The fourth episode of HBO’s Lanterns finally answered the biggest question of the season. The identity of the Manhunter, the dangerous alien hiding in Rushville, Nebraska, has been revealed. The answer came in the closing minutes of “The Weenie,” and it completely flips the story on its head.
What makes this reveal so surprising is that the same episode showed the character apparently dying. The show used that moment as a distraction before dropping the truth.
The Episode Sets Up Multiple False Leads
Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) spend most of Episode 4 chasing the wrong suspects. They break into William Macon’s compound, convinced he is the Manhunter. Macon has high-tech weapons and a fortress-like ranch, making him look like the obvious villain.
The duo also tracks down Hector Hammond, a name familiar to Green Lantern fans. But the show quickly reveals he is actually Hector Gutierrez, a human using alien technology. The real Hector Hammond is nothing more than a decoy set up by the actual Manhunter.
Sheriff Kerry Kane, played by Kelly Macdonald, tries to convince both men to leave Rushville. She warns them to drop the investigation. Zoe Macon also visits John at his motel and urges him to leave town.
Zoe Macon Is the Manhunter
The episode reveals that Zoe Macon (Poorna Jagannathan) is the synthetic lifeform the Lanterns have been hunting. She is William Macon’s wife and John Stewart’s occasional romantic partner.
The reveal comes when Hal drops the news during a car ride. He tells John he knew Zoe was the Manhunter since the satellite strike that appeared to kill her. John admits he had a hunch as well. Hal then jumps out of the car, leaving John to crash into a pole.
Zoe survives the attack that viewers thought killed her. She confirms she is connected to the Guardians’ synthetic Manhunters. The show sets up an exciting halfway point as both Lanterns must figure out their next move.
Clues Were Hiding in Plain Sight
The show dropped several hints about Zoe’s true nature throughout the first four episodes. Her immediate intimacy with John was the biggest clue. She got close to him to gain his trust, knowing he would never suspect someone he was involved with.
Zoe’s relationship with William Macon also raised questions. Macon knew about her affair with John but never retaliated. He clearly was not in charge of his own compound, and Zoe could come and go as she pleased. That power dynamic only made sense if Zoe held the upper hand.
William Macon told the story of how he met Zoe. She was his nurse when he had cancer. He spoke of a mysterious benefactor who cured him. The show strongly suggests that benefactor and his nurse were the same person.
Zoe herself gave a major clue before the satellite attack. She told John she “saved his life” when referring to William. Though she was supposedly his nurse, that statement pointed directly to her being the Manhunter.
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What This Means for Hal and John
The reveal creates a major rift between the two Lanterns. John had been sleeping with the very alien they were hunting. Hal knew the truth and kept it from his partner.
The show’s fourth episode has become its highest-rated hour yet. Critics and fans have responded positively to the series’ steady momentum.
Poorna Jagannathan spoke about the big twist in an interview. She discussed the irony of the name “Manhunter” and what the reveal means for the character.
The show still has four episodes left in its first season. The Manhunter mystery may not be completely solved. The series comes from Damon Lindelof, known for his twists in Lost and Watchmen. There is always a chance the show could introduce another twist before the season ends.
Lanterns airs on HBO Max. New episodes release weekly. Episode 5 will show what happens after Zoe’s identity is revealed and how Hal and John deal with the fallout.
Also Read: Lanterns Episode 5: Rushville on High Alert as Explosive Threat Looms Over Nebraska Town
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