Writer Grant Morrison Says Lanterns 'Worked,' Criticizes 'Morally and Legally Incoherent' Finale

Grant Morrison said Lanterns “worked,” but he criticized its Season 1 finale as “morally and legally incoherent” in a review posted on his Xanaduum Substack. The comic book writer—known for work including The Green Lantern and Doom Patrol—described a mixed viewing experience, admitting he “fell asleep” during episodes 6 and 7, not because they were boring, but because watching TV felt like “relaxation and drift.” Morrison argued the show’s True Detective-inspired storytelling mostly came together thanks to Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart and Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan, whose chemistry sold the series. The tone turned after the ending. Spoilers were referenced: Kelly Macdonald’s Sheriff Kerry, revealed as Hal’s killer, shoots a Green Lantern hero after he learns her son Noah was a Manhunter. Morrison said characters seemed to accept what he viewed as an unhinged “psychotic break,” and questioned why the Guardians don’t respond to such consequences, calling it hard to understand the Corps’ law-enforcement purpose.