Chandler, Pierre Shine in HBO's 'Lanterns, But Gritty Tone Echoes 'True Detective' and 'Watchmen

Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre bring strong chemistry to HBO's DC drama "Lanterns, but the series leans too heavily on the gritty realism of "True Detective" and "Watchmen, according to a new review. The show centers on the Green Lantern, a superhero tasked with enforcing intergalactic order using a magic ring granted by blue aliens known as the Guardians. The character sits at the opposite end of the tonal spectrum from brooding heroes like Bruce Wayne, making the gritty treatment an unusual fit. Chandler and Pierre anchor the series with compelling performances, yet the review notes that "Lanterns" is overshadowed by its obvious influences.