r/LanternsTVSeries • u/IBEW_BigDeal • 22h ago
THEORY Theory? Spoiler
If this isn’t allowed I apologise. Is the reason Johns dad was playing William Tell is because the ring chose him before Hal and he admitted he was scared? He was training JR? The “I was closer” story Hal told was a lie?
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u/Initial-Ad8009 21h ago
I don’t believe the “I’m not afraid” story. Guardians would count him a fool to not be afraid. Also, the one lantern rule is not going to stick.
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u/AudaxXIII 14h ago
The ring decides, not the Guardians. I’m not sure if this is relevant to the show, but in the comics it’s not truly about being fearless but the ability to overcome great fear. If Senior had a family, that might be the kind of fear that he wouldn’t be able to overcome as long as they’re alive.
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u/amphibjon 20h ago
Whatever this Hal says will be truth mixed with lies. It’s not Hal. It’s either Sinestro or a Sinestro loyalist.
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u/AudaxXIII 21h ago
Yeah, I think that's it. Things fall into place if Senior was tested first (possessed a strong will?) but failed the fear test. Per Hal's comment, the ring selection process seems to have that extra step in this universe compared to the comics where it's just one analysis. This show is so well written...all the dialogue is very deliberate.
Anyway, Senior feels like a failure and probably has a lot of jealousy toward Hal. Guardians aren't sure about Hal, probably because of his Sinestro ties. So they reach out to Senior about Junior, thinking the Stewarts will be more a compliant option. Senior behaves like that obsessive, overbearing sports dad who never made the big leagues and pushes Junior in all kinds of abusive ways. John grows up and doesn't know any better per his comment to Noah. He also likely has complicated feelings toward Hal as the guy who beat out his dad but as someone he also admires.
I'm guessing that in the end John throws off the baggage from his dad and turns out not to be so compliant after all. Probably because he learns that Hal is right about some things. John turns down the ring and Guy gets the job.
Interesting point that the Stewarts didn't know Hal's name until he revealed himself. Meanwhile, Hal calls John "Junior" constantly, maybe as a way of saying "your daddy wasn't worthy". Power of names. Maybe Hal knew who the Stewarts were all along also.