Season 2, episode 7 of Peacemaker probably goes down as my favorite chapter in the character's saga, and, in my opinion, one of the best moments in the reborn DC cinematic universe. It solidifies integral world-building and character development, and yet I'm left wondering what the finale could even be. I'm not sure what'll happen next, and that has me highly anticipating the final episode.
As it turns out, the alternate universe is run by Nazis. Confirmed by a couple of characters, doppelgänger Vigilante and home universe Rip Jagger, the Axis Powers won World War 2, which makes this reality a living nightmare for anyone who's not white or white-passing. Chris had no idea, despite the presence of swastikas, Hitler literature, and propaganda paintings everywhere. To his credit, no one he met mentioned the history of this realm even once, or forced him to salute. I can imagine he would violently disagree to comply. Peacekeeper's a true American, no matter what universe he's in.
Chris and Harcourt, the non-Nazi one, flee ARGUS headquarters on his Peace-Bike. We get a surreal, romantic shot of the two speeding down the highway as police units pursue them. For a moment, Harcourt allows herself to enjoy the moment, holding onto Chris. He, of course, takes in every second of bliss even as they're chased by fascist cops.
They're eventually cornered by dozens of police officers, with seemingly no way out. However, in a shocking turn of events, the White Dragon, aka Auggie Smith, accompanied by Keith, jet-pack onto the scene and gun down the hostile officers. They, having freed Chris and Harcourt from a sticky situation, convince the two to go with them.
Meanwhile, Rip Jagger is the one to save Leota from a horde of black-hunting neighbors. Together, they retreat to a house next to the Smith residence, where Rip has turned into a temporary base. It had the most snacks. There, the two recall how they used to be enemies, or technically still are. But they quickly get over it. They agree to help each other retrieve Chris and escape the alternate dimension. I liked the talk they had on their downtime, as Leota was allowed to express her internal turmoil going on with her ex, and Rip offered some brutally honest advice, as expected. Small stature, but big wisdom, for the most part. It took him some convincing from Leota to believe Chris wasn't as bad as Rip believed, which might've helped save the 11th Street Kids later on.
Both Vigilantes (Adrians) eventually meet up with Leota and Rip before they plan an infiltration of the Smith residence. It took me until now to see it, but the two Vigilantes in their suits and as their obnoxious selves reminded me a lot of Deadpool, except without the emotional intelligence and fourth-wall awareness. Still, they're surprisingly more entertaining than just one Adrian, which I never would've expected from the most purposely annoying character in the show.
While inside the house, Auggie questions Chris and Harcourt about why and how they're here. Chris lays out the whole truth, and it's a strangely beautiful confession. He comes clean about everything, even for accidentally killing alternate Chris in self-defense. Keith is absolutely livid about that, understandably. However, Auggie is more than reasonable. He thinks with his head, coming to the conclusion that this is a good man (much better than his universe's son, who had massive issues), who just wanted a family and got caught up in a mess he didn't understand. Additionally, Auggie would rather his secret dimension door remain secret, so he'd prefer the alternate people to disappear as quietly and peacefully as possible.
I never thought I'd like Auggie's character this much. To be honest, I was fascinated with him even during season 1. His complicated relationship with Chris was like a train wreck I couldn't take my eyes off of, and his twisted morals made him an intimidating villain who you knew was dangerous. However, ironically, in a universe of Nazis, he's strongly not a Nazi. He just does heroic acts however he can, whatever is in his control. Harcourt mistakenly assumes he's a Nazi and even critiques whether he's taking part, but how much has she or others done to combat injustices in her home universe? She, of all people, operates in the shadows and gets her hands dirty to complete specific objectives for a government that treats her like trash. Objectives that only serve the elites' interests, like Project Starfish (though, to be fair, she helped save the planet from alien butterflies). At least no one really tells Auggie what to do.
For a moment, I highly respected this version of Auggie Smith. Because, in that scene, he was providing a smart and reasonable solution. But I forgot what kind of comic-book show I was watching, because Adrian, being Adrian, bursts through the window and shanks Auggie to death. Which Adrian was it, again? I don't think it matters at this point. At least if it were the home universe's Adrian, he didn't know this Auggie wasn't a Nazi and was actually a decent guy. It's a shame, really. I hope there's another version of him in the multiverse.
In the chaos, Keith attempts to murder Chris, but is stopped by the Eagly and gets ganged by the others. Chris screams for the violence to end, and it does. He holds Keith, who's mortally wounded, and has a heart-wrenching reflection on himself as a man, hero, brother, and son. Is all his fault? Does he ruin everything he touches? I can't imagine after this nightmarish revelation if he still wants to risk a relationship with Harcourt, fearing she'll suffer because of his actions.
Of course, I don't think all of the deaths and misfortune are Chris's fault. Save for Rick. Life's weird, messy, and... complicated like that. You have to enjoy what you got when you get it. You'll never know when it's time for it to end.
Episode 7 closes with the gang, including Rip, returning home. ARGUS agents, led by Rick Flag, Sr., awaits them. Chris tosses them the portal device and turns himself in, amounting the blame onto himself to clear his friend's names. Rick asks Rip for the truth, and he doesn't contradict Chris's story. It seems Leota's talk influenced Rip enough to let Chris have the dignity to save his friends from jail time.
Brilliantly written, emotionally-charged, and packed with Easter-eggs, Peacemaker is on its way to a strong season finale. I could only cover so much, so be sure to re-watch and discuss your favorite moments in forums, next to the water-cooler, or your pet eagle. Episode 8 is sure to be a huge discussion point for the DCU, so you don't wanna be left behind.
Episode Verdict: A+
New episodes of Peacemaker release every Thursday night on HBO Max.