Lanterns season 1 has officially come to an end, and Episode 8 finally answers the biggest question hanging over the DC drama: Who killed Hal Jordan? The season 1 finale, titled “Dirt and Stars,” picks up the story of Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler), John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald) while revealing the truth about Noah Macon (Shea Pritchard) and his connection to the Manhunters.

Keep reading for a recap of the Lanterns season 1 finale, including who killed Hal and more. (Warning: spoilers are ahead on Lanterns season 1 episode 8) 

Who Killed Hal Jordan in Lanterns?

Sheriff Kerry Kane killed Hal Jordan. In the season 1 finale, Hal discovers that Kerry’s son, Noah, is a Manhunter and confronts her about what he’s learned. He presses Kerry on whether there are other Manhunters and makes it clear that he knows the truth about Noah.

In the end, Kerry fatally shoots Hal in the head at the football field. The revelation comes after the episode initially points to Noah as Hal’s killer.

Noah tells John that he killed Hal after Hal discovered the portal and learned what was inside. The finale later reveals that Noah was lying to protect his mother.

Courtesy of HBO Max

Who Is Noah in Lanterns?

Noah is one of the biggest surprises of the Lanterns finale. Kerry’s son is secretly a Manhunter hybrid. Noah has human origins and was raised as a human, but he also carries Manhunter programming and abilities.

So, is Noah destined to become a Manhunter because of what he is, or can he choose who he wants to become?

He tells John that he wants to live a normal life and asks John to kill him because he is afraid of what he could become. But John spares Noah’s life.

Is John Stewart a Green Lantern at the End of Lanterns?

Yes — although John Stewart’s new status comes with a plot twist. By the end of episode 8, John chooses his own path as a Green Lantern rather than simply following the traditional rules of the Corps.

John encounters Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), who is also operating as a Green Lantern, and tells him that he plans to protect Earth. John describes himself as an “independent contractor,” signaling that he is not just stepping into Guy’s position.

What Happened Between John Stewart and Hal Jordan?

The emotional heart of the Lanterns finale is John’s farewell to Hal. Even though Hal is dead, John continues to interact with a digital version of his former mentor, known as the Halogram.

John and Hal’s relationship has significantly evolved throughout the season; Hal was initially John’s difficult and frustrating mentor. By the finale, however, John understands how much Hal meant to him.

Before the Halogram disappears, Hal warns John that sparing Noah is a significant risk. John then delivers a message that he had previously told Kerry: “I love you.” The Halogram responds by telling John, “I love you too, Junior.”

Will There Be a Season 2 of Lanterns?

Lanterns season 1 ends with plenty of possibilities for a second season, but HBO Max has not officially announced season 2 at the time of publication.