Lanterns Premiere: Grant Morrison Has Some Thoughts (And So Do We)

Key Points:

• Writer Grant Morrison revisited the HBO and DC Studios series "Lanterns" after previously criticizing EP Damon Lindelof's dismissal of the Green Lantern's iconic green color, offering a mixed review of the premiere episode.
• Morrison praised Aaron Pierre's portrayal of John Stewart and Kyle Chandler's performance as Doctor McCoy, though they felt Chandler's version of Hal Jordan did not align with the traditional character, particularly criticizing the mix of willpower and alcohol.
• The series was critiqued for excessive exposition and lack of visual effects like costumes and ring powers, which Morrison attributed to budget constraints and an attempt to distance the show from the failed Ryan Reynolds "Green Lantern" film.
• Morrison questioned the decision to take a low-budget, grounded approach to a franchise with vast sci-fi potential, suggesting DC Studios aims to attract a mainstream audience by starting with a murder mystery rather than deep comic lore.
• Despite reservations, Morrison acknowledged the show found a balance between comic book depth and accessibility, noting positive mainstream reviews and urging patience before comparing "Lanterns" to established sci-fi franchises like "Star Wars" or "Star Trek."