‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episodes 1-5 Review: Oh Lord, Here We Go Again

I’ve seen each of the five new episodes for Peacemaker Season 2, approximately three times now, and I can officially say we are back, as fans of the show and character are treated to some personal and downright hilarious plotlines. Does it measure up to Peacemaker’s first season? Find out below in our Peacemaker Season 2 Episodes 1-5 review.

Picking up after the events of Peacemaker season one and the theatrically released Superman, Peacemaker season two continues the story of Christopher Smith aka Peacemaker (John Cena) and the 11th Street Kids (Steve Agee’s John Economos, Jennifer Holland’s Emilia Harcourt, Danielle Brooks’ Leota Adebayo, and Freddie Stroma’s Adrian Chase). As one can deduce from the trailers for the series, Peacemaker is in a slump, looking for a greater purpose and the need to serve the public in a more friendly manner, whilst grappling with the loss of his father, Auggie (Robert Patrick) and brother, Keith. Meanwhile, a new threat for Smith emerges in the form of Rick Flag Sr (Frank Grillo) and ARGUS, specifically agents Langston Cleary (Tim Meadows), Sasha Bordeaux (Sol Rodriguez), and Rip Jagger aka Judomaster (Nhut Le).

As a whole, this season rips. Filled with hilarious jokes and a set of pretty compelling arcs for Cena’s Peacemaker and Holland’s Emilia Harcourt. It functions as a smart and witty character piece. The show leaves on a cliffhanger at the end of episode five, so it remains to be seen whether these arcs come to fruition, but I have faith in Gunn as a writer to follow through. That being said, I believe this season will not sit entirely well with audiences in comparison to the show’s debut venture.

The first season, characterised by its bright, popping costumes, a dude soundtrack, and some kickass action, all underscored by raw and beautiful writing, was a clear sleeper hit with fans. So, making audiences wait for three years for a follow-up that differentiates itself quite a bit might not sit well with many. For one, the series dials down the action a lot, with some episodes barely having any combat, let alone costumed fights. Several characters do not get to wear their costumes in the first five episodes of the show. In this sense, the show becomes more of a dramedy than an action/comedy like the first season.

I think the show looks quite a bit worse, too. I’m not certain whether this is because of the lack of bright and colourful suits that blessed us in the past, or whether they dialled up the washed cinematography; it’s not as pleasant on the eyes. It is fine, in terms of both practical effects and CGI, to the point where it’s not unpleasant to watch, but one wonders what could have been.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Peacemaker review without speaking about the main course. That is, without a doubt, the opening credits sequence. Last season had the now iconic “Do You Wanna Taste It?” By Wig Wam dance choreography, and whilst Gunn has stated it can’t be topped, he aimed to touch it in equivalence with the new sequence for the new season. This season, the dance scene is set to the song “Oh Lord” by Foxy Shazam, and it is a blast, but does fall under expectations. We won’t talk about the characters involved or the moves here, but it’s a step below the initial sequence. It is more than enough however, as it will certainly be a big talking point when the first episode of the second season releases on HBO Max.

Whilst both Cena and the supporting cast have been giving fantastic performances throughout this season, they’re surpassed by the comedic timing of Tim Meadows as Langston Fleury, who plays an asshole ARGUS Agent who works under Bordeaux and Flag Sr. From his introduction, he has at least one scene that makes you laugh out loud in each episode. He is a fantastic addition to the cast. As is Michael Rooker, whose role as Red St. Wild is a brief but hilarious one. His conflict with Eagly (Dee Bradley Baker) this season is hardcore, with Eagly being the main perpetrator of the best action sequences throughout the first five episodes.

It’s clear that Peacemaker Season 2 walks a different road to its predecessor, and it’s not always for the better, but still the show performs well as an excellent character study riddled with witty humour, loveable and dorky characters, and as an exploration of the wider DC Universe. Do you really want to taste it? I sure do.

Peacemaker Season 2 was created by James Gunn and stars John Cena as Peacemaker, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr, Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt, Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo, Tim Meadows as Langston Fleury, Steve Agee as John Economos, Freddie Stroma as Vigilante, Michael Rooker as Red St Wild, Sol Rodriguez as Sasha Bordeaux, Nhut Le as Judomaster, Robert Patrick as Auggie Smith, David Denman in a yet to be revealed role, and Dee Bradley Baker as Eagly.

Peacemaker Season 2 arrives on HBO Max on August 21. Watch Peacemaker below:

Thank you for reading our Peacemaker Season 2 Episodes 1-5 review. Stay tuned for our full review of the full season once further episodes are released.