Peacemaker: A Review So Far

'Peacemaker' is a TV show, available through HBO Max and is a sequel/spin-off to 'The Suicide Squad' (2021). It stars John Cena, who plays the title character. If you haven’t seen the movie then I would recommend that you do, assuming you're over 15 years old, for it is very funny, features some cool visual effects, as well as some good storytelling and character work worthy of any big budget movie. However looking at this TV show is a different thing altogether so watch the movie first, as continuity has to mean something!

'Peacemaker' follows the titular character on his endeavours after the aforementioned team movie, and after his recovery from wounds attained during said film. Unfortunately for him, the government isn’t willing to let him go free, which leads to him being dragged back into assassination work. The fact it is for the government is no longer enough for this 'Peacemaker' to engage in the killing of 'men, women and children' even for the sake of peace. The TV show very much looks at this character’s propensity to regard himself as a 'superhero' in a world that views him as a 'racist supervillain'.

The show is currently at Ep. 3 of its first season. In my opinion it is performing at a solid 7/10, if I were to try to rate it. The first two episodes set the scene for the struggles that the third episode has handled very well; namely the titular character’s understanding of both himself, and where he fits into the world. Peacemaker is considered by many as a racist, sexist man who is misogynistic as well as narcissistic. Yet throughout the first few episodes he displays the strength of character to rebuke such claims and stand his ground, sometimes to hilarious effect as well as, hopefully, opening peoples’ eyes to the reality that such terms may not be appropriate despite one piece of evidence suggesting it. One way in which this seems to be acknowledged is through the character called Leota, who is a black woman involved in a same sex relationship. She is the rookie on the team of handlers assigned to Peacemaker yet has shown both an understanding of his good character as well as a willingness to call him a sexist misogynist. Leota may be accurate when addressing Peacemakers' inappropriate objectification of women, especially with how he openly uses crude language and can remove emotion from sexual exploits with alarming ease. Having said that however, he is honest and does not shift his character merely due to other parties' sensitivities, which is refreshing in today’s psychologically fragile world. This enabled him and Leota to have a moment of bonding in the first episode and then a humorous conflict in the third episode.

The relationships that Peacemaker has with his father, friends and handlers are each framed to convey a man who is trying his best to be a good superhero, while a naked glance at his actions has him viewed as a villainous monster. Isn't perspective great?! Robert Patrick (what a legendary actor; where are the T2 & X-Files fans?!) plays his father, who is certainly a man of open prejudice; his interactions do well to show his understated hostility for anything effeminate, gay or of Asian descent. Mr Patrick’s talented performance prompts a longing (in me) for his character to have more screen time given that he helps the audience understand the formation of Peacemaker, as well as showing how he helps to drive his sons journey, which James Gunn manages to frame with considerable maturity despite plenty of immaturity being present as well.

'Peacemaker' is trying to be a cool action comedy comic book adaptation. It is also trying to navigate this new world of immediate cancellation by those who are extraordinarily fragile. Surely we have all heard the expression 'go woke, go broke' and for good reason given the inconsistent logic throughout that ideology. However, 'Peacemaker' is a creditable attempt to meet the ‘woke standard’, with its diverse cast of colourful and varied people and their behaviours which ticks the boxes of representation for ethnicity, gender and orientation. I'm uncertain if there is religious representation which is a shame for religious folk. The cast does a fine job throughout. Every single actor has performed at a level, thus far, that encourages investment in their characters and remains consistent enough that they are helping to make the show very enjoyable.

The show’s weaknesses for me are in its explicit material. Some naked scenes that were to be comedic yet for me are showing signs of the merging between mainstream and pornographic material. Not ideal. This is not enough that I turned it off, just enough that my chuckle wasn't as loud as it could have been during these scenes of eccentric erotic material. The additional thing that causes me to be reluctant in giving the show higher praise is the dependency that the title character has on his handlers. Episode two’s first half is all about Peacemaker needing the help of his handlers (Hardcourt and Leota driving to his aid) to evade a large collection of police officers. He displays some amusing yet frustratingly dumb traits that result in his co-stars acting in a way to help him overcome something that he should really be able to do on his own. A slight suggestion of the harm 'woke' can bring, when the idea that men and women are equal (which is obvious to most people) seems to necessitate our superhero must be ‘seen’ to be incompetent in order that a 'woke approved' character can shine.

Ultimately the first three episodes have engaged me enough to watch the next one. This could change if the storytelling and character work gets undermined by the aforementioned potential concerns, which is quite possible. However the end of the third episode has me hopeful that this show will seek to do justice to all involved. I am hopeful but not certain, hence my 7/10 to date. Great performances throughout thus far, some funny scenes and great action which is entertaining, and thus far strong enough to push beyond those scenes that cause a wince rather than a smile. John Cena is doing well, flexing his comedic chops yet also handling some of the powerful character work exceedingly well too. James Gunn seems on fine form and has garnered a team intriguing enough that this could just work. We'll see.