Props where they are due—Lanterns, episode 2 is a feast for fanboys, a delicious development of the detective plot, an exquisite expansion of the show’s super-hero elements, and a wonder of world building. And all of that splendor gets slightly spoiled by Tom King’s big fat turd from the first episode which is stinking up the success.

We’ve got a really good, possibly great series on our hands, with galactic upside hinted at with the introduction of each new episode, every plot point, and moment of character development. Lanterns is fun, fantastic, and funny.Wow, right?

And there, tainting all the potential greatness, is Tom King allowing the TV people to convince him to kill Hal Jordan.

With every great Hal line and each pure moment of his being Green Lantern, we’re reminded that he’s going to end. And in the first episode behind-the-scenes interviews, King confirmed it with glee.

Interesting that this week we’re hearing mumbles of “maybe” and “we’ll see” and “hold your judgement until the end of the season.”

And we all know why.

Tom King’s turd.

Right in the center of the entertainment buffet.

Why do I keep blaming Tom King? Because he knew better. The other two are TV people, who don’t care about anything that doesn’t fit in their own mirror. Tom knew better. Tom has worked harder. But he let himself get seduced by the twin Sinestros.

And no matter how incredible this show gets, Tom’s turd taints any triumph.

Thanks, Tom King.