Skilled’s Score
Our Verdict
In contrast to season 1’s sluggish begin, Peacemaker season 2 jumps proper into the motion whereas sustaining the crude humour that’s the present’s signature. Nonetheless, the expanded forged and concentrate on new characters imply that previous favourites have been left by the wayside.
Peacemaker season 2 has a difficult 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 below 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 all the way 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. Nonetheless, there are a couple of parts left by the wayside, notably in the case of character improvement.
Character improvement just isn’t an issue for Christopher Smith (John Cena), in fact. Whereas season 2’s anti-hero has learnt lots about himself because the 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 depart you cackling and pitying him in equal measure.
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Gunn has moved away from the Venture Butterfly plot fully, and I believe it’s a sensible resolution. The brand new supply of rivalry is one thing that places Chris’s morals into query. Even three-quarters of the best way by way of the season, I’m nonetheless ready for one more twist across the nook – which can arrive quickly, if I do know James Gunn. There are lots all through season 2 that left me reeling.
In contrast to the primary two episodes of season 1, the present kicked straight into gear and had me hooked from the start. Pacing has been far more dynamic. However that has meant that a few of the writing for the OG group has suffered.
Peacemaker continues to be vulgar as hell, and will get himself into horrendous conditions that depart 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 robust return to kind, considered one of my greatest 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 usher in 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 equivalent 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 simple to miss a few of the very questionable decisions 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 along with her character and he or she’s relegated to the function of supportive buddy who’s struggling to interrupt out on her personal in season 2. She’s largely comedian aid, and that’s a disgrace.
Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante additionally nonetheless will get his moments to shine, however his half has been reduce all the way down to make manner for a bigger forged. 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 performed 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 finest characters. I’m hoping that the ultimate three episodes will rectify this error.
However as with every 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 function 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 towards Peacemaker each brings the present all the way down to earth and lifts the stakes greater than ever.
Are you able to watch Peacemaker season 2 with out context?
If you happen to’ve solely simply jumped onto the DCU prepare with this summer season’s blockbuster Superman, you might be questioning whether or not you may choose 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 impression of some reveals with out the context of what Chris has gone by way of to this point, particularly together with his dad.
And when you’re questioning whether or not the shift from the DCEU to the DCU will likely 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 fully related – it’s solely the set dressing and universe which have been swapped out.
I do imagine you can watch Peacemaker season 1 and a couple of with out having to see The Suicide Squad, as the largest plot level from this movie is effectively 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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Do you have to watch Peacemaker season 2?
With an identical vibe to Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys (albeit much less gross and stunning), Peacemaker season 2 has a greater circulation 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 greatest 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 price 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.
