Lanterns Episode 2 Pokes Fun At A Classic Superhero Movie Suit Flaw

"Lanterns" Episode 1 addressed one major fan controversy right out of the gate. Prior to the show's debut, many were wary about the distinct lack of green in the trailers, specifically when it came to Hal Jordan's (Kyle Chandler) suit — a suit that, based on the same trailers, looked as though it would spend much of the series on a hanger. Episode 1 reveals why: The 2016 version of Jordan is a jaded version of his former self who has given up wearing his superhero attire. In Episode 2, however, Aaron Pierre's John Stewart suggests his mentor don the costume once again, and Jordan's reply is a wry nod to a longstanding superhero movie suit flaw.

The episode takes us to 2016 as Jordan and Stewart investigate a mystery in Rushville, Nebraska. While there, Jordan's Power Ring runs low on juice, so he sends his protégé back to Coast City to retrieve the Lantern that charges it. Once at Jordan's home, Stewart calls his mentor and comes across several Green Lantern suits hanging in the closet. When he asks whether he should bring one of the suits to Nebraska, Jordan replies, "Not unless you're gonna teach me how someone takes a piss in one of those goddamn things."

Ever since Michael Keaton first donned the cape and cowl for 1989's "Batman," audiences have been well aware of superhero actors struggling with bathroom breaks. By alluding to that problem, Jordan demonstrates a knowing irreverence that is an essential part of his character. But his curt dismissal of his official Green Lantern garb also puts extra emphasis on his reasoning for no longer suiting up, and his general character arc.

Everyone from Ryan Reynolds to Jennifer Lawrence has complained about bathroom breaks while wearing suits designed without that seemingly crucial consideration. But perhaps the best-known example of this long-standing superhero suit problem involves Batman. The original blockbuster Batman actor, Michael Keaton, has spoken widely about his problems with the suits of both "Batman" and "Batman Returns," even revealing that the claustrophobic nature of the rubber getup induced panic attacks. Bathroom breaks might seem comparatively trivial, but it's been a surprisingly persistent issue — especially for the cinematic Dark Knight.

In 2004, "Batman Forever" star Val Kilmer told Conan O'Brien about his issues with the suit. "It takes about 45 minutes to get undressed," he said. "You need help going to the bathroom." Kilmer ultimately overcame his Batsuit woes with some soap opera acting, but the perennial issue of bathroom logistics remained. By the time Robert Pattinson suited up for 2022's "The Batman," Christian Bale had essential advice for his Batman successor: "Be able to pee by yourself." This followed Bale advising fellow Batman actor Ben Affleck to ensure his Batsuit had a zipper (via ExtraTV).

But Batmen of the past aren't the only ones who've struggled. "Superman" star David Corenswet, who will soon come face-to-face with John Stewart in the upcoming "Man of Tomorrow," told People about  his Superman outfit. "There are lots of zippers," he said. "But there's no single zipper that allows me to go to the bathroom, which you would think would be quite straightforward." Even today, then, it seems costume designers haven't quite figured out how to make superhero movie suits that allow actors to relieve themselves with some dignity, making Jordan's brief comment in "Lanterns" all the more relevant.

Episode 1 of "Lanterns" provided clarity about the DC Universe timeline, introducing Hal Jordan in his official suit as Earth's Green Lantern and explaining that he first emerged in 1996. At that point, he was a much more idealistic and hopeful figure, but by 2016, he's changed significantly. The 2016 Jordan is a much more cynical and world-weary version of himself, and that important change is represented in his choice to leave his Green Lantern suit at home.

At one point, Jordan and John Stewart meet at a roadside diner, where the former likens wearing the  official Green Lantern uniform to wearing a tie to impress people. Jordan tells a young fan that he only suits up on special occasions before his waiter asks why. "It's like when you're young and eager and you like to prove yourself," he says in response. "So you wear a tie so people will take you seriously. But when you get older and wiser, you realize ties are a pain in the ass." Now, with Episode 2, we have yet another irreverent dismissal of the Green Lantern suit that helps emphasize just how uninterested in the trappings of superhero stardom Jordan really is.

Of course, the "take a piss" line is really more about the writers giving fans a fun little superhero movie reference. But it does help keep this notion of Jordan's descent into cynicism front and center, which will no doubt become more important as the show goes on. At the end of this episode, we see Sinestro (Ulrich Thomsen), Jordan's former mentor-turned-supervillain, and the hero's experience with this major DC villain will surely help further explain his disdain for the suit.