'Lanterns' finale ending explained: What that last choice means for John Stewart

The first season of Lanterns has revealed the truth behind Hal Jordan’s death, while leaving John Stewart with a new role in the DC Universe.

The HBO series, starring Aaron Pierre as John Stewart and Kyle Chandler as Hal Jordan, revealed in its October 4 finale that Sheriff Kerry Kane, played by Kelly Macdonald, was responsible for shooting Hal.

Kerry panicked after Hal told her that her son Noah was a Manhunter. Noah later falsely confessed to killing Hal to protect his mother.

The finale also confirmed that Noah is a Manhunter hybrid. Showrunner Chris Mundy explained the character’s conflict between his programming and his human upbringing.

“What’s programming and what’s free will? He was born from a human and he was raised by a human. He was loved and nurtured, but he’s definitely the other, too,” Mundy told EW.

Noah ultimately asks John to kill him because he fears what he could become, but John refuses.

The finale also changes John’s future as Green Lantern. He uses an unauthorised lantern containing yellow energy linked to fear and chooses to operate independently from the Guardians.

“We wanted John to take [the role] on his terms,” Mundy told the LA Times.

Hal remains dead despite suggestions that he could potentially return. Damon Lindelof told TheWrap, “We knew that we didn’t want it to be a fake-out, in order for all of the emotional progression to feel real and earned.”

John is also set to appear in Man of Tomorrow, while HBO has not officially renewed Lanterns for a second season.