Peacemaker’s Season 2 Finale Leaves Us Wanting More – But Not in a Good Way
Full spoilers ahead for Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 8 – “Full Nelson.”
After a season that’s been a wild ride of humor, heart, and occasional heaviness, James Gunn’s Peacemaker concludes its second outing with an episode that feels like a missed opportunity. Clocking in at 58 minutes, “Full Nelson” is the longest installment of the season, yet it oddly rushes through several key storylines, leaving viewers with a sense of unfinished business. While it delivers a satisfying resolution to the Chris/Harcourt relationship, much of the rest feels undercooked, despite the extended runtime.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is it just me, or did the finale drop the ball on some of the season’s most intriguing threads? From Rick Flag Sr.’s mysterious agenda to Adebayo’s personal and professional struggles, and let’s not forget that entire Nazi world subplot—these elements deserved more than a cursory glance. Even the promised setup for Man of Tomorrow feels more like an afterthought than a seamless integration.
Let’s start with the highlights. John Cena and Jennifer Holland have been the heart of the season, and their Moonlighting-esque will-they-won’t-they dynamic finally pays off here. Gunn, who both wrote and directed the finale, revisits the oft-mentioned “night on the boat,” revealing it to be a moment of genuine connection rather than a drunken fling. The scene, set against the backdrop of a Nelson rock cruise, is classic Gunn—quirky, heartfelt, and perfectly executed. It’s a testament to the actors’ chemistry and the characters’ growth, proving that sometimes the simplest moments can be the most powerful.
And this is the part most people miss... The episode also shines when it leans into its ensemble, like the scene where Harcourt and the 11th Street Kids pull Chris out of his funk. Danielle Brooks’ emotional delivery as Ads is a standout, reminding us why these characters care so deeply for one another. Yet, it’s hard not to feel that the rest of the cast—Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr., Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante, and Steve Agee’s Economos—deserved more attention. Grillo, in particular, struggles with a character arc that feels rushed and unearned. His transformation from a morally ambiguous figure to a full-blown villain raises questions: Did we miss something, or was this a creative misstep?
Speaking of creative choices, the finale introduces Checkmate, a new super-spy organization, but the decision to form it feels abrupt. While the Foxy Shazam performance is a fun nod to the season’s title track, it’s hard to shake the feeling that some pieces of the puzzle are missing. And what about that Nazi planet? Its absence here is a letdown, leaving a major storyline dangling.
Here’s the real question: Did the finale do enough to set up Season 3? Stranding Chris on Salvation, the extra-dimensional prison planet, is an intriguing cliffhanger, but it’s just one of many concepts introduced without much depth. While the prospect of a Cast Away-style Chris is enticing, it’s hard not to wonder if the finale could have done more to tie up loose ends.
Thoughts from the Quantum Unfolding Chamber:
- Freckles are always in fashion—thanks, Mom!
- Vig’s treatment of his mom is... something. Let’s just say family dynamics are complicated.
- Turns out the Earth-X Vig theories were off the mark. Who knew?
- Still holding out hope for Michael Rooker’s return. Next season, maybe?
- Checkmate’s formation is exciting, but the road to get there feels a bit bumpy.
- Eagly and Economos remain the unsung heroes of the show.
- Weekly reviews are a blast—can’t wait to dive into another series with you all!
Verdict:
Peacemaker’s Season 2 finale is a mixed bag. While it delivers an emotionally satisfying resolution for Chris and Harcourt, it leaves too many other storylines feeling shortchanged. The setup for future DCU developments is intriguing, but in the context of “Full Nelson,” they remain just that—concepts. Here’s hoping Season 3 brings the focus and depth this show truly deserves.
What did you think of the finale? Did it live up to your expectations, or did it leave you wanting more? Let’s discuss in the comments!
