One aspect of the upcoming season of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow that has everybody talking is that of the introduction of comics’ first superhero team, the Justice Society of America. While the group played a significant role in the unforgettable “Absolute Justice” episode of Smallville, they were already retired. This time, however, we expect to see them in all their crimefighting glory given that LoT is a time travelling show.
Of the various characters set to be included – Stargirl, Dr. Mid-Nite, and Hourman, to name a few – one that I’m looking forward to seeing is Obsidian, mainly because the older version of him will be played by science fiction and horror film legend Lance Henriksen. It’s also worth noting the character is the son of Green Lantern Alan Scott, whom I will discuss more in a moment.
Thankfully, Obsidian’s lineage will be kept intact for his live action incarnation, which Henriksen recently confirmed:
“It’s all in there. It’s all in there, every bit of it. Yeah, being Green Lantern’s son and all that stuff and him being gay is all in there. It’s treated, honestly, kind of ungently. It’s a real thing….Even one of my lines says ‘If you’re lucky enough to find love again, after anything has ever happened to you, well, embrace it.’ [Obsidian] says ‘Son, he’s waiting for me at home.'”
Whether or not Alan Scott – or his daughter, Jade – will ever join Obsidian on the small screen remains a mystery at the point. I would have to say it’s not beyond the realm of possibility as the character already made a cameo appearance on the aforementioned episode of Smallville and there shouldn’t be any red tape as to conflict with 2020’s Green Lantern Corps movie because Scott isn’t even a member of the Corps.
For those unfamiliar, the pre-New 52 version of Alan Scott’s powers were rooted in magic, not an alien power ring and battery combo. Because of this difference, I see no reason why adapting this version of the character would step on the toes of anything on the silver screen; they each can peacefully exist unto themselves. We can only hope that the powers that be see it the same way.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow returns for its second season on Thursday, October 13 on The CW.