‘Lanterns’ Recap: John Ballisters Zoe After Faustian Bargain Unravels

Episode 5 of HBO Max’s “Lanterns,” titled “Lights Out,” concludes the season-long mystery surrounding the Manhunter by revealing that the antagonist is actually Zoe Macon, portrayed by Poorna Jagannathan. In a recent interview with Variety, Jagannathan discussed the character’s ruthless pragmatism and the pivotal scene where John Ballister ultimately kills her.

Jagannathan admitted she was kept in the dark about her character’s true identity until receiving the script for Episode 4. She noted that keeping the reveal secret from her during auditions prevented her from playing the role with overt hints, allowing for a more authentic performance. “Everyone saw it coming except me!” she laughed, adding that she is grateful she wasn’t briefed on the twist beforehand.

The episode explores how Zoe maintains control over Rushville through a series of coercive alliances. A flashback reveals how she secured the loyalty of Sheriff Kerry, played by Kelly Macdonald, by rescuing her from gangsters years prior. Zoe offered Kerry safety in exchange for future protection, a dynamic Jagannathan described as a “Faustian play.” According to the actress, Zoe’s survival strategy relies on ensuring that others’ safety is contingent upon their agreement to protect her.

When the alien warrior Antaan and his team arrive to eliminate the Manhunter, the townspeople arm themselves in defense of Zoe. Meanwhile, Hal Jordan, played by Kyle Chandler, had previously betrayed John, leaving him trapped in a burning car. Zoe deliberately waited for John to suffer severe burns before intervening, offering him healing via alien technology in exchange for his silence regarding the Guardians’ involvement in creating the Manhunters and for allowing Hal to perish.

Jagannathan explained that Zoe recognized John as a far greater asset than Hal. “She quickly assessed who could be her strongest protector, and it wasn’t Hal — it was John,” she said. “She sees something in John where she knows that he is going to be the better Green Lantern.”

John agreed to the deal and asked Zoe why she assumed the form of a South Asian woman. She responded that her status as an outsider provided a strategic advantage, allowing her to infiltrate society unnoticed. Jagannathan related to this motivation, stating, “My outsiderness over the years has definitely become my strength… You just don’t get asked a lot of questions if you are presented as outsider.”

After his recovery, John deduced that Zoe killed Abin Sur because he intended to let her go free on Earth. As Antaan’s forces attacked Will Macon’s ranch, Zoe attempted to draw Hal out by bombarding the town with satellite weapons. This forced Hal to deplete his ring’s energy, leaving him vulnerable at his motel.

John confronted Hal in a brutal fight, but Zoe intervened, destroying half the motel with another weapon strike. As Hal lay dying, he laughed, believing John had spared him out of mercy. However, John instead aimed a sniper rifle at Zoe. Jagannathan described the final moment as a “game-recognized-game” exchange, noting that Zoe was the first person she couldn’t predict or control. “It was a complete appreciation for someone whose sense of morality outdid anything and everything,” she said.

In the aftermath, John retrieved the Green Lantern ring and lantern from Hal. Despite the presence of his love interest Lianna, played by Laura Linney, at the local bar, John chose to leave the ring behind and walk away, rejecting the power he had long sought.