Peacemaker S2 Episode one review: Jumping universe, easter eggs and vulnerability

James Gunn’s Peacemaker S2 looks like it’s ready to win us over across the pocket universe and gives us more emotions than we can ask of a superhero.

It hasn’t been long after James Gunn dropped one of the best superhero films of this era that not only gave us a new Superman but also showed what these films are supposed to be - serve our inner child and remind us of the missing kindness that this world needs. As we bask in this renewed love for comic book films, James is back with his television series on one of the most anti-heroic superheroes in the DC universe. 

With a new intro on Oh Lord by Foxy Shazam, that’s just as engaging and unskippable as its predecessor, Do You Wanna Taste It by Wig Wam, Peacemaker Season 2 begins with Christopher Smith (John Cena) accidentally walking into another universe, discovering a new world that has everything he needs or wishes for. This discovery leads to him confronting his own traumatic past while trying to hold on to his future, especially between different universes.

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We all know that Peacemaker, whose idea of fighting for peace was driven by a dark ideology that stood for doing it irrespective of him hurting any women, children or men. While his appearance in Suicide Squad left us with mixed feelings towards him, his series changed it for us. We were introduced to all the trauma that resulted in his complicated take on life, which eventually became his reason to put on a suit and become a ‘superhero.’ Although we were still trying to figure how we feel about him, the show definitely left us feeling relieved that he didn’t turn out like his dad. 

After a successful first season, the show has returned for Season 2, which focuses on one major theme - second chances. Despite successfully saving the world, Task Force X, faces the consequences of their actions and ends up as anything but disposable. With no job prospects and the constant fear of being alone, these characters are in search of a second chance to prove their worth. Chris is no longer the arrogant superhuman who only cares about his own glory; instead, he is hurt, lonely, and unafraid to express his emotions. By the end of season one, we saw his kindness reflected when he feeds Goff the last of the amber fluid Butterflies feed on, even though that was supposed to be his last. The new season builds on this part of his personality. We see him understanding the reasons behind people's behaviors, such as when Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) complains about her girlfriend, or when he gets ice to help Harcourt with her bruised hand. 

Jennifer Holland's Harcourt remains a hard-edged character, but she is now too dejected and broken to trust anyone. Filled with rage, she is often ready to lash out at others, except for Chris. It’s heartwarming to witness their friendship develop, contrasting with what we saw in Season one. Another surprising friendship that emerged is between John(Steve Agee) and Adrian(Freddie Stroma), also known as Vigilante. Adrian continues to be his usual needy self, looking for someone to confide in, and seems like John, with whom he previously had a bickering relationship, has stepped up to fill that role. Although Rick Flag Sr gets minimal screentime, we know that his intentions are driven by the need to get revenge for his son and find reasons that will pit Peacemaker behind bars.

Peacemaker S2 also has it’s fair share of easter eggs, enough to feed the entirety of DC fans. Right from replacing Justice League’s Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, and Henry Cavill's Superman at the end credits of season one with Gunn’s Justice Gang members Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, David Corenswet's Superman, and Supergirl. Cementing every fans’ query that Peacemaker to be part of DCU and not DCEU. It’s interesting to see him audition to be part of the Justice Gang, and finding himself rejected for his “violent tendencies.” The Top Trip/ Terrific Trio is another easter egg that is a nod to the mega superhero team from the alternate universe who belong to Gotham City, just like White Rabbit.

As the team tries to navigate through their chaotic lives, the show captures your attention right from the start. The new season delivers everything you would expect from James Gunn’s vibrant filmmaking. The storyline focuses on the characters and features comedy that is not only outrageous but also perfectly suited to each scene. Drawing from his recent hit venture that emphasized kindness, this show unexpectedly highlights vulnerability even in the face of multiple universes and endless possibilities. It also keeps up with his ability to shock us with violence that helps progress the story. One moment, you feel happy for Chris as he enjoys a quiet moment with a family he never had; the next moment, you witness him killing his own alternate self, which you know will have a snowball effect on how the story progresses. 

Peacemaker Season 2 is now streaming on JioHotstar.