The finale of Peacemaker Season 2 has captivated audiences with a treasure trove of Easter eggs and cameos from the DC Universe, including several appearances by Superman. The eighth episode of the season, which aired on November 9, 2023, ties together various elements from the original comics while providing fans with key references and character connections.
The storyline follows the 11th St. Kids as they return from the Nazi-controlled Earth-X, with Rick Flag Sr. intent on utilizing Chris Smith’s QUC for governmental purposes. Meanwhile, Peacemaker and his team decide to break away from ARGUS and forge their own path. This pivotal moment sets the stage for numerous callbacks to the DC Comics lore.
Key References and Cameos in the Finale
Throughout the episode, viewers can spot various nods to the comics and previous adaptations. For instance, the iconic Big Belly Burger makes a return, a staple restaurant in the original comic series and a familiar sight in earlier episodes of Peacemaker and the CW’s Arrowverse.
Another significant moment occurs when Emilia Harcourt expresses her discontent over Leota Adebayo revealing Amanda Waller‘s secret operations during a live broadcast in Season 1’s finale. The episode also brings in classic characters from the Looney Tunes, referencing Yosemite Sam and Pepe Le Pew at different points.
In an intriguing twist, the finale introduces additional employees from LuthorCorp including Otis Berg and Amanda McCoy, who previously appeared in James Gunn‘s Superman. The ongoing trend of referencing imps continues as the team encounters a Candyland-like world, which ties back to conversations from the season’s premiere.
Exploration of Major Themes
The finale further explores the relationship between Rick Flag and Lex Luthor, confirmed through a note Flag receives during their exploration of the QUC. This partnership hints at a larger narrative involving metahuman threats and the lengths to which the government is willing to go.
Video game references also make an appearance, with mentions of the Nintendo title Princess Peach: Showtime and the classic Frogger. Additionally, a door within the QUC opens to a black hole reminiscent of one that nearly devastated Metropolis in Gunn’s Superman.
The finale pays homage to classic comic elements, showcasing terrifying imagery like giant screaming skulls and a horde of Colonial-era zombies, evoking the DCeased storyline by Tom Taylor.
As the episode progresses, ARGUS and LuthorCorp discover a seemingly peaceful planet, dubbed Planet Salvation, aiming to transform it into a prison for metahumans. This concept draws parallels to the 2007 Salvation Run storyline, where characters faced similar challenges.
In a romantic subplot, Chris Smith shares a kiss with Emilia during a party, revisiting their earlier dance from the season’s opening. The episode concludes with Chris stranded on Planet Salvation, hinting at future conflicts as he hears monsters in the distance.
The finale of Peacemaker Season 2 serves as a celebration of the DC Universe, weaving together a rich tapestry of references, characters, and narratives that resonate with long-time fans and newcomers alike. With a blend of humor, action, and nostalgia, the series continues to carve its unique space within the superhero genre.