HBO's 2-Part DC Superhero Series Is a Masterpiece That Puts 'The Boys' to Shame

Over the years, modern audiences have moved past the traditional “goody two-shoes” superhero archetype in favor of something far more nuanced. Instead of heroes who objectively know the difference between right and wrong, superhero shows have increasingly explored what happens when the people meant to protect us turn out to be the worst among us. Modern shows like Prime Video's The Boys, which recently concluded with its fifth season, have tackled that idea extensively, but its DC counterpart, Peacemaker, approaches it with an even more grounded perspective.

When James Gunn first brought Peacemaker to the small screen, it felt like a huge gamble, considering the character was carried over from Warner Bros.' DCEU era. But Gunn’s direction, combined with John Cena’s ability to effortlessly switch between drama and comedy, proved the anti-hero was more than worthy of sympathy. While Peacemaker may begin as the classic story of saving the Earth from an apocalyptic threat, it is also a story about letting go of a difficult past and finally allowing yourself to define who you really are.

What Is ‘Peacemaker’ About?

Peacemaker takes place about five months after the events of 2021's The Suicide Squad. In the film, Peacemaker is recruited by Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) to take part in an overseas mission alongside other criminal-turned-vigilantes. However, his true mission is to ensure that both the operation and the U.S. government’s involvement remain hidden at all costs. This does not sit well with the other members of the Squad, and that, combined with Peacemaker's role in Rick Flag's (Joel Kinnaman) death, ultimately leads to Bloodsport (Idris Elba) shooting Peacemaker in the throat, leaving him presumed dead — until he is later revealed to be recovering in a hospital in the film's post-credits scene.

The show immediately picks up with Peacemaker still in the hospital, after which he grudgingly discharges himself. This naturally alerts the A.R.G.U.S. agents Waller has assigned to monitor him, who quickly track him down. Meanwhile, Peacemaker is trying to process his present circumstances, having lost a major part of himself while busy fighting alongside the Suicide Squad. For all his flaws, Peacemaker has always operated under a “the ends justify the means” mindset, believing he must kill, slaughter, or assassinate in order to keep the peace. But unlike his more confident self in The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker has become somewhat disillusioned with his ethos. That existential crisis is put on hold when A.R.G.U.S. approaches him — not to arrest him, but to recruit him for a new mission.

’Peacemaker’ Has the Same Misfit Ensemble That ‘The Boys’ Is Famous For

While The Boys includes groups like Billy Butcher’s (Karl Urban) crew and Homelander’s (Antony Starr) Seven, Peacemaker revolves around its own dysfunctional team. Apart from their stern leader, Clemson Murn (Chukwudi Iwuji), the rest of the A.R.G.U.S. crew lacks the cold professionalism the organization is infamous for. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) is an agent who would rather punch first than have a meaningful conversation, while tech and logistics specialist John Economos (Steve Agee) embodies every lovable nerd stereotype imaginable. Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), the team’s awkward newest recruit, lacks Harcourt’s combat skills and Economos’ intelligence but secretly carries the biggest revelation of all: she is Waller’s daughter. Along the way, the group expands to include Adrian Chase, a.k.a. Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), an overly zealous sidekick whose hero-worship of Peacemaker leads him to hilarious extremes.

Individually, they are capable operatives with their own strengths, but together they are practically a disaster waiting to happen. Missions constantly spiral into chaos because someone refuses to follow orders or lets their emotions get in the way. That volatile chemistry, however, is exactly what makes Peacemaker so entertaining. Beneath the insults, arguments, and reckless behavior, the A.R.G.U.S. crew genuinely cares about one another. They may not care much for the mission itself, but they understand the stakes if they fail. They’re saving the day not because they want to, but because they’d very much prefer not to die. Technically, that still makes them heroes.

Despite Its Dark Humor, ‘Peacemaker’ Delivers a Strong, Emotional Message

Peacemaker may be loud, violent, and deeply immature, but beneath all that is a lead character shaped by trauma and convinced he will never amount to anything more than the damage he causes. After leaving the hospital, Peacemaker returns home to retrieve his pet eagle, Eagly, and his helmet, and tries to reconnect with his estranged father, Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick). However, any hope of making amends quickly falls apart. Aside from being a full-blown white supremacist, Auggie has always viewed Peacemaker as soft, weak, and fundamentally wrong. Much of that resentment stems from a childhood “fault” that Peacemaker carries deep guilt over, though in reality, it is simply the product of Auggie’s toxic and abusive parenting.

The thing about generational trauma is that, no matter how much Peacemaker resents the way his father treats him, it is not uncommon for victims of that trauma to display the very same toxic behaviors when it goes unresolved. That is why Peacemaker initially comes across as a jerk — but unlike his father, he isn't innately evil. He's only the product of an environment that taught hate before love, leaving him with little understanding of what genuine compassion is supposed to look like. Although Peacemaker indulges in a fair amount of self-loathing, viewers will still find themselves rooting for him as he slowly breaks free from a toxic cycle. Peacemaker may have the same shocking and irreverent qualities as The Boys, but it takes pride in unearthing heart amid the darkness — making this HBO superhero series a true masterpiece.