The third episode of HBO Max’s Lanterns, provocatively titled “OutKast,” has ignited a significant cultural conversation, delving into the intricate and often challenging upbringing of John Stewart Jr., a pivotal character in the DC Comics universe. The episode, which airs on Sundays until October 4th, not only pays homage to the iconic hip-hop duo OutKast but also utilizes their music and themes as a potent metaphor for Stewart’s lifelong sense of isolation and his arduous journey toward becoming the revered Green Lantern. This installment has garnered substantial viewership, marking a new series high with over 10 million viewers globally within its first three days, 7 million of whom are from the United States, underscoring the resonance of its narrative.
Thematic Resonance: "OutKast" as a Metaphor for Isolation
The "OutKast" episode masterfully explores the unique circumstances of John Stewart Jr.’s childhood, detailing how his parents, John Sr. (portrayed by J. Alphonse Nicholson) and Bernadette (Jasmine Cephas Jones), raised him distinctly from his older brothers. This distinction is framed not merely as an anomaly but as a deliberate strategy to cultivate his potential for greatness, drawing parallels to discussions surrounding the unconventional upbringing of figures like Michael Jackson. The narrative prompts a critical examination of parenting styles, particularly concerning Black boys and children, and raises nuanced questions about the fine line between rigorous training and potentially abusive or unhealthy methods.
The core of the episode’s conflict stems from the Guardians’ decision to select Hal Jordan, a white character, over John Stewart Sr. for the Green Lantern mantle, citing fear as the primary deterrent, not race. This perceived injustice fuels Bernadette’s fierce determination to ensure her youngest son, John Jr., overcomes any fear and achieves the destiny denied to his father. The episode vividly depicts Bernadette’s intense methods, including a chilling scene where John Sr., under Bernadette’s direction, repeatedly places a gun to his son’s head, with the intention of shooting an apple off his head. The younger John’s stoic reaction, never flinching, underscores his programmed fearlessness, a testament to the extreme measures taken to prepare him for his future.
Creative Vision and Writer’s Perspective
The series, a collaborative effort from Watchmen creator Damon Lindelof, writer Tom King, and showrunner Chris Mundy, builds upon the established racial awareness present in the comics concerning John Stewart, amplifying it in this particular episode. Aaron Pierre, who embodies the adult John Stewart, shared his personal approach to the character with The Hollywood Reporter, stating, "The question I would ask myself is: How do you make an interesting portrayal of somebody who is seemingly as cool as an ocean breeze, but internally, there is a tornado going on? And that’s something that I wrestled with throughout the process." This internal conflict is central to the character’s arc, amplified by the revelations of his upbringing.
Vanessa Baden Kelly, a co-executive producer and writer for Lanterns, admitted to experiencing significant anxiety leading up to the episode’s release. "The week leading up to it, I was having heart palpitations," she revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. "I was super nervous, just worried that the things we were hoping were going to land would, and that we would do the character justice." Kelly noted that early "woke" commentary online contributed to her apprehension. However, she found solace in Lindelof’s experience with Watchmen, who offered coping mechanisms. Despite her efforts to limit social media exposure, the pressure remained palpable.
Fortunately, the aftermath has been largely positive. "Now it feels overwhelmingly positive," Kelly stated. "It feels like people took from it the things they were supposed to take from it. It feels like it moves people in all the right ways. It feels like the debates around whether the Stewarts were abusive or not were the exact debates we were hoping to have." While acknowledging a vocal segment of viewers who remain critical, Kelly attributed this to the inherent nature of tackling such sensitive themes.
The Significance of OutKast in the Narrative
The inclusion of OutKast’s music was a deliberate and deeply personal choice, particularly for the Black writers in the room, including Kelly and Justin Britt-Gibson. "Well, I’m from Florida and I went to Florida State, so all Southern rap is very specific to me. It brings me back to a particular season of my life," Kelly explained. The choice of OutKast, especially the album ATLiens, resonated with their experiences growing up in the South and Midwest, feeling a kinship with the music that mirrored their own identities, even though John Stewart is canonically from Detroit.
"We played with a couple of other songs, too," Kelly elaborated. "Maybe the first song I picked was ‘SpottieOttieDopaliscious,’ and Justin was like ‘No, it’s aliens, ‘ATLiens.’" The iconic line, "Damn, damn, damn," delivered by a child actor, was a moment they carefully considered. The timeless appeal of OutKast, their ability to be both mainstream and uniquely singular, made them the perfect sonic backdrop for John Stewart’s character, representing a beloved cultural phenomenon that is distinct yet universally appreciated.
Parenting, Ambition, and the "Tough Love" Debate
Kelly’s background as a former child actor and as a mother significantly informed her approach to the episode. "It was the conversation more often than not," she said, reflecting on the parallels between the entertainment industry and elite sports. She contrasted her own upbringing, where her parents prioritized education and cautiously supported her acting career, with the intense pressures faced by young athletes and performers today. The episode drew extensively from real-world examples, including the parenting styles of Tiger Woods’ father, Richard Williams (father of Venus and Serena Williams), and the Jackson family.
The narrative specifically challenges the conventional portrayal of parental roles, with Bernadette taking a more overtly assertive and demanding stance than John Sr. Kelly noted, "I was really interested in exploring the idea that, especially with sports moms, because I’m experiencing it a lot now with my son, the moms really are." She referenced Sonya Curry’s approach with Stephen Curry in the documentary Stephen Curry: Underrated, highlighting the "tough love" often delivered by mothers, which can be perceived differently than when exhibited by fathers. "When dads do it, it’s tough love. When a mom does it, people are like, ‘She’s terrible!’" Kelly observed, aiming to provoke thought on this societal bias.
The writers engaged in extensive discussions about the necessity and potential consequences of rigorous parenting, especially for children growing up in challenging environments. "Is there a necessity for it when you’re growing up in certain environments?" Kelly posed. "If you’re growing up in Gary, Indiana, if you’re growing up in Compton, is this the smartest way to do it?" The central question remained whether such intense preparation, while potentially fostering discipline, could irrevocably damage a child. The heated online discourse mirroring the writers’ room debates further validated the episode’s impact.
A New Era for Black Superheroes
The opportunity to provide a detailed and nuanced backstory for John Stewart, brought to life by Aaron Pierre, is a significant moment for representation in superhero storytelling. "Honestly, it’s been an honor of a lifetime because Aaron’s John Stewart is going to live on in DC," Kelly expressed. "He’s going to be my kid’s and his friends’ Green Lantern. That’s going to be their Black superhero of the next decade." Kelly hopes this portrayal will expand the conventional understanding of superhero backstories, particularly for Black characters, drawing inspiration from Ryan Coogler’s commitment to authenticity.
However, Kelly also voiced her disappointment with some comic book fans who have expressed dissatisfaction with the episode’s direction. "I am really sad that there are comic book fans that feel like we ruined it," she admitted. She urged viewers to watch the entire season, emphasizing that John Stewart’s journey is not solely defined by his race but also by his universal human experience of making independent life choices. "It’s a gift to my son: You might turn 30, and everything that I taught you, you may be like, ‘I disagree, mom. I think it should be this.’ And you should have the freedom to do that," Kelly concluded, reflecting on the episode’s overarching message of parental love and the ultimate right of an individual to forge their own path. The "OutKast" episode of Lanterns stands as a powerful narrative achievement, prompting vital conversations about parenting, identity, and the enduring legacy of cultural icons.
