The second season of Peacemaker delves into alternate realities and fresh starts, reflecting the numerous changes within the DC Universe since our last encounter with John Cena’s character, Christopher Smith. Even the platform hosting this iconic antihero has undergone a transformation, now rebranded as HBO Max. As part of James Gunn’s reinvigorated DCU, following the momentum of Superman and Creature Commandos last winter, Peacemaker returns with a fresh energy, exploring new creative possibilities while retaining the chaotic allure of its debut season.

Despite several delays, it’s somewhat miraculous that Peacemaker maintains its robust charm. In the aftermath of last season’s brutal Butterfly invasion, the atmosphere in the latest premiere can best be described as “somber.” Chris has moved from his patriotic trailer to his deceased father’s house—a legacy from his father, Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick), the racist supervillain known as the White Dragon. This new home serves not as a place of closure but as a battleground for Chris to face his past abuses and regrets, further shaping his troubled antihero identity, The Peacemaker.

The gloom also affects the surviving “11th Street Kids.” Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), previously a reluctant sleeper agent, has adopted a tougher persona at the cost of her family life. Now estranged from her wife (Elizabeth Ludlow) and working as a private security consultant, Adebayo finds herself asserting a newfound grit, albeit with a touch of sadness as she awkwardly dances to Hanoi Rocks in her car and operates out of a dingy motel room. This transformation into a hardened, somewhat tragic figure is a surprising but profoundly moving development for her character.

Meanwhile, Harcourt’s (Jennifer Holland) situation has taken a darker turn. She holds Adebayo and her own mother, Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), responsible for the collapse of her career, a scenario her therapist attributes to a severe case of toxic masculinity—an assessment Harcourt vehemently denies. As Harcourt struggles with rejection from multiple government agencies, she begins to question whether Waller is sabotaging her career. Her inability to forge connections creates further personal obstacles, complicating her relationship with Chris, especially after their brief fling following last season’s triumph.

While Harcourt’s life seems to stall, Chris sees an opportunity for advancement within the DCU. Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn) invites him to try out for the Justice Gang. Desperate to shed his image as a joke, Chris dreams of being recognized as a true hero. However, his audition, overseen by an indifferent Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and a mocking Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), is anything but encouraging. His past deeds and struggles with anger overshadow his plea for a fresh start, leaving him feeling defeated and marginalized.

This theme of failure culminates in the premiere’s climax—a wild party at Auggie’s house, where Chris indulges in excess to numb his pain. Yet, he’s not entirely isolated; Economos (Steve Agee), surveilling the party for Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), is also present. Flag, seeking retribution for his son’s death at the hands of Peacemaker, is now poised to use his new position as director of A.R.G.U.S. to exact his revenge.

As the season unfolds, it’s clear that parallel universes will play a pivotal role, offering both literal and metaphorical explorations of regret and missed opportunities. This narrative device allows Gunn to delve deeper into the characters’ psyches, particularly Chris’s, as he encounters what his life could have been under different circumstances. This exploration reaches a poignant peak when Chris meets an alternate version of his family, free from the hatred that marred his actual life.

John Cena brings a nuanced depth to Chris Smith, evolving from a mere thug to a character whose vulnerability transcends his tough exterior. The season premiere sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and redemption, grappling with themes of love, loss, and the possibility of a different path had circumstances been otherwise.

Additional Insights

• • The revamped opening credits hint at the season’s subtle tonal shift, featuring a rock ballad by Foxy Shazam that maintains the series’ vibrant energy while introducing a slightly more reflective mood.
• • The significance of the passcode “2-6-1-0-1-1” to Auggie’s dimensional warchest remains a mystery, sparking various fan theories.
• • References to lesser-known characters and previous adaptations, like Krank Toys and the White Rabbit, underscore Gunn’s affection for DC’s vast universe.
• • Harcourt’s financial struggles and her comment about not being on good terms with 30 Seconds To Mars add a layer of humor and relatability to her character’s plight.
• • Economos finally mastering the art of beard dyeing is a small but humorous detail that fans of the series will appreciate.