'Lanterns' Episode 6: The Clue Fans Think Could Reveal Who Killed Hal Jordan in 'Bad Optics'

'Lanterns' Episode 6, titled 'Bad Optics', finally returns to the murder mystery introduced at the very start of the HBO series, with John Stewart once again asking who killed Hal Jordan.

The episode jumps forward to 2026, a decade after the events in Rushville, with Hal back in the Nebraska town after serving time in prison and John having left his Green Lantern life behind to work as an architect.

But Hal's return ends in tragedy. He is found dead after being shot, leaving John and Sheriff Kerry Kane with the task of working out who wanted the former Green Lantern dead. John is initially an obvious person of interest because he confronted Hal shortly before his death.

However, Episode 6 does not provide evidence that John was responsible. Instead, the mystery widens as the episode introduces several potential connections to Hal's final days.

The Noah Theory Changes the Murder Mystery

One of the key possibilities for viewers is Noah Macon, the son of Billy Macon and Kerry Kane and the grandson of Zoe Macon. Noah has not been confirmed as Hal's killer, but his connection to Zoe and the events of Rushville has made him a prominent suspect in one fan theory.

The theory has gained traction among fans, with Noah's connection to Zoe and the events in Rushville drawing particular attention. More importantly, his final conversation with Zoe in Episode 5 contains clues that may take on greater significance following Hal's death.

Zoe tells Noah to remember what she has taught him, including the instruction to 'see without being seen'. She then tells him not to forget everything she has told him.

At the time, the exchange could be interpreted as part of Zoe's attempt to prepare Noah for the dangerous situation unfolding around them. After Episode 6, however, those words look more pointed in light of Hal's killing.

Why Noah Could Be Connected to Hal's Death

The theory becomes more detailed because of Noah's family history. Zoe was revealed to be connected to the Manhunter mystery at the centre of the Rushville storyline, while Noah is positioned directly within the Kane and Macon families. His relationship to Zoe could therefore give him knowledge that other residents do not have.

Some fan theories have gone further, suggesting Noah could have inherited knowledge or technology connected to Zoe. There has also been speculation that Noah could have a connection to the Manhunters, although the series has not confirmed this.

The circumstances of Hal's death add another layer to the theory. Hal is shot at close range, and the episode does not show an obvious struggle before his death. That has led viewers to question whether his killer was someone he trusted or someone who could approach him without immediately raising suspicion.

Noah's apparently low-key position within the story could therefore make him an effective twist if the series eventually reveals that he knows more about Hal's final days than he has admitted.

Noah Is Not the Only Suspect

The series has introduced several possible suspects. John remains connected to Hal's final hours because he was one of the last people known to have seen him alive. However, Episode 6 gives John a reason to investigate rather than confirming that he was responsible.

Sinestro is another possibility. Guy Gardner tells John that Sinestro has escaped from prison, creating another unresolved connection between Hal's past and his death. The episode does not establish that Sinestro was involved.

Sheriff Kerry Kane also has a complicated relationship with Hal. The episode reveals that the pair had been dating, while Kerry is simultaneously dealing with the consequences of the Rushville tragedy and protecting her family. That leaves the murder mystery open.

What Happens Next?

John's investigation takes an important turn when he retrieves Hal's Green Lantern ring and uses it to activate a Halogram. The projection of Hal may contain information capable of revealing more about what happened before his death.

Whether that information eventually points towards Noah remains unknown. For now, the Noah theory is exactly that: a theory. 'Lanterns' has not revealed Hal Jordan's killer, and there is no confirmed evidence that Noah murdered him.

But Zoe's final instructions, Noah's connection to the Rushville tragedy and the questions surrounding his character have made him one of the main suspects for viewers as the series' central mystery continues.