Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 7 came close to a different ending - Here's what could've happened

Peacemaker Season 2 trailer (Image via YouTube/@hbomax)
Peacemaker Season 2 trailer (Image via YouTube/@hbomax)

On August 21, 2025, Peacemaker's second season premiered on HBO Max. It centers on Chris Smith/Peacemaker, who discovers another reality in which his brother and father are still alive and part of a superhero team.

It is set in the DC reality (DCU). Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, Frank Grillo, and Robert Patrick all make appearances alongside John Cena. The movie was filmed in Atlanta between June and November of 2024.

In Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 7, Keith nearly passes away. Chris finds the lethal Nazi-controlled Earth-X, while Harcourt protects him, casting him as a potential villain. Key connections change, tensions increase, and Auggie passes away. For "Full Nelson," the season finale, both new and returning cast members provide depth to the narrative and increase the tension.


More about Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 7

"Like a Keith in the Night," the seventh episode of Peacemaker season 2. In this episode, Chris Smith learns that the other world he believed was ideal is actually hazardous. This universe, Earth-X, is controlled by Nazis. Chris' friend Leota Adebayo is in danger because of who she is, so Chris must confront his father, Auggie, and brother, Keith. The episode depicts Chris confronting difficult issues while defending his buddies.

It might have been a far darker conclusion to the episode. Originally, David Denman's character, Keith, was meant to perish. He was about to be shot by Jennifer Holland's character, Emilia Harcourt, to prevent him from pursuing Chris for murdering his Earth-X version. James Gunn, the showrunner, stated on Peacemaker: The Official Podcast that the scenario became more poignant since Keith was left alive. Holland clarified that Harcourt's reluctance demonstrated her concern for Chris and her desire to protect him, even at the cost of her own safety.

Keeping Keith alive positioned him as a potential new villain. Gunn said that this marks the beginning of Captain Triumph's tale as a supervillain. Keith's rage at Chris parallels how retribution developed Peacemaker, providing complexity and hinting at future DC Universe (DCU) conflicts.

Other notable scenes include Chris fighting Earth-X Auggie, who is murdered by Adrian (Freddie Stroma). Keith observes this, which fuels his rage. The episode also has shifting alliances, such as Judomaster's (Nhut Le) temporary affiliation with A.R.G.U.S., which adds suspense and excitement.

Freddie Stroma plays Adrian Chase/Vigilante, Robert Patrick plays Auggie Smith/White Dragon in a parallel dimension, Nhut Le plays Judomaster, Frank Grillo plays Rick Flag Sr., Jennifer Holland plays Emilia Harcourt, Danielle Brooks plays Leota Adebayo, Steve Agee plays John Economos, and John Cena plays Chris Smith/Peacemaker. The tale is kept interesting and has depth thanks to the combination of alternate-reality shocks and returning favorites.

HBO Max debuted Episode 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET, 6:00 p.m. PT, 8:00 p.m. MT, and 7:00 p.m. CT, with worldwide streaming available where the platform runs. The episode combines action, suspense, and emotional sequences, building up to the season finale, "Full Nelson," which will air on October 9, 2025.

By almost murdering Keith, the writers demonstrated how minor plot adjustments may influence character trajectories. Sparing him allowed for fresh plots and enhanced emotional weight in Chris' journey, keeping audiences excited for the next episode.

Edited by Sroban Ghosh