Peacemaker Just Set Up John Cena’s Perfect Justice League Future
In Peacemaker episode 6, “Burn After Reading,” the series gave crucial insight into John Cena’s Peacemaker in a way that could lead to his inclusion in the future of the Justice League. James Gunn has become a big name for both the MCU and the DCEU, spearheading the introduction of Guardians Of The Galaxy and revitalizing The Suicide Squad. His adaptations of characters are starting to shape both worlds, and Peacemaker going on to join the Justice League could just be the next step for his presence in the DCEU ahead of Peacemaker season 2.
In Peacemaker episode 6, Chris Smith is feeling ostracized from the team when it becomes clear that they are keeping a secret from him about how they know so much about the Butterflies. When he returns to the base, Harcourt gifts him a P90 engraved with the Dove of Peace, and he finally opens up to her with the result of his extensive introspection. In a show of true emotion, Peacemaker explains to Harcourt that he doesn’t think the Dove of Peace is that important, but that he just doesn’t want to kill people anymore. This was largely brought about by reflecting on having killed Rick Flag, Flag’s final words, and his new ongoing distaste for murder. However, he provides the caveat that he is still happy to kill aliens, particularly bug-aliens.
Peacemaker’s confession in Peacemaker episode 6 to Harcourt that he doesn’t want to kill people anymore marks the turning point for the character. An easter egg in episode 5 revealed that early in his career he was viewed as a hero when he took down the villain Kite Man, and this revelation in his post-The Suicide Squad days opens the door for him to be seen as a hero again. Crucially, as he makes it clear that he would still be able to fight aliens, he is in a position to become a force for defending Earth from bigger threats. This provides Peacemaker with the perfect avenue into joining the Justice League in a way that can bring levity to the superhero team-up (and maybe shed some light on his misconceptions about the league’s sexual interests). James Gunn has kept the Peacemaker season 1 finale and in particular the final moments of episode 8, a closely guarded secret. There are many theories as to what is included there that James Gunn “can’t believe” DC is letting him do, but Peacemaker’s induction into the Justice League would fit with Gunn’s statements.
While he may have started as a hero, Peacemaker eventually earned himself a spot on Task Force X, joining other killers and villains for Director Amanda Waller. Unfortunately, Smith’s argument in Peacemaker episode 4 with his dad’s neighbour supports the unwanted perception as well, solidifying the fact that he’s considered by some to be an outright villain despite his wishes to be seen otherwise. By keeping the newspaper clipping of his first adventure taking down Kite-Man, Chris Smith further confirms that he still wants to be seen as a hero.
While Bat-Mite, Matter-Eater Lad, and Doll Man were all made DCEU canon via jokes, the reveal of Kite-Man confirms a crucial piece of Chris Smith’s past, which is continuing to be unveiled as the show goes on. Smith wasn’t always seen as a bad guy in the DCEU, and he doesn’t want to be seen as a bad guy now in the present despite his role in The Suicide Squad. Who knows? Perhaps Peacemaker will be able to redeem his reputation and image after he saves the world in this new series.