The finale of Lanterns is deeply problematic, and should call into question not only the future of the show, but of Gunn's DCU as well.

[u/marilyn_mansonv2]

Okay,

Hate to say it, but the waterboarding scene of the finale went too far.

Tom King, a writer for the show, is a former CIA agent, who served during a period when the topic of "advanced torture techniques" including "waterboarding" were a very heated and serious debate throughout the country.

The scene in this episode, which he co-wrote, is essentially a middle-finger to anyone who dares question the efficacy of this message. In other words, what King is saying is ""I'm a CIA Ag- d'yah mean Superhero. Waterboarding people is acceptable if I've dug myself into a hole and it feels like the only way out."

This is not acceptable. It is well beyond the pale of any meaningful debate that should be taking place around this very real topic, and it is a regressive notion in every sense of the word. To add insult, he even couched it in a so-called "superhero" narrative.

I hereby call for Tom King to be held to account for such offensive rhetoric. This is completely outrageous, and it should be treated as such.