Lanterns episode 5 ending explained: who dies, why does John Stewart [spoiler], and more big questions answered about the DC comic book show's latest entry

Lanterns episode 5 has landed on HBO Max — and it's not only the DC Universe (DCU) TV show's most devastating chapter so far for myriad reasons, but it also wraps up its 2016 storyline.

From here on out, then, we'll be back in 2026, aka the DCU 's current timeline.

Its present-day plot will have to wait another week, though, because we need to dissect all the hugely significant events that happened in Lanterns ' fifth episode.

Consider this your one and only warning: full spoilers immediately follow for Lanterns chapter 5 , titled 'Lights Out'.

If you haven't seen it yet, bookmark this page for later and return once you're caught up.

Who dies in Lanterns episode 5? Will Macon is one of three major casualties in the DCU TV show's fifth chapter (Image credit: John Johnson/HBO Max) Frankly, lots and lots of people die.

Innocent Rushville civilians caught in the crossfire and foot soldiers in Will Macon's militia and Antaan's extraterrestrial forces all bite the dust in the HBO Max show's latest installment.

Three notable individuals also lose their lives — the first two being the aforementioned Macon and Antaan.

Macon is actually killed by Antaan, the latter believing the former is the Manhunter that Antaan's forces have been pursuing for some time.

However, after Antaan murders Macon and cuts out his heart to confirm Macon is the Manhunter — remember, a Manhunter's heart crystallizes once they die — he realizes Macon isn't the Manhunter.

Cue Antaan going after Hal Jordan because the latter lied about the Manhunter's identity when the pair crossed paths earlier in episode 5.

Unfortunately for Antaan, he doesn't last much longer.

In an attempt to kill Hal, he activates the explosive device woven into his skeleton.

But before he goes out with a bang, trying to take Earth's first Green Lantern with him, Hal uses his ring to make a whirlwind construct that flings Antaan into the air before he detonates.