Peacemaker is the sequel to James Gunn's 2021 film, 'The Suicide Squad', picking up from the perspective of Peacemaker, portrayed expertly by John Cena, as he recovers from the wounds he suffered in the film. James Gunn expertly crafted both the film and the series, writing the script for every Peacemaker episode while filming the movie. Surely, these projects contributed to James Gunn's hiring as co-lead of the DC Extended Universe film franchise.
The story begins as Peacemaker is recruited into a black ops unit to help carryout 'Project Butterfly' the show also delves into Peacemaker's past, uncovering the events that led him to become the seemingly remorseless killer seen in 'The Suicide Squad.' The audience is introduced to a diverse cast of characters, including members of the black ops team such as Clemson Murn (Chukwudi Iwuji), Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), John Enconomos (Steve Agee), and Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), as well as Peacemaker's father, the nefarious white supremacist super villain 'The White Dragon' (Robert Patrick), and another masked hero/sociopathic killer 'Vigilante' (Freddie Stroma) As with any James Gunn project, the relationships between the characters are complex, filled with comedic banter and character development.
As expected from the talented cast, the performances in Peacemaker were outstanding, with the actors bringing depth and emotion to even the most outrageous moments. Among the standout performances, Freddie Stroma's portrayal of Vigilante was particularly noteworthy, expertly capturing the character's unhinged sociopathic tendencies and commanding attention in every scene he appeared in. James Gunn's excellent writing uplifts the performance of any actor but Stroma's portrayal elevated the character to new heights, delivering a truly unforgettable performance.
Overall, Peacemaker season 1 was an incredible viewing experience, with nearly every moment delivering on its promise of thrilling action, sharp writing, and stellar performances. I am eagerly anticipating the release of season 2 and hope that James Gunn's new role as a leading figure in the DC Extended Universe will not prevent him from continuing to write and direct the series, as his unique vision and skill has been a major contributor to the show's success.
