The 'Chosen One' Trope Strikes Again: Why Lanterns’ Genetic Destiny Falls Flat
There’s something deeply unsatisfying about the way Lanterns Episode 3 handles John Stewart’s rise to power, and it’s a problem I’ve seen far too often in modern storytelling. Personally, I think the show leans too heavily on the ‘it’s in his DNA’ trope, a narrative crutch that feels both lazy and uninspired. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it contrasts with the very essence of what makes a hero compelling: their journey, their choices, their flaws. Instead, we’re left with a character whose greatness is predestined, and frankly, it’s a missed opportunity.
The Genetic Lottery: A Boring Shortcut to Heroism
Let’s break it down. John Stewart’s father is tested by the Power Ring, fails because of fear, and then we’re told that something in his genetic makeup caught the Guardians’ attention. Fast forward to John Jr., and suddenly he’s the chosen one because of this nebulous hereditary trait. In my opinion, this undermines the very idea of heroism. What many people don’t realize is that the ‘chosen one’ trope often strips away agency, reducing characters to vessels of destiny rather than individuals who earn their place through struggle and growth.
If you take a step back and think about it, this approach feels like a cop-out. Why not explore what makes John Stewart exceptional beyond his DNA? His integrity? His resilience? His unique perspective as a human being? Instead, we’re left with a vague, almost mystical explanation that feels more like a plot device than a character trait.
The Spider-Verse Contrast: A Lesson in Heroism
One thing that immediately stands out is how Lanterns pales in comparison to the Spider-Verse films, which boldly declare that anyone can be a hero. That’s a message with weight, with meaning. It challenges the audience to see themselves in the hero’s shoes. But in Lanterns, John Stewart’s power feels exclusive, almost elitist. What this really suggests is that the show is more interested in maintaining a sense of mystique around its protagonist than in exploring what truly makes him worthy.
From my perspective, this is a missed opportunity to humanize John Stewart. Instead of being a relatable figure who overcomes adversity, he becomes a product of genetic luck. And that’s not just uninteresting—it’s actively frustrating.
The Power of Training vs. The Power of Destiny
A detail that I find especially interesting is how John’s parents rigorously train him to become a Green Lantern. This could have been a rich narrative thread, exploring the tension between nature and nurture. But even here, the show undercuts itself. We’re told that this training only happened because of his genetic potential. So, what’s the point? If his destiny was sealed from birth, why does the training matter at all?
This raises a deeper question: What does it mean to be a hero if your greatness is predetermined? In a world where anyone can theoretically become a Green Lantern, why does John Stewart get a free pass? It’s a question the show doesn’t seem interested in answering, and that’s a shame.
The Future of John Stewart: A Hope for Better Storytelling
As John Stewart steps into the spotlight following Hal Jordan’s death, I can’t help but hope that future DCU projects will dig deeper into what makes him special. Personally, I’d love to see a story that explores his character flaws, his doubts, his struggles—anything that makes him more than just a genetic anomaly.
What this really suggests is that the DC Universe has the potential to tell richer, more nuanced stories, but it needs to move beyond these tired tropes. If Lanterns is any indication, there’s still a long way to go. But hey, there’s always hope. After all, even the most frustrating narratives can spark conversations about what we truly want from our heroes.
Final Thoughts: The Danger of Destiny
In the end, what bothers me most about Lanterns Episode 3 isn’t just its reliance on the ‘chosen one’ trope—it’s the missed opportunity to tell a story that feels earned. John Stewart could have been a hero defined by his choices, not his DNA. Instead, we’re left with a character whose greatness feels unearned and, frankly, a little boring.
If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just a problem with Lanterns—it’s a problem with storytelling as a whole. We’ve become so accustomed to heroes being destined for greatness that we’ve forgotten the power of seeing them earn it. And that, in my opinion, is the real tragedy here.
So, here’s my challenge to the writers of Lanterns and beyond: Give us heroes who are more than just the sum of their genetic parts. Give us characters who struggle, who fail, who grow. Because in the end, that’s what makes a hero truly unforgettable.
