When I reviewed The Suicide Squad, I found myself fascinated, if not endeared, by the character Peacemaker. He is a demonstrably damaged individual with a peculiar worldview and an equally unconventional approach to his mission. Director James Gunn, during pandemic isolation, penned an eight-episode mini-series centered on Peacemaker, initially skeptical of its production prospects. However, much to his and the audience’s delight, HBO greenlit the project, propelling it into production.
Peacemaker (John Cena) awakens in a hospital, having improbably survived the events of The Suicide Squad. He now anticipates freedom from both imprisonment and the machinations of the ruthless Amanda Waller (Viola Davis). This reprieve, however, proves fleeting as he is conscripted into a perilous new mission. He and a contingent of the Suicide Squad team are tasked with assassinating a high-ranking politician and their family. They soon uncover a far more complex and dangerous situation, one that threatens global security.
As I mentioned in my first-impression, I was immediately drawn to this series. James Gunn masterfully balances his characteristic humor with a narrative that resonates with contemporary societal themes. The series incorporates relevant elements: LGBTQ representation, the climate crisis, and commentary on sexism. Yet, The Peacemaker retains a refreshingly politically incorrect, violent, and occasionally crude edge. With Peacemaker, DC distinguishes itself from Marvel by taking greater risks with its characters and content. Furthermore, the series successfully integrates Peacemaker and The Suicide Squad into the somewhat inconsistent DCEU universe, the direction of which Warner Bros. still seems to be determining.
Peacemaker consists of eight episodes, each contributing meaningfully to the overarching storyline. In contrast to some series that feature filler episodes with negligible plot advancement (The Book of Boba Fett comes to mind), every episode here is engaging and purposeful. As the finale approached, I experienced some trepidation, common when a series captivates me as much as Peacemaker did. I was concerned that the conclusion might falter. Thankfully, my worries were unfounded; James Gunn delivers a satisfying resolution. He constructs an epic conclusion, seamlessly blending outlandish humor with poignant emotional sequences, culminating in a memorable series of cameos. Moreover, the ending incorporates a narrative element rarely seen in superhero projects: the battles have tangible, lasting repercussions, rather than simply being shrugged off.
The moment I witnessed the intro sequence, I knew Peacemaker would be a unique and memorable series. It is truly unlike anything else. While unconfirmed, rumors suggest that Wig Wam’s agent terminated their contract just days before the Peacemaker premiere, citing concerns that “No one knows who you are…”.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Peacemaker. The series adeptly portrays a character as reprehensible as Peacemaker in a humanizing light, offering the audience insight into his origins and motivations. This is achieved with impressive subtlety and without resorting to didacticism. John Cena delivers a compelling performance in the titular role. The supporting cast is equally exceptional, with Robert Patrick as Peacemaker’s bigoted father and Freddie Stroma as the unhinged anti-hero Vigilante being particular standouts. Even the CGI-animated eagle, Eagly, is a delightful addition, and I can confidently assert that few will remain unmoved during (Mild Spoiler Alert) episode 7.
All episodes of Peacemaker are currently available for streaming on HBO Max.
