The DC Universe (DCU) is in a state of flux, with its future hanging in the balance. The latest addition to the fold, 'Lanterns', is a Green Lantern series inspired by 'True Detective' and airing on HBO Max. With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes review score from 40 critics, it's a promising start, but can it really save the DCU from its current woes? Personally, I think it's too early to tell, but what makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between 'Lanterns' and 'Supergirl'. While 'Supergirl' was a financial flop and a lackluster movie, 'Lanterns' seems to be striking a better balance between realism and cosmic superheroism. One thing that immediately stands out is the involvement of Damon Lindelof, who previously worked on 'Watchmen' and 'The Leftovers'. In my opinion, this is a smart move, as 'Watchmen' is a (different kind of) DC superhero property, and Lindelof's experience could be invaluable. The plot of 'Lanterns' is a murder mystery with broader implications for the DC universe. It may, in fact, be a great way to introduce a core Justice League member at a moment when the DCU needs it. However, what many people don't realize is that 'Lanterns' has had a bit of a rocky road to release, with fans initially downplaying the actual Green Lantern stuff. But in time, they showed the suits, they showed the powers, and the end result seems to be a good balance of realism and cosmic superheroism. Kyle Chandler plays Hal Jordan, who fans have calculated has been the canon Green Lantern for Earth for almost a decade before Superman arrived. Aaron Pierre is his protégé, John Stewart, an actor who was effectively fan-cast as soon as he showed up in the Netflix hit 'Rebel Ridge'. A month after that movie was released, he had the job. The DCU is on unsteady ground, and 'Lanterns' is a test on two fronts. First, it needs to be good because of how badly 'Supergirl' made the DCU look. Second, it's only the second DCU project that is entirely free of James Gunn's writing or directing. While 'Supergirl' delegated poorly, 'Lanterns' seems to be going great. What this really suggests is that the DCU needs a fresh start, and 'Lanterns' might just be the key to turning things around. However, it's too early to tell, and the DCU has a long way to go before it can truly be considered a success. From my perspective, 'Lanterns' is a step in the right direction, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. The DCU needs a comprehensive strategy to turn things around, and 'Lanterns' is a promising start, but it's not a panacea. If you take a step back and think about it, the DCU has a lot of work to do to regain its former glory. It's a complex and challenging task, but with the right approach and a bit of luck, it might just be possible.
