James Gunn’s ‘Peacemaker’ has consistently been one of the boldest, funniest, and most heartfelt superhero series of recent years. Balancing outrageous humor with surprising depth, the show has carved out a unique place in the DC Universe.
However, with Season 2 now well underway, Episode 4 has delivered the first installment that feels less explosive and more transitional. That’s not to say it’s a bad episode. Instead, it functions as a setup piece, tying together threads while planting the seeds for more explosive payoffs in the weeks to come.
Season 2 Episode Isn’t Filler, It’s Foundation For ‘Peacemaker’
For longtime fans, ‘Peacemaker‘ Episode 4 may feel like a dip in energy compared to the rest. Yet, beneath the slower pacing lies character-driven storytelling, emotional tension, and one game-changing revelation that redefines how we view Peacemaker’s past and his late father, Auggie. The episode opens with Chris (Peacemaker) returning to his home dimension after his detour into an alternate universe.
Related: DCU’s First Batman Villain Debuts In ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, And It’s Not Who You’d Expect
This decision itself carries weight, as it stems from his promise to that world’s Emilia Harcourt. On one hand, their bond in the other dimension felt surprisingly tender and genuine; on the other, many viewers are still holding out hope that the DCU’s Harcourt might eventually soften toward him. Unfortunately, Episode 4 doesn’t offer much encouragement in that direction. Instead, it sets up the possibility that Harcourt may betray Chris altogether.
The possibility of Harcourt handing him over to ARGUS is tantalizing. It’s a clever twist, Gunn and his team are forcing Peacemaker to grapple with love, loyalty, and heartbreak, making his emotional stakes just as gripping as any of his action scenes. Of course, Chris doesn’t have the luxury of only worrying about romance. The episode brings ARGUS agents crashing into his home. While the situation doesn’t spiral into all-out war thanks to John Economos sending a timely message, we still get bursts of action.
Then there’s the moment that had fans holding their breath: Red St. Wild aiming a gun at Eagly, Peacemaker’s beloved pet eagle. For a second, it looked like tragedy might strike. However, the scene became another showcase of the found-family dynamic Gunn excels at. Economos risking himself to protect Eagly reinforced his loyalty, reminding us why the supporting cast is every bit as important as Chris himself. Yet, even with these sparks of action, Episode 4 undeniably feels more tame to say the least.
‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, Episode 4 Exposed The Truth About Auggie
Where Episode 4 truly shines is in its quieter revelations. One long-simmering mystery from Season 1 finally gets its answer: the truth behind Auggie Smith’s supposed genius. From the start, fans suspected that Peacemaker’s deranged father wasn’t the brilliant inventor he fancied himself. The Quantum Unfolding Chamber always felt too advanced for someone like Auggie, and now that suspicion is confirmed.
In case you missed it: James Gunn Explains The Idea Behind ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2’s Most Outrageous NSFW Scene
It was revealed that Auggie stumbled across alien technology, killed the creature who possessed it, and took the portal for himself. This moment does more than clear up a plot hole; it reframes Auggie’s entire role in Chris’s life. He wasn’t some criminal mastermind or technological savant; he was a hateful, small-minded man who took credit for something far beyond him. In a way, this makes him even more pathetic. His evil wasn’t rooted in genius but in prejudice and violence.
While Episode 4 may be the weakest of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 so far, calling it “weak” almost feels unfair given how high the show’s bar is. The hour sacrifices some momentum in favor of introspection, but it’s a necessary breather. We are now more invested than ever in Chris’s journey. Sure, the episode could have felt more urgent. However, Gunn’s vision for Season 2 is clearly more character-driven than Season 1’s spectacle-heavy ride.
