The first season of Peacemaker (streaming on Max) was one of the best surprises of 2022. It boasted great action, solid comedy, and more heart than one would expect. The second season might not have all the qualities that made the first season great, but it’s still a compelling story.
After ending the alien threat, Peacemaker, a.k.a. Chris Smith, is left looking for purpose. Other superheroes don’t want him and his only friends are busy with their own lives. John Cena is doing his best work in this show. His newfound emotional range works in conjunction with his existing comedy chops to create a fantastic character.
The whole season, in general, isn’t as focused on action or a large-scale threat, The focus is more on the emotional development of the main cast, but the plot does ramp up past the halfway point. The slower burn creates more intrigue, and while the payoff is good, it also feels like the plot moves past it too quickly before returning to the interpersonal drama.
The main cast all put in good performances, with Cena, Danielle Brooks, and Freddie Stroma standing head and shoulders above. Their chemistry is what gives the show so much heart. Interviews and the official podcast make it clear that the cast love working with one other, and that second family feeling extends to their characters.
The new and important element this season is the other dimension that Chris visits while he’s drunk and sad. In that reality, his brother is still alive, and his dad isn’t a terrible person. It’s a seemingly perfect world where Peacemaker is seen as a unique hero.
On the other side, Argus is investigating the device Chris is using to open the portal. Their efforts are led by Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo. Overall, Argus feels that they’re only in the show because the plot needs an antagonist to ramp up drama and plant seeds for future DC projects. Grillo’s performance is fine, but shallow compared with the main cast.
James Gunn does a good job of balancing character drama, action, and comedy. Although the scales tip more to drama than comedy, the action scenes still have the kinetic feeling that makes them interesting. It’s not easy to make a jacked superhero in a dumb outfit played by John Cena into a complex character. Still, Gunn makes sure Peacemaker has one of the best emotional arcs in the modern era of superhero shows and movies.
Peacemaker is thoroughly entertaining and offers more than just the basic comic-book storytelling. It’s not high art, but Gunn continues to improve and show that he understands the full potential of what superhero media can offer.
Author Bio:
Ulises Duenas is a senior writer and film critic at Highbrow Magazine.
For Highbrow Magazine