Lanterns Episode 4: Zoe Is the Manhunter, and Hal Jordan’s Choices Turn Darker

Episode 4 of Lanterns, titled "The Weenie," resolves the season's central whodunit by revealing the Manhunter's identity and uses that reveal to complicate the two leads' relationship. The hour moves between investigations, a deliberate misdirect about a famous comic-book villain, and a choice by Hal Jordan that could permanently damage his partnership with John Stewart.

The Manhunter mystery lands: Zoe Macon is the shapeshifting Manhunter and the Benefactor who's been keeping the town's people healthy with her technology. The show lays out the clues that point to Zoe — John's muted public grief when she "dies," his stronger emotional reaction to threats against his parents, and Zoe's control over the town's medical systems.

Sinestro and a strategy to eliminate John

Hal meets Sinestro, who shares two items of useful detail: Manhunters crystallize when they die, and Hal can protect his ring by discrediting John and proving John isn't worthy of replacing him. Sinestro suggests Hal disgrace John to keep his ring, and Hal does not clearly reject that advice. Later in the episode Hal behaves in a way that appears aligned with Sinestro's counsel.

Investigation, misdirection, and a wasteful name

Guardian Lianna confronts John and orders him to recite the Green Lantern oath the next time he wears the ring so it will officially become his. John balks and ultimately delays that formal claim. Lianna's stern treatment and insistence introduce suspicion about whether she's acting in the Guardians' or someone else's interest.