‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Episode 1 Review: First Impressions

Peacemaker is back, and James Gunn wastes no time throwing viewers into another round of chaotic, bloody, and strangely heartfelt storytelling. The second season kicks off with Episode 1, “The Ties That Grind,” a title that hints at both emotional baggage and the messy bonds the characters can’t quite escape.

Early impressions suggest the show hasn’t lost its mix of ridiculous humor and surprising depth, but this time, it’s reaching for bigger ideas, literally multiversal ones.

Peacemaker and the Multiverse Twist

The most talked-about moment in the premiere is the reveal of a portal leading to alternate universes. Unlike some superhero stories that treat the multiverse as an excuse for fan service or quick cameos, Peacemaker tries to make it personal. In one reality, Peacemaker discovers his father and brother, both long dead in his world, are alive. This sets up what could become a fascinating tug-of-war between two worlds and two versions of himself.

However, not all critics are sold on how the moment plays out. Peacemaker’s casual, almost indifferent reaction to seeing his father again feels underplayed, especially considering how Season 1 made their toxic relationship central to his emotional arc. Still, the multiverse storyline gives the show a fresh angle, one that promises a more layered exploration of identity, trauma, and second chances.

Peacemaker’s Supporting Characters Evolve

The episode also checks in on the rest of the team, and it’s clear their post-heroics lives aren’t exactly smooth sailing. Emilia Harcourt struggles with unemployment and her own inner demons, grounding the story with a relatable sense of disillusionment.

Vigilante remains his chaotic, unhinged self, serving as both comic relief and a wild card that could derail everything at any moment. Meanwhile, the broader supporting cast continues to settle into new rhythms, highlighting how saving the world doesn’t necessarily mean you’re set for life.

These subplots are more than filler; they expand the show’s emotional range and underline its central theme: broken people trying to navigate even more broken worlds.

Peacemaker and the Larger DC Universe

One notable shift in Season 2 is how much tighter it connects to the DCU at large. The premiere sprinkles in references to Superman and the Justice League, nodding to a bigger stage while keeping the focus squarely on Peacemaker’s corner of the universe. This integration feels deliberate, almost like groundwork for where the DCU might be heading. If Season 1 was an offbeat side story, Season 2 seems determined to prove it can stand alongside the bigger franchises.

Peacemaker’s Humor and Tone

Of course, no Peacemaker episode is complete without Gunn’s trademark humor, ranging from sharp one-liners to awkwardly juvenile gags. Reception here is mixed. Some jokes, like the “hot mic” moments, land flat or feel too forced, while others remind us why Peacemaker’s offbeat comedy works so well. The tonal balancing act between dark drama and absurd humor isn’t perfect, but the show has always thrived in its unevenness.

Final Thoughts

The Ties That Grind succeeds as a season opener by setting the stage for a complex and emotionally charged multiverse arc while keeping the oddball spirit that made Season 1 such a hit. It’s not flawless, the humor wobbles, and some emotional beats deserve more weight, but it builds strong momentum. For fans, the promise of a Peacemaker caught between two worlds is reason enough to tune in.