The long-awaited Season 2 finale of 'Peacemaker' has left fans divided - some praising its ambition, others lamenting its lack of payoff - yet even critics agree that James Gunn has used the episode to chart the course of the next phase of the DC Universe. Titled 'Full Nelson', the finale concluded on a tense and emotional note as Christopher Smith, played by John Cena, was abducted by Rick Flag Sr and transported to an interdimensional prison known as Salvation.
Far from a random twist, Gunn confirmed that the planet is central to the wider DCU narrative, serving as a metahuman prison world reminiscent of the 'Salvation Run' comics, where villains such as Lex Luthor and The Joker were exiled.
"Salvation and Checkmate were always part of the plan," Gunn said, referring to the clandestine organisation formed by Peacemaker's allies. "They're instrumental in the overarching story I'm telling in the DCU."
The finale also introduces Checkmate, an independent spy network born from the 11th Street Kids' disillusionment with A.R.G.U.S. Led by 'Peacemaker', Vigilante, Judomaster, and rogue agents Fleury and Bordeaux, the group's emergence represents a narrative pivot from personal redemption to institutional rebellion - a theme Gunn intends to explore in upcoming projects, including the 2028 film 'Superman: Man of Tomorrow'.
Despite the expansive setup, reactions have been mixed. Many fans expected the explosive spectacle Gunn had promised but were met instead with a quieter, introspective conclusion.
The creator defended this shift, saying the second season was never about escalating chaos but about healing. "The first season is about 'Peacemaker'. The second season is about Chris Smith," he explained. "He's dealing with trauma and awareness, and that can make life harder before it gets better."
That focus on emotional depth, though appreciated by some, left others frustrated. Social media reactions described the finale as "a setup disguised as an ending." Even so, few deny that Gunn has woven intricate links between his television and film work, creating a unified yet accessible continuity - a strategy reminiscent of Marvel's early world-building but tinged with Gunn's darker humour and moral ambivalence.
Perhaps the most surprising revelation was Gunn's admission that a 'Deadpool' cameo was once considered. "I wanted them to open the door and see 'Deadpool' in a room," he said, laughing. Talks with Ryan Reynolds reportedly took place before the idea was dropped for logistical reasons. It would have been a cheeky, fourth-wall-breaking crossover between cinematic rivals.
As for the show's future, Gunn confirmed there are "no current plans" for a third season. "This is about the other stories in which this will play out," he said, though he left the door open with his usual refrain: "Never say never."
Still, Cena's 'Peacemaker' will continue to appear in forthcoming DC projects, bridging narratives that connect Superman, Lex Luthor, and Rick Flag Sr.
The finale, then, may have disappointed those craving fireworks, but its true legacy lies in ambition. Gunn isn't merely ending 'Peacemaker' - he's rewriting the language of the DC Universe, one flawed hero at a time.
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