Peacemaker’s Latest Episode Delivered Quite The Suicide Squad Throwback, And It Turns Out James Gunn Has Had This Planned Since Season 1

Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS for the Peacemaker episode “Another Rick Up My Sleeve” are ahead!

Fans of “Peacemaker”, rejoice! The charismatic Joel Kinnaman, known for his role as Rick Flag Jr. in the “Suicide Squad” films, is back to reprise his character in a new twist for the 2025 TV schedule. The storyline unfolds in two intriguing ways: first, we delve into a flashback of Rick on the brink of his mission to Corto Maltese, and second, we meet Rick Flag Jr. from an alternate universe. A nostalgic nod to “The Suicide Squad“, the return of the deceased Rick is sure to stir memories, and it seems that his bond with Emilia Harcourt has been a long-plotted narrative since season 1 of “Peacemaker”, as revealed by Jennifer Holland to TopMob.

In the early scenes of “Another Rick Up My Sleeve,” we find Rick Jr. and Emilia in an intimate setting, just hours before Rick Jr.’s departure for the Corto Maltese mission that ultimately led to his demise. Contrasting with their apparent non-acquaintance in “The Suicide Squad, ” it’s made clear here that they were more than casual acquaintances. As Ming-Na Wen, who’s married to the creator of “Peacemaker,” James Gunn, explained to our own Hannah Saulic:

It turns out that Rick Flag Jr was the only friend of Emilia Harcourt. This is a key factor behind her dislike for Peacemaker, a fact that James had known since Season 1. Although I wasn’t sure if we’d get to delve deeper into this during subsequent seasons, it certainly has now.

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In Peacemaker Season 1, it was clear Emilia Harcourt had animosity towards John Cena’s character, Christopher Smith, due to his actions of killing a fellow A.R.G.U.S. agent. However, more recently, we’ve learned that there were also personal reasons for her dislike: Rick Flag Jr., who was Emilia’s friend and with whom she had even shared intimate moments, was the slain operative. If Rick had survived, it seems he might have encouraged a romantic relationship between the two. Given their past, it’s likely that the complexities surrounding his death and any potential romance with Enchantress would have been challenging, but possibly worth pursuing.

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As a cinephile, I can’t help but revel in the brilliant performances we’re witnessing in “Peacemaker” Season 2, and Tim Meadows is absolutely stealing the show for me! Now, I had a chance to chat with Steve Agee about the NSFW end credits scene that left us all in stitches, and he shared some fun behind-the-scenes insights.

According to him, during filming, there were moments when his professional demeanor was put to the test! In fact, Steve admitted that he almost lost it on set while working with Tim Meadows on that hilarious scene. I can’t wait to see what more laughs these talented actors bring our way as we continue to enjoy “Peacemaker” Season 2.

Unfortunately, Peacemaker ended Rick Flag Jr.’s life in The Suicide Squad, preventing us from learning more about the U.S.’s part in Operation Starfish. It’s puzzling why his relationship with Emilia Harcourt wasn’t explored further in Season 1 of Peacemaker. However, it seems that better late than never applies here as well. Maybe this is the reason Emilia has hesitated to pursue a deeper connection with Christopher, given the impact on her friendship with Rick.

In another reality, I, Rick Flag Jr., find myself in a tense situation. You see, my concern lies with the main character Chris, who seems intent on wooing Emilia Harcourt, my girlfriend from that universe. It’s not hard to understand why I’m worried; after all, I learned that his counterpart had parted ways with Emilia in her world. To make matters worse, this Chris impersonated the deceased Chris and visited Emilia at A.R.G.U.S. headquarters. Things were going relatively well between them until the Sons of Liberty barged in, attempting to detonate a Cefanalolol bomb near the DMV as part of their anti-government crusade. Needless to say, it’s been quite an eventful day.

Towards the finale of “Another Rick Up My Sleeve,” it appears that Prime Christopher Smith is enjoying a promising relationship with Alternate Emilia Harcourt, despite her belief that she had spent the day with her ex-partner. Unfortunately, when Chris returns to his universe, A.R.G.U.S. is on the verge of storming his house in an attempt to eliminate Eagly and gain access to his quantum accelerator device. The events unfold further in the upcoming fourth episode of “Peacemaker” Season, airing next Thursday on HBO Max.

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2025-09-05 05:08