Besides furthering Christopher Smith’s (John Cena) journey of self-improvement through violent means in the second season of “Peacemaker,” this series also plays a significant role for James Gunn and DC Studios. It helps shape the narrative of their new universe by highlighting which past events and relationships continue to matter in the present, thereby streamlining the universe’s canon.
Moreover, the central plot of this season places Christopher Smith (John Cena) in an alternate reality where his abusive father, Auggie (Robert Patrick), and deceased brother, Keith (David Denman), are respected public figures. This storyline intentionally introduces multiversal travel as a practical element within the new continuity, allowing for the potential revival of any previously thought-to-be dead characters from different dimensions.
Spoiler Alert: Spoilers ahead for Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 3
In the initial season of Peacemaker, though Rick Flag Jr., portrayed by Joel Kinnaman, is not physically present, his death casts a significant shadow on the storyline. The murder of Flag in The Suicide Squad sets off the emotional journey for Chris, compelling him to grapple with his ingrained violence, reevaluate his unquestioning loyalty, and eventually challenge his white supremacist father. Throughout this transformation into a better person, Rick’s memory haunts every step Chris takes, acting as a painful reminder of his past self and the hero he could never truly become. However, Season 2 of Peacemaker introduces Rick Flag Jr. again, appearing in flashbacks and in an alternate dimension, providing fresh challenges for Chris to conquer.
Rick Flag Jr. Returns to Haunt Two Realities in Peacemaker Season 2
In the third episode of Season 2 of Peacemaker, Rick Flag makes an unexpected comeback not just once, but twice. This reappearance serves to delve into both his past torment and current struggles. The first instance is significantly set in a pivotal flashback, exposing that he and ARGUS agent Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) were involved romantically before Flag’s deadly mission to Corto Maltese. This retroactive tale significantly alters Harcourt’s character development, as it shows her animosity towards Peacemaker in Season 1 stemmed from the painful reality of working alongside her lover’s killer. This revelation casts a new light on Christopher’s awkward romantic advances towards Harcourt, making it a profoundly ironic spectacle. Keep in mind, Chris is attempting to find forgiveness and companionship from someone he has wounded deeply, a fact he overlooks completely.
In the second reappearance of Rick Flag Jr., an alternate dimension presents a more confrontational scenario. Curious about why his counterpart in this world no longer shares a relationship with Emilia, Chris decides to visit her at work. However, he finds Emilia is now involved with Rick (the “jarhead” mentioned earlier) from her reality. During their conversation, Emilia discloses that in this world, Christopher Smith exhibits rude behavior, self-centeredness, and a tendency towards violent outbursts, often cheating on her. This dark portrayal serves as a chilling reminder of what Chris could potentially become if he continued to be influenced by his father’s negativity.
As a fan, I find myself drawn to Rick – he’s caring, loyal, yet there’s a palpable unease when prime Chris appears on the scene. It seems as though every time Emilia offers Chris a moment to speak, Rick reveals his insecurity. This suggests that Rick is aware of the pull Emilia feels towards Chris, despite how he treated her in the past. The tension between the two men and Emilia echoes the romantic conflict in our primary timeline, underscoring the enduring allure that both men hold for her across realities.
In essence, integrating both versions of the Flag in a single storyline proves to be a powerful narrative tool. The flashback serves to intensify the emotional depth of the primary dimension, revealing to viewers why Harcourt cannot coexist with Chris and the tragic fate of their love, due to his past errors. On the other hand, the alternate reality adds layers of complexity to the current themes by testing the hero’s identity and his potential for transformation. Consequently, Flag’s reappearance compels Christopher Smith to confront his actions, motives, and his core identity head-on, mirroring the broader seasonal themes in a raw and poignant manner.
New episodes of Peacemaker premiere on HBO Max on Thursdays.
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2025-09-05 05:10