PEACEMAKER: SEASON TWO
Starring: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, Frank Grillo, and Robert Patrick
Creator: James Gunn
QUENTIN
While still very entertaining, Peacemaker’s second season can only be considered a disappointment. I suppose that was to be expected, given the nearly four-year hiatus and transition from the DCEU to the new DCU, but every aspect is just a little less strong: the humor (Tim Meadows aside), the action, the cohesiveness, the character arcs, the opening credits…all of it. The problem is, while Season One was thematically rich with character development and a singular focus, Season Two feels more like forced connective tissue throwing too many ideas at the wall. Still, Season One was damn near perfect, so it's really only a disappointment by comparison.
AMARÚ
Similar to John Cena’s four-year portrayal of Christopher Smith, Peacemaker: Season Two has layers of surprising heart and complexity underneath its ridiculous surface. Concepts as intimate as self-worth and as global as nationalism are sneakily explored throughout series creator James Gunn’s particular brand of sex, drugs, violence, and rock-n-roll. While that leads to some awesome reveals and idiotically sweet character work (Tim Meadows is a hilarious new addition), the peaks don’t always outweigh the unnecessary side plots and flat payoffs to intriguing set ups. This season isn’t entirely a disappointment, but it also isn’t entirely a success.
ROBERT
Despite the creative team behind it, Peacemaker: Season One was surprisingly heartfelt and enriching for a mostly comical character. I thought the long hiatus was to ensure there was a competent and propulsive story for Season Two. Instead, it feels like a forgotten IP as James Gunn focused elsewhere to launch DC's Studios new extended universe. After four years, Gunn seems more interested in using it as a conduit for everything else and less about maximizing its own potential. Granted, there are some wonderful performances, especially in the finale. Unfortunately, while fun, the season ended up superfluous.
PAIGE
This season of Peacemaker may not top Season One in terms of its action or comedy, but it certainly expands the world of the DCU and Peacemaker’s (John Cena) growth as a character. The season leads with heart, standing out through its performances and correct use of the multiverse. The title character's personal journey also is compelling, though it leaves the rest of the 11th Street Kids to feel a bit sidelined. Overall, this entertaining season has a great buildup through its first seven episodes, but the finale is ultimately rushed and half-baked, which was a wee bit unsatisfying. Still, it's an enjoyable and clever follow-up for the character.
KATIE
Peacemaker is one of the most entertaining shows around right now. John Cena is perfect in the titular role, as he's a gifted comedy actor who also succeeds in the dramatic elements while effortlessly carrying a romantic subplot, infusing the character with intensity and humour. I genuinely couldn't guess what was coming around the corner, and it surprised me in progressively weirder, more wonderful ways. It has excellent use of music, a vibrant aesthetic, and a charming cast of wacky characters with incredible chemistry. I feel disengaged with most superhero content, but Peacemaker is truly showing them how it's done.
