5 Questions we need to ask following Peacemaker season 1

This article contains SPOILERS for Peacemaker season 1.

Now that the first batch of episodes of this HBO Max Original, the success of James Gunn and Peacemaker has been astounding. While looking back at the string of events that led to this series, it is very humorous to realize how we got here. However, this season showed that it was all worth it in the end for audiences to receive more insane and hilarious James Gunn projects.

There were a lot of monumental and incredible moments from characters like Peacemaker, Adebayo, and Harcourt, so it only makes sense that this show has received quite the critical and audience reception. With the conclusion of Peacemaker season 1, let’s look ahead at what’s to come for James Gunn’s series and what to expect from Christopher Smith’s future.

Will there be a season 2 of Peacemaker?

The short answer is yes! As confirmed by James Gunn via Twitter, Peacemaker will be returning to our screens in the near future. Gunn looks to have struck gold with his version of The Suicide Squad so it only makes sense to see WarnerBrothers greenlighting a second season of their premiere HBO Max original.

This is confirmed when Sarah Aubrey, head of original content, HBO Max, shared:

"“The brilliance of James Gunn once again shines with Peacemaker. He took this character, brought to life by the inimitable John Cena and created an exceptional series that’s simultaneously thrilling, hilarious and heartfelt, showcasing the humanity beneath this team of misfits living in a superhuman world.”"

What consequences will Adebayo’s reveal have on the DCEU?

As the finale of Peacemaker season 1 played out and storylines concluded, Leota Adebayo held a press conference where she revealed to the public the knowledge of Task Force X, Project Butterfly, and Amanda Waller’s involvement in all of it.

With regards to the HBO Max series, first, this cleared Chris Smith’s name and mended his relationship with Adebayo. This also leaves a blank whiteboard for James Gunn and his crew of writers since the foundation of ARGUS has been uprooted. This also leaves Adebayo to get away from this life and rekindle her romance with her wife.

When it comes to the large and expanding DC Extended Universe, however, this press conference might have some shakes there as well. Amanda Waller and Viola Davis are big recognizable names so I do not think Warner Bros. and DC will let James Gunn kill her without fulfilling the character, but it will be interesting to see how her role changes in the DCEU going forward.

Following Peacemaker season 1, what’s next for Economos & Harcourt?

These two were the common connection between The Suicide Squad and the series Peacemaker so it makes sense their characters have some of the most prominent arcs.

When it comes to John Economos, the amount of confidence and self-esteem he received from this mission was brilliant and beautifully written. With his post back at Belle Reve prison, this means the character might not return for season 2, but let’s hope he does. The combination of Economos and Christopher Smith is perfect television and still has a lot of potentially compelling television writing.

Emilia Harcourt is a different story altogether since her character was the second in command before leading the whole operation. Not only that but her bond with Christopher Smith and evolving the Peacemaker modus operandi was subtle yet effective. It is possible they have a will they/won’t they thing going on, but I think they might work better as plutonic colleagues. It is fair to say that Jennifer Holland has a job on James Gunn’s show, so expect to see Harcourt’s story continue.

How will Goff change the Peacemaker character?

During the climax of the Peacemaker season 1 finale, Christopher Smith was faced with a big world-changing decision. After the alien that Smith showed genuine compassion to, Goff had the power back and spared Smith’s life to bring him with the other Butterflies. Goff described the mission he and his fellow butterflies were on and how they are trying to save the planet from those who want to capitalize on their finances rather than carrying about the environment and surviving. Smith ultimately decided to stop Goff and their mission but did consider joining them.

A character who is a villain but thinks they are a hero is clearly fun to play with as evident in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker season 1. But the depth that James Gunn put into Christopher Smith through these eight episodes has been brilliant. While he still has plenty of work ahead of him, the development from interacting with the likes of Harcourt and Adebayo, along with his unique bond with Goff has all shifted Peacemaker’s morality compass slightly.

How is Christopher Smith following Peacemaker season 1?

Another short answer, not well. In the short span of the eight episodes, Christopher Smith went through a lot which culminated with him murdering his evil father and stopping the enemy but it felt like betrayal since he was someone Smith connected with on an intellectual level. This has now left Christopher Smith as someone who is aiding and abetting a literal alien who tried to take over the world, but also with hallucinations of the aforementioned father he killed.

Considering the second season is confirmed, it is safe to say that Christopher Smith’s mental state will be the main focal point of his arc on top of evolving the code of Peacemaker. Considering James Gunn’s relationship with his caring and loving father, and his mental health issues the filmmaker has been vocal about in the past, expect some powerful writing coming up.

How did you like Peacemaker season 1? Do you think James Gunn should create more shows about characters from The Suicide Squad? What are you looking forward to in the second season? Let us know in the comments below!

Stream all of Peacemaker Season 1, only on HBO Max