The third episode of HBO’s "Lanterns," titled “OutKast,” offers a deeper look into John Stewart’s origins and how he became the top candidate to replace Hal Jordan as Green Lantern. The episode, which aired recently, shifts focus to John’s upbringing, revealing that his mother, Bernadette Stewart, played a crucial role in shaping his fearless nature—contrary to initial assumptions that his father was the primary influence.

In the episode, Bernadette (played by Jasmine Cephas Jones) discovers that her husband, John Stewart Sr. (J. Alphonse Nicholson), had once been considered to become Green Lantern and personally appeals to a Guardian—disguised as Laura Linney’s character—to give her son a chance in the future. Motivated by this promise, she raises young John (portrayed by Cairo Cash Lee) under the belief that he must become unflinching if he is to fulfill his destiny.

Aaron Pierre, who portrays the adult John Stewart, explained that John’s fearlessness is a combination of innate traits and his parents’ often unorthodox methods. “I believe that John was born fearless and then his parents, arguably through very questionable methods, managed to keep that fearlessness instilled in him through his childhood, through his adolescence, and into his adulthood,” Pierre said. He added that John eventually takes control of this fearlessness himself, continuing to cultivate it throughout his life.

Pierre also highlighted a particularly poignant moment in the episode that reveals the emotional turmoil beneath John’s stoic exterior. In a scene where Bernadette relays to John that the Guardians are not impressed with his progress, John responds fiercely, insisting that “the birds are lying,” referring to his belief that they serve as the Guardians’ messengers. Pierre noted the heartbreak in this exchange: “This kid is maybe this high [gesturing to indicate his height] and he believes that the birds are the narrators and the storytellers and the direct ear to the Guardians. And he feels betrayed by the birds.”

The actor described this moment as emblematic of the internal struggle that defines John Stewart throughout the series. Despite projecting an image of calm and control, Pierre said John is fighting a “raging sea” of feelings—rumblings of anger and frustration that have accompanied him into adulthood and continue even as the series progresses.

“Lanterns” Episode 3 deepens the character study of John Stewart, portraying him as a man who may lack fear but carries a complex blend of fury and vulnerability within. The series is set to continue with new episodes airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.