Season 2 of “Peacemaker” has arrived, bringing with it a fresh perspective on the titular character’s journey and the evolving dynamics within the DC Universe.
Season 2 of “Peacemaker”: A Bright Future for DCU’s TV Slate
More than three years after the titular character appeared on our television screens, Season 2 of “Peacemaker” is finally here. Following his appearance in “The Suicide Squad,” the first season concluded with Christopher Smith (John Cena) killing his white supremacist father, Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick), and defeating a deadly alien race threatening the world. The series maintained a comedic tone and showcased a cast with great chemistry. Yet, beneath the surface, writer and director James Gunn crafted a superhero show that delves into a man’s struggle to understand the weight of his mantle. While Season 2 seems to follow the same tone as the first, Gunn has amplified the small moments that made the series unique, creating a second season that feels almost like a different show altogether.
A Shift in the World of “Peacemaker”
From the opening moments of this season, an unmistakable shift occurs in the world of “Peacemaker.” With his father dead, Chris now inhabits his old house, wandering its halls like a ghost. Too lethargic to take his pet eagle, Eagly, for a walk outside, Chris instead opens the door to his father’s secret quantum unfolding storage area, allowing Eagly to explore. He soon discovers that the animal is drawn to a door resembling his own, leading him to encounter his father’s doppelganger. Although Chris leaves this dimension in haste, he becomes increasingly intrigued by it, realizing that in this universe, he and his father share a positive relationship and are celebrated as heroes of a crime-fighting trio.
Struggles of a Misunderstood Hero
In the universe where he currently resides, Chris and his friends are not recognized as serious heroes, despite their victory over an alien race. During an audition for the Justice Gang, overseen by Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn) and current members Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), the trio seems unimpressed with Chris’s credentials. They dismiss him during their inquiries, perceiving him as too volatile for their line of work. Within and outside the superhero realm, Chris feels inadequate. Burdened by the mantle of Peacemaker, he turns to alcohol and drugs to numb his pain.
The Weight of Grief
Chris’s grief remains an unyielding weight, which he seems reluctant to discuss with his friends, often resorting to humor instead. Isolated and struggling to find his purpose, his obsession with the quantum unfolding storage area threatens to consume him. It becomes irrelevant that another version of himself exists there; Chris is determined to embrace the life of his doppelganger. Everything he has ever desired exists in this universe: fame, fortune, his father’s love, and even Emilia Harcourt’s (Jennifer Holland) affections. While Chris and his gang still gather on rooftops and call each other for backup, a clear fracture has developed within their relationships, both as a group and individually.
Balancing Humor and Heaviness
Season 2 of “Peacemaker” continues to deliver laughs, sometimes so uproarious that they overshadow the seriousness of the narrative. Yet, there’s a palpable heaviness that permeates the storylines this season, as if it is woven into the very fabric of each character’s existence. As Chris grapples with his feelings of grief and regret, his comrades face their own challenges. Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) is now separated from her wife and seeks more spy work; Harcourt has been blacklisted from every intelligence agency; Economos’ (Steve Agee) new role as an A.R.G.U.S. agent jeopardizes his standing within the group; and Adrian’s (Freddie Stroma) need for Chris’ approval weighs heavily on him. Each core character carries a fractured soul, finding solace only in one another.
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Desperate Attempts to Fill the Void
When apart, they each desperately seek to fill the void, whether through bar fights with larger opponents or superficial business ventures. “Peacemaker” shines brightest when these five characters share the screen, but unfortunately, there’s a noticeable lack of that in the first five episodes of this season. The characters themselves long for each other’s company, and viewers can’t help but feel the same. Watching their individual journeys remains entertaining, yet the absence of a cohesive relationship among the core five is apparent. This doesn’t imply that the show has lost its edge in Season 2, but it does sacrifice some of the sincerity that resonated throughout the first season.
A Standout in Superhero Television
Despite the limited shared scenes among the 11th Street Kids, “Peacemaker” continues to stand out in superhero television. Many shows strive to connect smaller narratives to larger universes, often sacrificing coherent plots. It’s evident that the themes of alternate universes and dimensions are crucial to the development of the newly established DCU. However, this series remains true to its humble origins. Gunn persistently builds upon these characters and their struggles, positioning them at the forefront of a rapidly expanding universe. With Season 2, it’s clearer than ever that these characters are in the best hands possible, whether within the narrative of “Peacemaker” or the broader DC universe.
Five episodes were screened for review. Series premieres August 21st.
