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Review: After being imprisoned for his betrayal of the people of Betrassus and his sister Queen Iolande, Ragnar receives an offer to become a Red Lantern. Without hesitation, Ragnar joins the Red Lanterns and takes over Betrassus. I loved this episode because it shows how strong the threat of the Red Lanterns truly is. When Hal and the team return to Betrassus, they find themselves outmatched. Fortunately, Kothak and other rebels find the Lanterns, and help them devise a plan to save the planet from the Red Lanterns. Ragnar's desire for revenge against his sister and the Green Lantern Corps isn't the only story here. The Guardians of the Universe have a dispute about their past with the Red Lanterns. Unfortunately, Ganthet reveals he helped Hal Jordan steal the Interceptor, and Appa, along with the other Guardians, banish Ganthet from Oa for allowing Hal to take the prototype ship and for believing in the emotion hope. During his early exile, Sayd secretly navigates Ganthet's pod back to Oa to help Hal Jordan and the other Lanterns defeat Ragnar. With the power of a Blue Lantern Power Battery, the Lanterns are able to overcome their enemies, proving Ganthet's theory about hope. Additionally, Ganthet and Sayd admit to Hal and Kilowog that the rumors of the Manhunters are true. Seeing the Manhunters in action was certainly a treat. I'm really glad the show didn't leave the Manhunters out. Knowing the Red Lanterns actually have a reason for their rage gives them depth and proves to the Green Lanterns that the Red Lantern attacks across the galaxy aren't unprovoked. Will Friedle returns as the vengeful Ragnar, and once again delivers a stellar performance, as his character no longer hides his jealousy and rage. Tara Strong nails Iolande's regret in locking up her brother, and her determination to save her people, even if it means facing her brother in combat. Ian Abercrombie, Brian George, and Susan Blakeslee hold up the Guardians debate very well, as the dispute between Oa's leaders is quite compelling. The action and CG was quite spectacular in this episode as the Lanterns and the rebels of Betrassus battle the Red Lanterns in an attempt to stop the planet destroying Liberator bomb. The battle becomes much more difficult as Ragnar, Bleez, and the other Red Lanterns are determined to wipe out any resistance. When the heroes are out of options and near beaten, they receive a 'super-charged' amount of power from Ganthet and Sayd. While Razer loses his power, the Lanterns including Aya, are powered-up and the animators truly deserve a round of applause for the visual effects. The Northern Lights esque sky and glowing Lanterns are beautiful! All the mentions of hope are nice hints towards the Blue Lanterns making an appearance sometime in the series. Ganthet was definitely the hero of this episode (alongside Sayd), so it was nice seeing him in the spotlight. But the end of the episode might have been the most emotional as there was a short tribute to Ganthet's voice-actor, the late Ian Abercrombie. R.I.P. good sir. Overall, this was a superb episode with some nice hints at what's to come as this story-arc comes to a close.
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