Image: © Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO® and all related programs are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.
Christopher Smith, better known as Peacemaker, has encountered treacherous challenges lately. The tumult of his existence pushes him toward solace found in an alternate universe described by him as “the best dimension ever.” This sentiment was reinforced by the ending of episode five of season two.
In this parallel reality, life appears significantly brighter for him: a simpler romance with Harcourt blossoms, familial bonds are healed, and worldly acclaim is bestowed upon him and his loved ones. Their life unfolds in an opulent residence, allowing the Smith family to bask in admiration as the renowned “Top Trio.”
Yet, fans familiar with James Gunn’s work know he has a knack for introducing darker twists. Clues positioned throughout the series have led viewers to speculate on the identity of this alternate world, and the revelations are anything but benign.
Warning: Spoilers for Peacemaker season 2 episodes 1 through 5 below
Chris ‘Peacemaker’ Smith is a mercenary who believes he is pursuing freedom and peace when he is really just killing people. What drives him? Who resonates in his life?
Why Peacemaker Season 2 May Have Introduced ‘Earth-X’
The DC Comics universe is rife with explorations of parallel universes—often categorized into 52 distinct variants. Among them, Earth-X presents a grim possibility where an oppressive regime thrives, had Nazi Germany and the Axis powers triumphed in World War II.
Intriguing hints that Peacemaker could be delving into Earth-X emerged in the third episode of season two, as detailed by CBR. A discerning view of Peacemaker’s adoring fans reveals a concerning absence of diversity among the background extras and A.R.G.U.S. personnel.
Particularly, there seems to be no sign of Adebayo, Chris’s best friend. A kernel of thought shared on Reddit noted Chris’s brother Keith’s unfamiliarity with the Kardashians, a family whose fame can be traced back to Robert Kardashian’s involvement in the O.J. Simpson trial. This raises queries: what if, in this world, O.J. held no significance due to pervasive white supremacy?
Such glaring oversights may reflect a deeper commentary rather than an innocuous mistake, especially when contextualized against the backdrop of the main universe, which distinctly showcases diversity.
The narrative is further entrenched with the character of Auggie Smith, Chris’s father. In the primary universe, he embodies a horrifyingly racist figure, the ‘White Dragon,’ whose KKK-like appearance is grotesquely distinct. Conversely, in this alternative, he is dubbed the Blue Dragon and wears a differently hued mask, perhaps an intentional misdirection.
If a world governed by Nazis exists here, then Auggie would likely be revered for instilling racial biases in his children, celebrating their indoctrination as a societal norm.
Observations regarding Harcourt’s more traditional attire hint at associations with far-right values, suggesting a stark absence of characters like Amanda Waller in this cosmos.
While traditionally labeled as antagonists, the Sons of Liberty could invert expectations, evolving into freedom fighters rebelling against a fascist regime potentially upheld by the Top Trio.
Speculation abounds regarding the true essence of Earth-X in Peacemaker. Some theories propose it may represent a landscape where the Confederacy emerged victorious in the Civil War, or where slavery persisted unhindered. Yet, others so astutely noted connections to Nazi influence, from ashtrays resembling swastikas to the precise articulation of Blüdhaven.
If the Earth-X theory holds true, Christopher Smith’s journey has just taken a bleak turn.
HBO & HBO Max
Why Chris May Have Made a Huge Mistake in Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 5
Following Economos’s intervention, booking a cabin escape from Rick Flag Sr., who skulked with revenge thoughts against Chris for his son’s demise, Vigilante and Adebayo embarked on this getaway. However, ominously, Judomaster followed them, intent on locating the dimensional rift.
Mistakenly believing Harcourt betrayed him, Chris withdrew, severing ties with his closest allies, all but Eagly, as he penned a farewell letter. Consequently, he opened the dimensional rift, sealing it permanently behind him and leaving no path to return.
Adebayo and Vigilante raced against time but fell short, leaving Judomaster to pursue Chris through the portal, aided by sticky Cheeto fingerprints that compromised the covert exit.
In his farewell letter, Chris expressed:
“I’ve tried again and again to make up for my mistakes, but I’m not sure redemption is something that’s truly possible. At least not here. So… I’m going to make a life in the other world. I’m going to be a brother to my brother, a son to my dad, and I’m going to tell Emilia, ‘Yes, we’ll work on this.’ I’ll cherish life and overcome my trauma and be the good man there that I was never able to be here.”
It would be a cruel twist if Chris’s perception of a welcoming home crumbles, revealing his father’s true nature. Additionally, if Adebayo ventures into this troubling reality, she might not experience the warm reception she expects, especially from Auggie or Keith.
As Chris confronts the disquieting shadows of his past, he’ll truly grapple with the ideals he stands for and the price he is willing to pay for what he perceives as the greater good. This evolving narrative aligns with the striking themes explored within the dance intro sequence.
Anticipation builds for additional revelations about this parallel universe in the upcoming sixth episode, slated for release next week.
Peacemaker season 2 is currently airing every Thursday at 9pm ET on HBO and HBO Max in the US, while UK viewers can catch it on Now from 2am BST on Fridays, featuring episodes on Sky Max and Sky Showcase at 9pm BST.
Related Articles
This rewritten version seamlessly integrates into a WordPress platform, maintaining original HTML structure and key points while ensuring unique phrasing and clarity.