HBO Max’s “Peacemaker” Review

James Gunn’s new TV series rights the wrongs of “The Suicide Squad”... mostly

By: Matthew Zeichert

The new HBO Max series “Peacemaker” chronicles the misadventures of the DC character Peacemaker as he attempts to aid the United States government in a covert mission entitled ‘Operation: Butterfly.’ Portrayed by John Cena, Peacemaker was first introduced in the 2021 film “The Suicide Squad” (not to be confused with the 2016 film “Suicide Squad”), but Cena is given much more screen time throughout “Peacemaker’s” eight episodes than in the convoluted “The Suicide Squad’s” two hours. 

About 25% of the jokes in the crude humor heavy “The Suicide Squad” actually landed with audiences. With “Peacemaker,” audiences can expect to laugh at most if not all of the crude humor because the jokes are well crafted this time around. Aside from its hilarity, “Peacemaker” also does an excellent job at developing characters. The story arc of the Peacemaker himself is particularly fascinating, but the supporting cast also does a solid job at creating characters that feel real as well. Two particular supporting characters that are particularly engaging are the characters Vigilante and Adebayo. 

As for the show’s downsides, much of the plot is hopelessly predictable and formulaic. “Peacemaker” is chock full of plot twists and turns, but most of them fail to evoke any sort of surprise. Without diving into the waters of spoiler territory, the show ends in a particularly derivative fashion aside from a surprise cameo from an important team of superheroes. 

Although it’s not groundbreaking television, “Peacemaker” is a piece of goofy pop culture-bound to entertain comic book fans from all walks of life.