Lanterns Episode 6 May Have Quietly Broken DCU Continuity — Here’s How

DC’s shared universe is getting more ambitious by the episode, and with that comes an inevitable side effect: continuity puzzles. The latest theory swirling around HBO’s Lanterns points to a potential contradiction involving Starro, King Shark, and a secret deal struck all the way back in The Suicide Squad.

Lanterns Ep 6: Overview

What Happened in “Bad Optics”?

While pitching Midway City’s council on underground bunkers instead of military weapons, John Stewart casually referenced a giant creature emerging from the ocean — clearly nodding to Starro. The problem? That’s not how Starro’s origin was actually established in the DCU. In The Suicide Squad, Starro was secretly captured from space and experimented on by the U.S. government, not pulled from the sea. Rick Flag’s decision to preserve the incriminating evidence instead of destroying it gave Bloodsport leverage to blackmail Amanda Waller, resulting in the release of Harley Quinn, Ratcatcher II, and King Shark in exchange for keeping the secret buried.

Why King Shark’s Reappearance Raises Questions

Here’s where things get tricky. If that deal held, King Shark should have remained free. Yet the Creature Commandos season finale shows Nanaue locked back up in Belle Reve — seemingly contradicting the terms of his earlier release, and raising the question of why Bloodsport hasn’t exposed the Starro cover-up given his leverage still exists.

Possible Explanations

The most straightforward theory is that King Shark simply reoffended and was recaptured — hardly surprising given his history of impulsive, appetite-driven behavior. Since the original deal likely only covered his release following The Suicide Squad, it wouldn’t necessarily protect him from consequences for new crimes. There’s also speculation that Bloodsport may be holding onto the Starro files as insurance to protect his daughter, rather than as a bargaining chip for King Shark specifically.

Some fans even suggest Bloodsport and Ratcatcher II could resurface in Creature Commandos Season 2 to help free their old ally, especially with Task Force M’s storyline still unfolding.

A Sign of an Ambitious, Interconnected DCU

Continuity hiccups aside, moments like this show just how tightly James Gunn’s DCU is trying to weave its shows and films together — even when that ambition occasionally creates small cracks for eagle-eyed fans to spot.

For more DCU theories, easter eggs, and episode breakdowns, check out the latest entertainment coverage on TechnoSports.

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