Episode 2 of Peacemaker Season 2 has dropped, and just like always, James Gunn fills it with wild jokes, comic book callbacks, and clever little Easter eggs that connect directly to the larger DC Universe.
While this episode isn’t as jam-packed as the big premiere, it still gives fans plenty to chew on. From references to The Suicide Squad to clever nods at Gotham and even Pokémon jokes, the episode proves that Gunn knows how to keep things funny and connected at the same time.
Chris Smith, aka Peacemaker, is still living with the heavy guilt of killing Rick Flag Jr. back in The Suicide Squad. Season 1 showed him trying to deal with that pain while working with a messy new team, but Season 2 drags him back into even stranger territory.
Now, with alternate dimensions, doppelgängers, and new enemies, Chris finds himself stuck between wanting to do good and his violent past constantly haunting him.
- ARGUS on high alert: ARGUS is keeping tabs on Peacemaker after his past actions.
- Rick Flag Sr. in charge: The father of the man Chris killed now runs things.
- Multiverse twist: Chris faces an alternate version of himself in a bizarre new subplot.
The Big DCU Callbacks in Peacemaker
One of the biggest reminders of Chris’s past comes when Leota warns him that ARGUS hasn’t forgotten Corto Maltese, the island where Peacemaker killed Rick Flag Jr. That one brutal moment from the 2021 movie still follows him today.
Rick Flag Sr. now leads ARGUS, and he has every reason to hate Peacemaker. This makes ARGUS more dangerous than ever because their grudge isn’t just professional, it’s deeply personal.
Economos casually claims he’s old buddies with Rick Flag Sr., which is a fun nod for fans who watched Creature Commandos. That animated series introduced Rick Flag Sr. and tied him into Amanda Waller’s Task Force X operations. It’s James Gunn’s way of blending animation and live-action into one DCU.
Chris’s phone is branded LordTech, quietly confirming Maxwell Lord’s presence in this world. In the comics, Lord is a shady businessman with Justice League ties. With Gunn’s brother already cast as him, it looks like Maxwell Lord will play a much bigger role moving forward.
Fans of the CW’s The Flash instantly recognized Jitters Coffee when Leota’s wife Kia, mentioned working there. Jitters was the go-to café in Central City and even popped up in Superman. Gunn bringing it into the DCU makes everything feel more connected.
Kia and Leota casually talk about moving back to Gotham, reminding us that the city already exists in this new universe. While Batman hasn’t appeared yet, Gotham keeps getting teased across projects, hinting that the Dark Knight’s arrival is only a matter of time.
Music has always been Gunn’s secret weapon, and once again, Hanoi Rocks gets a shoutout. The team calling themselves “11th Street Kids” is a direct nod to one of the band’s songs, and it shows how music still bonds this group of misfits together.
- Muppet Joke: Harcourt compares a woman to Beaker, and another woman hilariously agrees.
- Pokémon Debate: Vigilante gets teased as a “Pokémon collector,” sparking a silly argument about grammar.
- Horror Nod: A dark Psycho reference compares Vigilante to Norman Bates.
- Encino Man Joke: A random shoutout to Brendan Fraser’s 1992 comedy about a caveman adjusting to modern life.
These random gags keep the show lighthearted even when dealing with heavy DC lore.
Brandon Stanley, who played Leap-Frog in She-Hulk, now pops up as an ARGUS agent. It’s not story-changing, but fans love spotting actors jumping between Marvel and DC projects.
This is where Peacemaker stands out. Every episode builds the DCU with small connections like Jitters Coffee or LordTech while still delivering ridiculous comedy that makes you laugh out loud. It never leans too far into being “serious superhero drama,” and that’s why it works.
The most dangerous thread this season is Rick Flag Sr.’s personal vendetta. Unlike other villains, he isn’t out for money or power, he wants revenge for his son. This makes him one of the most emotional threats Peacemaker has faced yet.
Episode 2 sets up three huge things for the future of the DCU:
- Maxwell Lord’s growing influence
- Gotham’s slow introduction into the universe
- Peacemaker’s struggle with his past mistakes
It’s clear that James Gunn isn’t just making a fun show; he’s carefully planting seeds for the wider DCU.
Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 2 might not have as many Easter eggs as the premiere, but the ones it includes matter. From ARGUS under Rick Flag Sr. to the Gotham references, Jitters Coffee, and Maxwell Lord’s presence, the episode strengthens the new DCU’s foundations.
At the same time, it doesn’t forget the humor, whether it’s Pokémon arguments or Beaker jokes, the comedy keeps everything balanced. This mix of silly and serious is exactly why Peacemaker continues to stand out in the superhero genre.
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