Following the release of “Superman” this July, the new DC seems to be on the map for superhero media, with many exciting new projects on the horizon. A recent example has been the second season of the TV show “Peacemaker.”
Peacemaker, aka Christopher Smith, was a largely unknown character when he was first created. The character was created by writer Joe Gill and artist Pat Boyette in 1966 and owned by Charlton Comics, which was bought and absorbed by DC in 1983. Along with other Charlton characters like Captain Atom, Blue Beetle, Peacemaker became a new part of the DC arsenal of characters.
He remained in relative obscurity before James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” released in the summer of 2021, which starred Peacemaker as a leading character along with the other squad members. He was portrayed by former professional wrestler and permanent invisible man John Cena, who, according to critics, delivered a standout performance along with co-stars Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and others. The movie’s success shot him to prominence, and a spin-off show was soon created.
The show picks up right where his character left off in the movie, so “The Suicide Squad” is encouraged viewing before the series. “Peacemaker” explores his character much more in depth than the 2021 movie, showing how Chris is not fully the slightly eccentric, but still self-assured, tough guy he’s presented as in the movie. In reality, he is deeply insecure and emotional to the point of tears when he’s alone, and reflects on how he treats other characters.
Speaking of characters, “Peacemaker” delivers an amazing roster with some standouts being Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), aka Adra Chase, another crime fighter born and raised in Evergreen, and childhood friend of Peacemaker; John Economos (Steve Agee), team tech guy and resident coward; and Eagly, Peacemaker’s pet bald eagle; along with many others.
Another of the show’s greatest strengths is its writing, blending absurd and subtle comedy with a hint of slapstick, and incorporating great character writing as well. Even characters with relatively little screen time feel important, and not just a device to move the plot along
But this amazing writing would be wasted if the actor’s performances weren’t so outstanding. Cena as Christopher Smith/Peacemaker was fantastic casting. He brings just enough ridiculousness to contrast with more grounded characters like Economos, but just enough realism to the part where he doesn’t feel like a complete cartoon character. This is also why Stroma’s Vigilante works so well, as he also toes the line between complete ridiculousness and his genuine care for Peacemaker as his self-assigned best friend. Another standout is Amelia Harcourt, played by Jennifer Holland, who has one of the most defined character arcs throughout the first season and the writers make her growth very satisfying to watch. Peacemaker also doesn’t suffer from the horrible VFX and low budget action scenes prevalent in other superhero TV shows, the effects shine, especially in season one, and the action scenes feel unique every time. This is particularly impressive, with most of the cast of characters being regular humans.
Overall, I definitely recommend Peacemaker. Its relatively low episode count and 40 minute runtimes make it easy to jump in and not have to sink a massive amount of time into even starting the show. No episode feels like filler to hit a quota; each one ends with something to keep you coming back.
And to top it all off, the soundtrack rocks!
