It’s no exaggeration to say that the gap between seasons has only widened for quite a large number of TV shows. It’s the result of quite a number of factors, most especially the double whammy of the WGA and SAG strikes back in 2023. In the case of Peacemaker Season 2, it’s even more understandable. In the intervening years since the first season aired back in 2022, James Gunn not only completed the conclusion of his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy but also became co-head of DC Studios. And somehow he still found time not only to write and direct a new Superman film but also venture into animation with Creature Commandos. When all is said and done, it’s actually pretty spectacular that we’re not only getting a second season of Peacemaker this soon but one that might surpass the previous season. Only the first five episodes of eight were provided for review, so a final verdict ultimately depends how well it sticks the landing. Given Gunn’s track record, it’s almost certainly guaranteed.
John Cena returns as Christopher Smith, better known as the the titular Peacemaker, to unpack deeper layers to this psychologically complex superhero once considered D-list by the general public. After murdering his villainous father Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick) last season, Chris has inherited his house and with it his Quantum Unfolding Chamber. Anyone wondering how uneducated white trash like Peacemaker’s father obtained such advanced technology, rest assured, the answer is finally revealed. Like a magic wardrobe, it allows Christopher access to another world, but instead of Narnia it’s an alternate Earth where life is seemingly perfect and Peacemaker is finally seen and adored by the public as a true hero.
It goes without saying at this point that the concept of the multiverse is as played out as sky portals and pillars of light a decade ago. Thankfully, Gunn is all too aware of the clichés and tropes of multiverse stories that audiences have become all too familiar with avoids them. It’s a different approach than Marvel’s attempts with the multiverse such as the recent Fantastic Four: First Steps which introduced the First Family in its own separate universe designated Earth-828. Other than the elimination of the Kardashians as celebrities, Gunn limits the differences in the alternate world to focus primarily on Peacemaker’s life and those around him. It’s a more meaningful exploration rather than a trip through a “Multiverse of Madness” that’s more or less a desperate excuse to see actors reprise old roles that amount to glorified cameos.
In the midst of all this, the new leader of the ARGUS, Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), has his sights set on Peacemaker for killing his son in cold blood during the events of Project Starfish as seen in The Suicide Squad film. Learning that his son’s former Task Force X teammate is in possession of dangerous dimensional technology provides Flag Sr. the perfect excuse to bring Peacemaker into custody by any means necessary.
After revitalizing Superman with a critically acclaimed film that spawned the refrain, “Kindness is the new punk rock,” it might seem a bit incongruous for Gunn to return to the glam metal and darkness of Peacemaker that characterized the aesthetics of his early work. But upon closer scrutiny, Superman and Peacemaker Season 2 can be considered companion pieces particularly when it comes to examining father/son relationships. It’s a reoccurring theme that Gunn has explored in a number of his projects for the past decade. Taking into account the filmmaker’s complex relationship with his own father that he’s shared publicly, it’s not a complete surprise. It’s also not unintentional that a father is yet another antagonist for Peacemaker but unlike Auggie, Rick Flag Sr.’s desire to take down Christopher Smith is fueled by grief and genuine love for his murdered son.
Though diametrically opposite in every conceivable way, both Superman and Peacemaker bring up classic questions about nature versus nurture. Superman obviously was raised by a kindly farm couple while Peacemaker became a merciless killer due to the horrible trauma inflicted on him by his father. Gunn forces both to question their sense of self whether it’s Superman discovering the truth of why his Kryptonian parents sent him to Earth or Peacemaker’s journey to a parallel world. It’s also worth mentioning that both superheroes have deep connections to animals with behavioral issues that they’re willing to risk their lives to protect.
References abound to recent DC Studios projects including Creature Commandos and the new Superman movie including brief but hilarious appearances by members of the Justice Gang. And though the vast majority of viewers will have seen the new Superman film, those who haven’t (for whatever conceivable reason) won’t feel totally lost by mentions of the “Metropolis incident.” It’s a far cry from the the unwieldy continuity of Marvel Studios that has turned into a growing problem driving away even the most diehard fans. It becomes homework at a certain point which Gunn is painstakingly ensuring never happens under his watch at DC Studios.
Last season, which centered around thwarting an invasion of alien body snatchers, seems almost simple and straightforward compared to how much story and characters Gunn is juggling this time around. The filmmaker’s penchant for large ensembles is a given by now and Peacemaker Season 2 is no exception. Much like his Superman film, this season is packed to the gills with more plotlines and twice as many characters, but thankfully never becomes too overwhelming. For the most part at least. Although still as socially awkward as ever, Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) doesn’t get into any action, or his superhero suit for that matter, in the first five episodes. Hopefully that will be rectified for the last three episodes.
Some characters serve a specific albeit limited function such as Red St. Wild, the world’s foremost eagle hunter portrayed by Michael Rooker, a perennial player in many Gunn projects. Red St. Wild is yet another memorable performance from Rooker. Whether the character is essential is another question. His quest to hunt down Peacemaker’s avian sidekick, the aptly named Eagly, teases that there’s more to St. Wild’s feathered foe than meets the eye. Whether this revelation comes into play in later episodes remains to be seen. Likewise, considering Gunn’s predilection to killing off characters played by Michael Rooker, the odds of Red St. Wild having a continued presence in the DCU past this season are fairly low.
Gunn’s extraordinary ability to curate a playlist of songs has garnered incredible praise over the years. I’m tempted to describe it as Tarantino-esque, but Gunn is now a name unto himself. Eclectic choices of glam metal and punk rock bands are once again on full display that perfectly compliment the visual storytelling. The most notable and prevalent this season are the songs of Foxy Shazam. And while I’m prevented from divulging any details regarding the much-anticipated new dance sequence opening, I honestly think it’s better than the first season. Hats off to choreographer Charissa Barton for once again raising the bar.
It’s anyone guess if a potential third season of Peacemaker is in the cards. In addition to a second season of Creature Commandos, it’s been reported that Gunn is already working on the next installment of the Super-Family. However, both Gunn and Cena have hinted this is far from the character’s last ride. Hopefully fans won’t have to wait as long as three years for the next great adventure with Peacemaker and the 11th Street Kids.
Peacemaker Season 2 premieres Thursday, August 21 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO Max
