Skilled’s Score
Our Verdict
Not like season 1’s sluggish begin, Peacemaker season 2 jumps proper into the motion whereas sustaining the crude humour that’s the present’s signature. Nevertheless, the expanded solid and give attention to new characters imply that previous favourites have been left by the wayside.
Peacemaker season 2 has a tough place throughout the new DCU. Whereas it’s a continuation of the story of Christopher Smith and The 11th Road Youngsters, it’s additionally the primary live-action TV collection on this world, and the third undertaking beneath CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran after Creature Commandos and Superman.
So, how does it fare? I’ve seen the primary 5 episodes of season 2 early – maintain studying for my spoiler-free overview.
Season 2 of Peacemaker will get straight right down to enterprise
On the entire, the primary 5 episodes of Peacemaker season 2 navigate the ‘DCEU downside’ confidently, with a easy rationalization, whereas sustaining the crude humour that followers need. Nevertheless, there are a couple of components left by the wayside, notably with regards to character growth.
Character growth will not be an issue for Christopher Smith (John Cena), in fact. Whereas season 2’s anti-hero has learnt quite a bit about himself for the reason that present began, he’s nonetheless removed from excellent, and that’s what makes him a compelling protagonist. Peacemaker continues to be vulgar as hell, and will get himself into horrendous conditions that go away you cackling and pitying him in equal measure.
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Gunn has moved away from the Undertaking Butterfly plot solely, and I feel it’s a smart choice. The brand new supply of rivalry is one thing that places Chris’s morals into query. Even three-quarters of the best way via the season, I’m nonetheless ready for an additional twist across the nook – which is able to arrive quickly, if I do know James Gunn. There are lots all through season 2 that left me reeling.
Not like the primary two episodes of season 1, the present kicked straight into gear and had me hooked from the start. Pacing has been rather more dynamic. However that has meant that a number of the writing for the OG group has suffered.
Peacemaker continues to be vulgar as hell, and will get himself into horrendous conditions that go away you cackling and pitying him in equal measure
Two season 1 favourites get a demotion
Whereas Steve Agee’s Economos and Jennifer Holland’s Harcourt have a powerful return to type, one in every of my largest criticisms is the writing of Adebayo, performed by Danielle Brooks. In season 1, Brooks demonstrated her capabilities as a conflicted agent. Whereas she was determined to herald cash for herself and her spouse, she did so at the price of betraying her pals – Chris particularly.
She additionally didn’t have the identical ruthless streak as members similar to Harcourt, as she’s a nepo-baby. Because the daughter of Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), she was dragged into the world of black ops. Her clumsiness, heat and likability made it straightforward to miss a number of the very questionable selections she made.
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Whereas sure, Adebayo owned as much as her errors on the finish of season 1, it means there’s little to do together with her character and she or he’s relegated to the position of supportive pal who’s struggling to interrupt out on her personal in season 2. She’s largely comedian reduction, and that’s a disgrace.
Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante additionally nonetheless will get his moments to shine, however his half has been reduce right down to make manner for a bigger solid. His character writing is extra constant than Adebayo’s, however I do miss his psychopathic antics.
Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante additionally nonetheless will get his moments to shine, however his half has been reduce down
I imagine that this has largely been finished to pave the best way for a extra nuanced romance plot between Chris and Harcourt. Whereas the pair have chemistry, it’s annoying that it’s come at the price of screentime for season 1’s greatest characters. I’m hoping that the ultimate three episodes will rectify this error.
However as with all present, there are swings and roundabouts. Tim Meadows performs Langston Fleury, one of many newcomers. From his first look, he instructions the room and places his comedic background to make use of, particularly when he has a run-in with everybody’s favorite Peacemaker icon, Eagly.
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In the meantime, Frank Grillo reprises his position as Rick Flag Sr. from Superman. Whereas I’ve a tough time believing that this man is sufficiently old to be Joel Kinnaman’s (Rick Flag Jr.’s) dad, with solely fifteen years separating the pair, his quest for vengeance in opposition to Peacemaker each brings the present right down to earth and lifts the stakes larger than ever.
Are you able to watch Peacemaker season 2 with out context?
If you happen to’ve solely simply jumped onto the DCU practice with this summer season’s blockbuster Superman, chances are you’ll be questioning whether or not you’ll be able to decide up Peacemaker from the beginning of season 2. Whereas there’s a temporary recap of the primary season, you’ll miss out on the emotional affect of some reveals with out the context of what Chris has gone via to this point, particularly along with his dad.
And in case you’re questioning whether or not the shift from the DCEU to the DCU will probably be an issue, it’s not. Season 1’s occasions and character arcs are (so far as I’m conscious on the time of writing) nonetheless solely related – it’s solely the set dressing and universe which were swapped out.
I do imagine that you may watch Peacemaker season 1 and a pair of with out having to see The Suicide Squad, as the most important plot level from this movie is nicely defined. Superman can also be a ‘good to have’, however (so far as the episodes I’ve watched), it isn’t required viewing.
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Must you watch Peacemaker season 2?
With an analogous vibe to Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys (albeit much less gross and surprising), Peacemaker season 2 has a greater circulate and a extra compelling story than season 1, difficult Christopher Smith greater than earlier than.
It has managed to port over from one other universe comparatively easily, though to get essentially the most from the present, I wouldn’t advise leaping in with out watching Peacemaker season 1 first.
My largest criticisms to this point are that two of the unique gang have been sidelined. However will that cease me from binging the final three episodes of this bloody, ridiculous present? Completely not. The opening dance sequence alone is value coming again for, week after week.
Peacemaker season 2 drops on HBO and HBO Max on Thursday, 21 August 2025 within the US, and on Sky and Now on Friday, 22 August 2025. New episodes will drop weekly.