Peacemaker finale explained and its connection to Superman: Man of Tomorrow
Attention: This article contains SPOILERS from Peacemaker (The Pacifier) 2x08.
The much-anticipated episode 2x08 of Peacemaker has premiered on HBO Max, marking the conclusion of its second season. This season has outdone the first, propelling the DC Universe created by James Gunn and Peter Safran to new heights. The series has garnered immense praise from critics and fans alike, establishing itself as one of the most compelling superhero titles in recent years. Furthermore, the finale of Peacemaker intriguingly connects to the sequel of Superman: Man of Tomorrow, which deserves detailed exploration.
In the final episode, Chris Smith is released from prison after his friends bail him out. However, instead of feeling grateful and returning to his former life, he chooses to leave town and let time slip by. Concerned for his well-being, Harcourt, Adebayo, Vigilante, and Economos set out to find him. Meanwhile, at A.R.G.U.S., they begin investigating the dimensional portal that Peacemaker activated at the end of the previous episode. The agency's plans remain murky, though they seem to align with the sinister intentions of Lex Luthor.
The Salvation Plan: A New Dimension of Threats
As the episode unfolds, Rick Flag reveals A.R.G.U.S.'s true agenda. Under Lex Luthor's orders, the government organization is dispatching several patrols to explore the multiverse, opening one gateway after another using Chris's portal. This reckless exploration leads to numerous fatalities, as each dimension presents its own unique dangers. The objective is to find an uninhabited planet.
The ultimate goal of Lex Luthor is to eradicate metahumans. He proposes to send all individuals with superpowers to this new dimension, aptly named Planet Salvation, effectively isolating them from humanity. This concept first appeared in the comics in 2007, where Rick Flag and Amanda Waller used it to imprison some of the world's most dangerous supervillains. However, Luthor's plan, as articulated by Rick in the finale of Peacemaker, seems even more ambitious.
Understanding Checkmate in the DC Universe
As the episode draws to a close, Chris's friends persuade him to rejoin their ranks. Together, fueled by funds from Vigilante's stash, they decide to establish a new organization aimed at doing "good in the world." This new agency is named Checkmate, a concept familiar to comic book fans. Let’s delve into what Checkmate represents in the context of Peacemaker.
- The new organization consists of the main cast of the series: Peacemaker, Adebayo, Harcourt, Economos, and Vigilante.
- They are joined by Sasha Bordeaux, Langston Fleury, and Judomaster, who are disillusioned with A.R.G.U.S.'s association with Lex Luthor.
- Checkmate serves as a new espionage agency aiming to make the world a better place.
In the comics, Checkmate debuted in 1988 as an undercover operations agency conceived by Amanda Waller. Designed to function as a sort of independent branch of the Suicide Squad, it follows a hierarchical structure resembling a chess game. The organization includes:
- A King and a Queen as directors
- Bishops as political advisors
- Knight as field operation leaders
- Towers responsible for security
- Pawns as agents or support personnel
Over time, Checkmate evolved to have two teams: the White team focused on "legal" operations, while the Black team undertook secretive missions. Notable leaders have included Maxwell Lord, Mister Terrific, and Sasha Bordeaux. Interestingly, Sasha is now part of the Checkmate team in the DC Universe due to the events of Peacemaker. The potential for other significant characters like Mister Terrific and Maxwell Lord to join this team remains open.
The Finale of Peacemaker: A New Series on the Horizon
For several days, James Gunn has assured fans that the characters from Peacemaker will soon return to the DC Universe following the season finale. With the establishment of Checkmate, it appears that the studio may be planning a spin-off series showcasing the operations of this new spy agency. This prospect excites fans eager to see a team of agents embark on special missions similar to those in Creature Commandos.
Additionally, it is worth noting that there is an upcoming series centered on Amanda Waller, though it has been stalled for some time. Many speculate that the narrative could revolve around her attempt to take control of Checkmate. Having lost grip on A.R.G.U.S., this new organization, founded by her daughter Adebayo, presents an ideal opportunity for Waller to regain influence. This development seems promising for the evolution of these characters.
The Fate of Chris and Its Connection to Superman: Man of Tomorrow
In the shocking finale of Peacemaker, Rick Flag captures Chris once more, making him the first prisoner of Salvation, revealing that this is his revenge for the death of his son. Consequently, the protagonist ends up trapped in this lifeless dimension within the DC Universe. However, he is not alone, as it seems strange and fearsome creatures populate this universe, putting his life at grave risk. The future of John Cena's character remains uncertain.
Regarding the anticipated connection between the finale of Peacemaker and Superman: Man of Tomorrow, it revolves around the concept of Planet Salvation. With A.R.G.U.S. and LuthorCorp collaborating closely, the sequel to Superman is likely to commence with both companies attempting to capture all metahumans to send them to their new multidimensional prison. If this scenario unfolds, it is clear that Superman will not stand idly by and will attempt to thwart Lex once again. Nevertheless, as James Gunn has indicated, both will ultimately have to join forces against a considerably greater threat.
Superman: Man of Tomorrow is set to premiere in cinemas on the
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