Set a month after David Corenswet’s “Superman,” Peacmaker/Chris Smith and his allies disbanded. One evening, Chris stumbles upon an alternate universe where his father and brother are alive living a peaceful life. Meanwhile, Rick Flag Sr. and A.R.G.U.S. monitor Chris’ activities. Things go well in the alternate universe, but there’s something fishy going on which doesn’t seem quite right.
All eight episodes of Peacemaker’s second season are now streaming on HBO Max. Like Season 1, Season 2 earned positive reviews from critics, fans and streamers alike. Recently, James “JG” Gunn announced there are no plans for a third season. I understand why. He’s working on Creature Commandos’ second season. Plus, more upcoming TV series including “Lanterns,” “Booster Gold” & “Paradise Lost” I’m willing to accept a sacrifice for the sake of other characters who are long overdue for a solo TV show.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Victory & Defeat Aspects
Victory: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee & Robert Patrick reprise their roles from the first season. They all did a splendid job for their respective performances.
Newcomers to the DC Universe including Tim Meadows & David Denman (Roy Anderson from The Office) both did a decent job for their respective performances. The former’s funny as heck.
James “JG” Gunn did an awesome job mapping out all eight episodes.
JG’s good luck charm, Michael Rooker appears as an original character named, Red St. Wild. An eagle hunter who looks like Willie Nelson dressed as “Dances with Wolves.” Mr. Rooker previously played Savant in “The Suicide Squad.”
Frank Grillo reprises his role as Rick Flag Sr. He previously appeared in “Creature Commandos” and Superman. Rick has a personal vendetta against Chris.
Action Sequences are bloody and gory. Not for the faint of heart.
Random Thought: Many people speculated which universe Chris went. My guess is that one universe from Bruce Timm’s Justice League cartoon. The two-part episode, “A Better World” with Superman and his team, the Justice Lords are dictators. The actual Justice League visit the former’s universe.
Visual Effects are Class A.
Jokes retain JG’s sense of raunchy humor.
Clint Mansell (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan) & Kevin Kiner (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.
Chris’ chemistry with his friends serve as the main highlight.
Season 1 discards the Justice League’s cameos. The Justice Gang replaces them in the recap so they can directly tie into the JG’s DC Universe. JG stated plot elements from “The Suicide Squad” and Peacemaker’s first season are canon.
The Cast perform another dance number in the Opening Credits. This time it’s Foxy Shazam’s “Oh Lord.” It’s impossible to skip.
Defeat: A certain episode has a downside.
Without giving too much away, the Series Finale didn’t resolve a conflict.
Episode 9 – The Ties That Grind
Open: Chris has an interview with Maxwell Lord.
Chris discovers a door that takes him to another universe. I would assume JG watched “Monster’s Inc.”
One scene contains a drugged up “party scene” that looks like something off of “Euphoria.” What you’re about to see indicates Season 2’s gonna be crazier and vulgar than Season 1. Definitely not for the whole family. In the words of the Adult Swim Action announcer, “Put the kids to bed and get ready to get down!”
Harcourt loses it.
Two people mock a rock band whose frontman is an Academy Award winner. Guess who?
Cast Members from David Corenswet’s Superman such as Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced & Sean Gunn guest star.
A battle sets a chain of events for the next seven episodes.
A Post-Credits contains an extra scene. Which is played for laughs.
Closed: Somebody said, “Looks like you’ve seen a ghost.” Ugh! I hate that cheesy line. How about a better one? “Looks like you’ve seen Patrick Swayze.”
Episode 10 – A Man Is Only Good as His Bird
Good: Chris reunites with all his pals.
Chris gets rid of “evidence.”
One character destroys a Bud Light can. A subtle jab at Anheuser-Busch for hiring national embarrassment Dylan Mulvaney. Kid Rock shot several cans. If I were a trans woman, I would’ve been pitifully embarrassed by Dylan’s behavior.
Encino Man‘s referenced. It’s funny because Brendan Fraser played Cliff Steele in “Doom Patrol.”
Bad: This episode feels like a recap of the last one. I’m fully aware of the status quo. It’s not like I fell asleep during a slideshow presentation at school.
Episode 11 – Another Rick Up My Sleeve
After an unnecessary recap in disguise, storyline picks up the pace. Chris meets alternate versions of the people he knows.
Chris squares off with a terrorist group.
Superman’s favorite band, The Mighty Crabjoys appear on a billboard.
Economos has a hilarious quarrel with Fleury.
Ozzy Osbourne’s “Dreamer” is played in one scene. I would assume Mr. Gunn selected this tune to honor the late rock star’s memory.
Episode 12 – Need I Say Door
A flashback of Chris’ childhood. More context surrounding his backstory.
Chris makes a run for it.
Red St. Wild has a score to settle with Eagly.
Episode 13 – Back to the Suture
Chris makes a life changing decision.
Red St. Cloud continues his mission.
Chris combats his opponents.
A flashback set after “The Suicide Squad.”
A Guns N’ Roses song plays during a montage sequence.
Somebody meets his end.
Episode 14 – Ignorance Is Chris
A familiar face makes a cameo appearance. If you know, you know.
Chris’ pal, Adrian recreates a popular meme.
A big reveal changes everything. If you know your DC lore, you probably know what it is.
Episode 15 – Like a Keith in the Night
Adebayo makes a run for it.
Judomaster has an awesome moment.
A shocking scene or two will make you gasp.
Chris has a dramatic moment. For a wrestler turned actor, Mr. Cena can deliver a sad scene. I’ll give him Bonus Points. He deserves a Golden Globe nomination for “Best Actor in a Comedy Series.”
Episode 16 – Full Nelson
Full: Series Finale ties loose ends.
Members of A.R.G.U.S. explore universes.
Chris has a heartwarming moment.
Despite a permanent end to Peacemaker’s show, his future sets up what’s in store for the DC Universe.
Empty: Series Finale doesn’t resolve a conflict.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BEAUTY!
Despite minor imperfections, Peacemaker’s final season is pretty good. This may not be a proper resolution, but I’m giving James “JG” Gunn the benefit of the doubt. He and his fellow producers, writers and directors are formulating plans. How will another TV show or movie factor in Peacemaker’s future? Only time will tell.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 