Courtesy of HBO Max
The second season of Peacemaker, unfortunately, marks a disappointing step in the trajectory of James Gunn and the new DC Universe. The first season was superior in nearly every aspect—storytelling, emotional character development, comedy, action, performances, and even its conclusion.
This new season began with strong indications that something major was unfolding, especially following James Gunn’s public statements describing it as the best work of his entire career. Despite an intriguing buildup, however, the finale ultimately feels hollow, leaving the viewer with the sense that the entire season amounted to little more than an elaborate prank.
Photograph by Jessica Miglio/HBO Max
I had previously shared my thoughts on the first four episodes, so I’ll focus here on what followed. To be fair, there were genuinely strong episodes—particularly episode five. Yet after watching the season finale, it felt as though everything that came before it lacked meaningful purpose or payoff. Even when viewed as groundwork for the new DC Universe, the results were underwhelming. The storyline involving Rick Flag and Peacemaker was narratively weak, and several plot points revolved in illogical circles that undermined the stakes.
Photograph by Jessica Miglio/HBO Max
As mentioned earlier, one of the most damaging aspects of this season was James Gunn’s own promotion of it. He described the season and its ending as extraordinary, even calling it the finest achievement of his career. With all due respect, such statements only heightened expectations to a level the show simply did not meet. While these remarks were likely intended as marketing, they risk eroding audience trust in future statements and diminishing anticipation for upcoming DC projects.
One particular moment in the finale felt like a recycled sequence from Gunn’s previous works: John Cena walking in slow motion as the rest of the team joins him one by one, set to stylized music. Additionally, the finale included two full-length songs, which consumed a significant portion of the episode without adding meaningful narrative value.
Photograph by Jessica Miglio/HBO Max
In the end, I would recommend revisiting the first season, which remains stronger in every respect, even down to its opening theme, and overlooking this weaker follow-up.
My rating for Season 2 is:
5/10
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