Last week, James Gunn and episode director Greg Mottola, who are both involved again this week, further developed the groundwork for Peacemaker season two with an episode filled with humor yet ominous undertones. Christopher Smith (played by John Cena) shared a round of beers with his emotionally drained gang, the 11th Street Kids, promising them that nothing could tear them apart. From his point of view, he’d face any external threat to him or his friends with fierce resistance. However, he faces an internal battle with a foe named Chris, who has the potential to destroy his friendships from within.

This episode finds the gloomy mercenary ignoring his usual breakfast for his brother’s whiskey, diving deeper into a life he never lived, which seems more appealing. However, as any sober person might advise, ignoring current problems in pursuit of happiness only multiplies the despair. Chris hasn’t reached his lowest yet, but it’s apparent he’s spiraling downward, and he’s likely to have company when he hits rock bottom.

“Another Rick Up My Sleeve,” aptly named for reasons that soon become clear, starts with a bright morning flashback. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) wakes up next to her covert lover, Rick Flag Jr. (Joel Kinnaman), who is brooding in bed. His day is set to be full of events, including a covert operation with his girlfriend, June, a “sorceress” capable of extreme destruction, a fact that Rick doesn’t let anyone forget. Their relationship is a secret, complicated by their deep feelings and the potential consequences of their entanglement.

Then, Gunn introduces a dramatic twist, reshaping a piece of DCU history neatly into the narrative: Flag heads to Corto Maltese where his fate is sealed by a bizarre encounter with a toilet, courtesy of Peacemaker. The episode then fully kicks off with a grim dance by Chris, set to the tune of Foxy Shazam, emphasizing that he’s not alone in his struggles.

Peacemaker then shifts from its somber tone on DC Prime to a brighter, alternative Earth. Here, Chris gets a rough wake-up call from his brother Keith (David Denman), who promises breakfast and a rendezvous with Emilia. Shaking off a hangover, Chris opts out of breakfast for a stylish wardrobe change, signaling readiness for an expensive night out. Despite Keith’s cryptic warning about a “jarhead,” Chris dismissively replies, “Fuck ’em,” to which Keith heartily agrees.

Chris then rides out in style on the Peace-Cycle, receiving cheers from the townsfolk, including an emotional child and an admirer, reveling in his perceived heroism and declaring, “Best. Dimension. Ever.”

Meanwhile, back in the more dreary reality, Harcourt-Prime serves coffee to her overnight guests, Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), and Economos (Steve Agee). The group discusses Chris’ stormy departure and his complicated feelings for Harcourt. On a cluttered rooftop, Emilia reveals little about her romantic history with Chris, only that their relationship is unlikely to be rekindled.

This subplot not only deepens the season’s themes of regret and despair but also adds layers to Harcourt’s character as she grapples with her feelings and the consequences of past actions.

Back in the happier dimension, Chris enjoys the adoration he receives, and his interactions with Emilia are less fraught, though tension arises when Rick Flag Jr. expresses displeasure at Chris’ closeness to Emilia. Still, this version of Flag seems less threatening than the one Chris killed in the primary universe.

The episode takes a darker turn when the “Sons Of Liberty,” an anti-fascist group, target local institutions. Chris, out of costume, takes them down in a brutal display of violence. After disarming a bomb and watching Keith heroically intervene, Chris embraces Emilia, caught up in a moment that isn’t truly his.

In a subplot involving espionage and intrigue, Agent Bordeaux (Sol Rodríguez) updates Economos on the Quantum Closet left by Chris’ father, Auggie (Robert Patrick). Amidst a comedic exchange with Agent Fleury (Tim Meadows), Economos meets his new and unconventional partner, Rick Jagger, codenamed Judomaster (Nhut Le), setting the stage for more quirky adventures.

Overall, this week’s Peacemaker balances action with emotional depth. The final scene between Chris and Keith is particularly poignant, highlighting the themes of regret and the potential consequences of living a lie in pursuit of fulfillment.

Random Musings

• • “Why do all my clothes look like the Kardashians’ furniture?” “Who are the Kardashians?” Adds a humorous touch to the alternate reality.
• • What’s in store for alt-Chris with Chekhov’s pill drawer, and will Chris-Prime be tempted?
• • A.R.G.U.S. has a different acronym in the alternate reality, pointing to subtle but significant changes.
• • Emilia hints at Chris’ past misdeeds, opening the door for potential redemption or further conflict.
• • Fleury’s misunderstanding with Economos adds a comedic note to their dynamic.
• • The Sons Of Liberty’s reference connects to DC lore and previous comics.
• • Keith Smith’s alias, Captain Triumph, ties back to his comic book origins.
• • Despite the different reality, some constants remain, like the Mighty Crabjoys.
• • Keith’s affectionate nickname for Chris, “Chrisper,” adds a personal touch.
• • Rip Jagger’s real identity as Judomaster’s secret identity is a nod to his creators and the comic book history.
• • The post-credits scene reveals a humorous moment involving Vigilante and Economos, adding a light-hearted end to the episode.