WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD! This article reveals key plot details from “Like a Keith in the Night,” Episode 7, Season 2 of “Peacemaker,” currently available on HBO Max.
Following her dismissal from a high-ranking role at A.R.G.U.S, Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) finds herself disillusioned with a society that seems to have turned its back on her, even after her efforts to protect the world from butterfly-like extraterrestrials. As hinted in Season 1, the burgeoning relationship between Harcourt and Chris Smith (John Cena) takes center stage in the second season, exploring the consequences of their connection and its impact on those around them. When Chris stumbles upon a device enabling him to cross into an alternate dimension, he falls for another incarnation of Harcourt in a reality known as Earth X, where he is celebrated as a national hero.
It isn’t until Episode 6 that the true nature of the dimension Chris has entered comes to light, exposing a world shaped by the ramifications of a Nazi victory in World War II, where minorities are systematically erased. As the 11th Street Kids work to breach the veil between dimensions to reclaim Chris, Harcourt must confront her feelings for him, leading her to address the inner turmoil she has been avoiding.
Holland recently sat down with Variety to discuss Harcourt’s emotional crossroads, her drastic actions against Keith (David Denman) in the climactic moments of Episode 7, and her battles against Nazi adversaries in Season 2.
When did you first discover Harcourt’s arc for Season 2 during production? Did you confide in James Gunn, the show’s creator and your husband, or did he keep it under wraps?
I naturally have a close bond with James, and he often shares plot ideas and outlines with me. I was privy to many aspects of Harcourt’s journey from the start, though he sometimes keeps details secret due to potential changes in the script. Early on, he presented us with rough outlines that deviated significantly. We initially discussed Harcourt’s tumultuous background with Rick Flag Jr., which served as the root of her disdain towards Peacemaker in Season 1.
Harcourt finds herself in two significant fight scenes this season: a bar brawl in Episode 1 and a confrontation against A.R.G.U.S, who reveal their Nazi allegiances in Episode 7. What were those scenes like to film?
The experiences were quite different; for instance, the bar fight was extensive in its rehearsal process and tremendously intense. Filming took two grueling days, but I relished the opportunity, supported by some fantastic stunt and fight coordinators. The bar scene was emotionally charged, showcasing sides of Harcourt that we hadn’t yet delved into. In Episode 7, I arrived on set to learn a completely new fight sequence. Luckily, I had already trained with the stunt team on various other scenes, so I felt prepared. It was such an exhilarating experience, especially getting to throw a copy of “Mein Kampf” at a Nazi’s face—something you don’t often get to do in your day job!
During their interrogation, Chris and Harcourt finally express their feelings. While Chris shares his love, Harcourt struggles to reciprocate, although her actions throughout the season show her deep care for him.
Harcourt finds it difficult to showcase her emotions, wanting to maintain an appearance of strength. She grapples with vulnerability, constantly suppressing her feelings. It’s a common human struggle to articulate our emotions, and Harcourt is no different; she’s avoiding her feelings. The stakes are high for her: she either admits her feelings to Chris or risks losing him forever. Yet, despite being in a life-and-death situation, she cannot voice her true emotions. From her perspective, she believes her actions demonstrate what Chris wishes to hear, without articulating the specific words he seeks. She thinks, “Isn’t it enough that I’ve journeyed across dimensions just to bring you back?” However, she still can’t deliver her true sentiments, and working with John for this scene was a pure delight—his presence was invaluable.
Do you see Harcourt’s choice to kill Keith as a representation of her feelings for Chris?
Reading that scene made me think, “She’s committed to this.” Despite knowing that Chris would never forgive her if he discovered her act, she felt compelled to do it. Chris has recently found a connection with his brother—a bond formed in absence, which is a profound loss. I understand this feeling from my own experiences losing loved ones; sometimes you want to pick up the phone and reach out. Chris has been granted the relationship he’s always yearned for, even if it’s with his brother from another dimension. Watching Keith die again in Chris’s presence would be unbearable.
Harcourt makes this drastic choice out of a desire to shield Chris, knowing it would mean she’d worry endlessly about Keith’s potential harm to him. Though it’s a shocking decision, she also understands the gravity of balancing her life against Chris’s well-being.
As we approach the Season 2 finale, where does Harcourt stand amid the conflict between A.R.G.U.S. and Chris?
Right now, she feels as though Chris has lost hope. Despite their combined efforts to evade capture, she’s sacrificed much for him, including her own professional security. Chris appears to be throwing his life away, raising the crucial dilemma for her: what next? He is willing to sacrifice himself for the team, and this leads to some panic on Harcourt’s part. She wonders if they should all just wait and see if circumstances will improve. It’s almost impossible for her to accept that he’s jeopardizing everything, especially after pouring so much heart into her plea for him to come home. The finale promises to resolve many questions while introducing even more that will demand answers.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
