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Poorna Jagannathan Breaks Down Zoe's Fate in 'Lanterns' Episode 5
RePoorna Jagannathan Breaks Down Zoe's Fate in 'Lanterns' Episode 5
The actress explains Zoe Macon's Faustian bargain as the Manhunter mystery reaches its climax in 'Lights Out.'
Poorna Jagannathan is opening up about the dramatic turn for her character Zoe Macon in the fifth episode of HBO's «Lanterns,» titled «Lights Out.» The episode, now streaming on HBO Max, reveals that Zoe has been the Manhunter at the center of the mystery in Rushville throughout the season. Jagannathan describes Zoe's choices as a «Faustian play,» a bargain that ultimately leads to her downfall.
In the episode, John Stewart, played by Aaron Pierre, successfully takes down the last living Manhunter and retrieves the power ring from Hal Jordan, portrayed by Kyle Chandler. But the victory comes at a cost. The confrontation forces John to confront the truth about Zoe, a character who has been both a benefactor and a protector to the residents of Rushville. According to Jagannathan, Zoe's actions are not simply those of a villain seeking power; she genuinely believes she is helping her community. «It's a Faustian play she makes,» Jagannathan said, explaining that Zoe's deal with forces beyond her control ultimately destroys her.
The episode marks a major turning point for the series, which has been building toward this revelation since the beginning. As Kerry, played by Kelly Macdonald, explains, Zoe does not rule over Rushville through fear or force. Instead, she has singlehandedly built a community around herself, earning the loyalty and admiration of its residents. The arrival of the Lanterns blows her cover and exposes the truth, leading to a tragic unraveling. Jagannathan's performance has been praised for bringing depth to a character who could have been a one-dimensional antagonist.
The fifth episode also explores the deteriorating relationship between Hal Jordan and John Stewart. After weeks of watching the two slowly come to terms with one another, the episode sees their partnership fall apart as they find themselves on opposite sides of the battle tearing Rushville apart. John chose to put his faith in Hal, but Hal ultimately betrays him, leaving him for dead and orchestrating a massacre for his own benefit. This betrayal has sparked debate among fans, particularly those of Hal Jordan, who see the character's actions as a bridge too far. The episode draws comparisons to the 1994 comic storyline «Emerald Twilight,» in which Hal has blood on his hands, though even there he was driven temporarily insane.
Despite the controversy, the episode has been praised for its tension and character conflicts. The larger scale of «Lights Out» delivers the superhero action that some viewers had been missing, with epic shootouts and battle scenes. However, it is the emotional stakes that truly fuel the hour. The interaction between Hal and a hologram of his younger self highlights how fundamentally broken the character has become, raising questions about what happened in the years since. The episode also features an intriguing moment between Zoe and her grandson Noah, played by Cary Christopher, in which she urges him to «Remember everything I told you.» That line is expected to pay off as the series returns to the 2026 timeline.
Jagannathan's portrayal of Zoe has been a standout, bringing a sympathetic edge to a villain who genuinely believes in her cause. The actress said she «made a meal» out of playing the role, finding the humanity in a character who makes a devastating choice. As the season heads into its final three episodes, the fallout from Zoe's death and Hal's betrayal will likely shape the remaining story. For now, «Lights Out» stands as a pivotal chapter that redefines the series' central conflict and leaves viewers questioning who the real heroes are.
