Who Are the Guardians of the Universe in 'Lanterns'? Meet the Leaders

A group frequently mentioned in Lanterns is the Guardians of the Universe. At one point in the first episode, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) even jokes that they are his and Hal Jordan’s (Kyle Chandler) bosses. The joke contains some truth: the Guardians of the Universe are the creators of the Green Lanterns.

• 'Lanterns' Focuses on John Stewart in an Excellent Third Episode

An alien race of short stature, blue skin, and immortal life, the Guardians originated on the planet Maltus, but later went to the planet Oa, at the center of the universe, where they planted the Lanterns’ Central Battery, the source of power for all the rings used by the Corps. Before creating the Lanterns, they created the Manhunters, synthetic beings meant to patrol the cosmos, but who escaped the Guardians’ control by carrying out a far too violent brand of justice.

How are the Guardians of the Universe involved in Lanterns?

Because they do not feel emotions – a choice they made to try to ensure they would be perfectly logical in their decisions – the Guardians often make complicated choices. In the comics, this has already led to conflicts among the Guardians and even with the Green Lanterns themselves. Many times, the Guardians hide their motives and actions from the Corps, and the series seems to be exploring that.

In the season’s second episode, we learn that a Manhunter, instead of being destroyed by the Guardians, ended up on Earth, transported there by Abin Sur, the Lantern who died and passed his power ring on to Hal Jordan. For some reason, the Guardians hid this information from Jordan.

A bigger role, however, comes in the third episode, when we meet a Guardian.

Who is the Guardian who appears in Lanterns?

In the third episode of Lanterns, which is made up of three flashback storylines focused on John Stewart, we see how he was recruited into the Corps. It all began when Abin Sur’s ring searched for a replacement on Earth. One of the possible candidates was John’s father, John Sr. (J. Alphonse Nicholson), who was left traumatized by the situation.

Then, a Guardian played by Laura Linney appears to John’s mother, Bernadette (Nicole Ari Parker), and explains the situation, apologizing but saying that baby John has some potential to become a Lantern in the future. During the meeting, the Guardian takes on a human form, but briefly reveals her true appearance – blue skin and red-and-white clothing, just like in the comics – at Bernadette’s request.

So, his parents decide that the boy’s life will be devoted to training to become a Lantern. He has a strict childhood, but it pays off when, years later, John is interviewed and approved for the position by the same Guardian his mother met.

The Guardian’s name is never mentioned, but the group’s most famous female member is Sayd. It is possible that this is Linney’s character.