Peacemaker – Chapter 01: A Whole New Whirled Review
**SPOILER WARNING**
After reviewing the latest episode of another streaming series this show was a refreshing delight. Jumping into the first episode of DC’s Peacemaker directed by James Gunn for HBO Max starring John Cena (The Suicide Squad) as the title character. The show starts with a recap of the events of Gunn’s The Suicide Squad film. Following the events of the movie we find Christopher Smith aka Peacemaker has somehow survived being shot and having a building dropped on him. The show deems him “the luckiest man alive” and moves forward with his discharge from the hospital. There’s a funny conversation with a janitor about whether or not Aquaman has sex with fish that was a good chuckle.
“This is fucking amazing.”
Christopher “Peacemaker” Smith – Peacemaker – Chapter 01
The show’s opening dance sequence featuring the cast and a bald eagle, was really funny and set the tone of the series right up top. It immediately made me want to continue watching. Don’t skip the intro! This show is definitely not for kids and the TV-MA rating is earned in language, violence and nudity.
The bulk of pilot episode spends time expanding Cena’s character as a whole, from his red, white, and blue trailer park home to his bigot father, Auggie Smith, played by Robert Patrick (T2: Judgment Day). Smith really is a douchebag but for some reason he’s lovable as Cena plays the character with adolescent charm. Amanda Waller’s crew (actors Steve Agee, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Chukwudi Iwuji) shows up and tells Smith they want him to do contract kills for them and keep him out of prison or they will blow him up using the bomb in his neck from the film. All of the actors brought something unique to this scene as it really showcased their individual character traits.
Having been through the events of the film Peacemaker needs fresh gear and a replacement helmet so he pays a visit to his father Auggie. The foul mouthed exchange between Cena’s character and his father’s elderly neighbor was hilarious. Having old neighbors myself this moment spoke to me greatly. During this time with his dad we understand why Peacemaker is such a douchebag. His father is a certified slur slinging bigot. The show has some fun unrealistic elements to it as Auggie has a hidden workshop for his son’s gear in his home that is way larger than what could actually fit inside his house. It’s also incredibly high tech. After getting a new helmet we are introduced Peacemaker’s eagle, Eagly. Probably my favorite character.
Peacemaker goes out on the town looking for some action of the love variety and runs into one of Waller’s crew, and his new handler, Emilia Harcourt played by Jennifer Holland (Brightburn) who proves she can more than handle herself when dealing with some drunk assholes at a bar. Cena’s character eventually finds the “love” he’s looking for when he has sex with an 80’s hair mullet toting woman he meets at the bar who turns out to be a psycho screeching metahuman. Cena has a great tightey whitey musical moment (in which he seems to really be having a good time) before there is a funny fight between the him and the metahuman before she is turned into a puddle by a power from Peacemaker’s helmet.
The first episode was a lot of fun. You can tell James Gunn and John Cena are both having a great time here. My favorite character on this show is easily Eagly. There are some ridiculous moments and every cast member commits to making the moment succeed. One of my favorite things about James Gunn’s writing is the silly banter and funny moments that occur in between the big set pieces from main and side characters alike. In this case a Peacemaker fanboy has a moment behind a diner that had me cracking up. The supporting cast are all unique personalities and make up a great ensemble. The soundtrack is also a lot of fun but that should come as no surprise if you’ve seen any of Gunn’s previous work. Even in the show’s most vulgar moments the feel good vibes blast from the tv and land all over your face and chest. I enjoyed every minute of this pilot. It was a breath of fresh air and 48 minutes of smiling I needed in my day.
One gripe I’d like to get out of the way. How is it 2022 and one of the biggest streaming services is not consistently putting out content in 4K? No Dolby Atmos mix. Sorry that may sound like elitist fancy pants sh*t but it bothers me. Step it up HBO Max!
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