Role of Kerry and William Macon
Hal Jordan’s interactions with Kerry, a figure in Rushville, reveal her suspicion of his motives. She warns him against bringing dead bodies to William Macon, suggesting it will lead to unfavorable outcomes. This raises questions about Kerry’s true allegiances.
Kerry, originally from Gotham, operates as an outsider in Rushville. Her experience in a different, perhaps more complex, environment may inform her perspective on the unfolding events and the actions of Hal and William.
William Macon, a rancher, expresses his distrust of Hal, stating the former Lantern is no longer welcome. William believes the land was previously colonized by aliens and is determined not to be caught unprepared again, pointing to the origin of the alien-detection technology.
This technology, used at the stadium, was supplied by an unknown benefactor. Hal suspects William may be withholding additional advanced technology obtained from this mysterious source, adding to the town’s secrets.
Unanswered Questions and Future Implications
When Hal Jordan encounters Antaan’s alien group, they are suspicious he might be shielding the Manhunter. They demand John identify the alien, believing John’s ability to manifest the bird indicates he is powerful enough.
With Antaan’s people unable to enter Rushville undetected, John is given a strict 48-hour deadline to find the Manhunter. Failure to comply will result in extreme measures being taken by the aliens.
Hal Jordan’s own actions, including his confrontation with Sinestro, add to the mystery. Sinestro cryptically suggests the existence of a Manhunter would be the “second greatest threat” and then shifts focus to John Stewart. This exchange hints at a deeper connection or understanding Sinestro has regarding John.
The episode concludes with Hal confronting Sinestro about the Manhunters. Sinestro frames the Manhunter as a significant danger and expresses a keen interest in John Stewart, suggesting John’s unique abilities are central to the unfolding conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Hal Jordan?
The body of former Green Lantern Hal Jordan was discovered in Rushville, Nebraska, in the events of Episode 1. The second episode, “Trust Fall,” delves into the mysteries surrounding his death in 2026 and the events leading up to it.
What are John Stewart’s powers?
In 2016, John Stewart demonstrated an extraordinary ability to manifest a sentient green bird, even when his Green Lantern ring was uncharged. This advanced power is a significant mystery and hints at his immense, untapped potential.
Who are the Manhunters?
The Manhunters are a race known for their brutal history of genocide. They can assume the forms of other species and utilize their technology. Antaan’s people believe a Manhunter is still alive and hiding in Rushville, posing an imminent threat.
What is the deadline for finding the Manhunter?
John Stewart has been given a strict 48-hour deadline by Antaan and his group to identify the Manhunter hiding in Rushville. If he fails to do so, the aliens have threatened to take drastic action, potentially impacting half of Nebraska.
The implications of Sinestro’s interest in John Stewart and the looming 48-hour deadline for identifying the Manhunter set a tense stage for the next episode of Lanterns. The race against time and the revelations about John’s unique powers will likely drive the immediate future of the series.
