The House of El: Superman, Smallville & The DCU

In the latest Lanterns coverage from The House of El, Derek and Graham dive into hour three's "OutKast," exploring its storytelling, character development, and cultural significance as they analyze the episode's themes, performances, and what makes it a standout in modern television with a deep dive into the human and superhero elements that make the series so compelling week-to-week. Links Mentioned: # Lanterns Premiere: Writer Tom King on Being ‘The Nerd in the Room’ (and That Ending) Threads post about Ep3 Writers Room

In this bonus episode of "Lanterns" coverage this week, Derek interviews Elias Noel Almeda, the creator of The Ring Foundry. Elias shares how discovering "Green Lantern: Rebirth" later in life inspired major pivots in his personal and creative journey. The conversation explores the strong performances of Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in the first two episodes of the DCU HBO Max series, touching on the show's grounded tone, mythic storytelling, and realistic obstacles. Elias also discusses his meticulous process as a prop maker, detailing how he designs solid, ergonomic metal rings rather than mass-produced alternatives. Additionally, he teases an upcoming fan-made short film that pays tribute to Green Lantern Kyle Rayner with a 1990's aesthetic. Listeners can find his work on Instagram @theringfoundry and through theringfoundry.com, or follow his personal updates @theeliasnoel.

Derek and Graham dive into the electrifying second episode of Lanterns, "Trust Fall." From jaw-dropping action sequences to easter eggs that delight hardcore fans, this episode had it all. In this discussion we delve into the latest developments in the series, exploring character theories, visual design, and upcoming plot twists. Join us as we analyze the episode's key moments and speculate on future storylines.

Graham and Derek walk through the final moments of the "Lanterns" premiere again, while offering speculation and insight into what could be discerned from trailers for the next seven weeks as the mystery box begins to open and unfold on the new Green Lantern series from DC Studios.

Derek and Graham breakdown the twists and turns of the series premiere of DC Studios' and HBO's LANTERNS - examining the history of the Green Lanterns on Earth, the mystery surrounding Rushville, Nebraska, and the chemistry of stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre.

Smallville's Pete "The Boss" Ross - King Sam Jones III stops by The House of El to share his side of the last 25 years, his breakout role as Superman's pal and how the series shaped his life today as he prepares for Cruiseville 2026.

Luke and Derek catch up and dive into the positives of "Supergirl," discuss the new delay for "The Batman Part II" and completely geek out over this summer's "Masters of the Universe" reboot.Special Guest: Luke Bugg.

Derek discusses his two viewings of Supergirl, how the film is performing and gives his non-spoiler review in the first of three episodes for the film. Plus, singer/songwriter Kelty Greye, whose cover song "The Middle" is featured in the film, stops by the show.

Sam Witwer - known for his iconic "monster" roles like Smallville's Davis Bloome/Doomsday and Star Wars' Darth Maul - reflects on his time in Smallville, what he regrets about the way things were left for Davis and how Doomsday is the perfect opponent for Superman.

Smallville's Whitney Fordman - Eric Johnson - stops by The House of El to look back on his freshmen season of the series, how playing the foil to Superman shaped his acting career and what he really took away from the set.