Peacemaker: Season 2 Episode 3 Breakdown: A Wild Ride Through an Alternate Reality

Peacemaker: Season 2 Episode 3, titled "Another Rick Up My Sleeve," delivers a chaotic, heartfelt, and action-packed chapter that dives deep into the multiverse.

Directed by Greg Mottola and written by James Gunn, this 37-minute episode, which aired on September 4, 2025, on HBO Max, sees Chris Smith, aka Peacemaker, grappling with the allure of an alternate dimension where he’s a celebrated hero.

Packed with emotional depth, surprising returns, and brutal action, this episode sets the stage for bigger conflicts while keeping the show’s signature humor and heart. Here’s a fun breakdown of what makes this episode a standout.

Highlights:

• Alternate Universe Exploration: Chris revels in a world where he’s adored, his brother and father are alive, and Emilia Harcourt sees him differently.

• Emotional Stakes: The episode delves into Chris’s struggle with his past and the temptation of a “perfect” life.

• Action-Packed Sequences: Peacemaker’s brutal takedown of the Sons of Liberty is both heroic and horrifying, showcasing his destructive nature.

• Key Returns: The reappearance of Rick Flag Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) adds emotional weight and ties to The Suicide Squad.

• Humor and Heart: The episode balances intense drama with running gags, like Vigilante’s animal obsession and Fleury’s hatred for Eagly.

What Makes the Alternate Universe So Captivating?

The episode dives headfirst into the alternate dimension introduced in earlier episodes, where Chris Smith (John Cena) assumes his doppelgänger’s identity.

This world is a dream come true: the public loves him, his family is intact, and Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) shows a spark of affection absent in his reality.

The trailer’s sunlit scenes and cheering crowds amplify this euphoric high, but cracks emerge.

Chris’s reliance on this world feels like an addiction, raising questions about whether he’s escaping his trauma or losing himself. Posts on X have called this setup “a wild twist,” with fans buzzing about the “dreamy yet dangerous” vibe of this alternate reality.

Why Is Rick Flag Jr.’s Return Such a Big Deal?

A major highlight is the return of Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flag Jr., alive in this alternate universe and dating Harcourt. A flashback reveals their past affair in the main timeline, adding layers to Harcourt’s reluctance to connect with Chris emotionally.

This revelation, tied to events from The Suicide Squad, hits hard, as Chris’s guilt over Flag’s death lingers. The episode cleverly uses Flag’s presence to deepen the emotional stakes, with X users noting it’s “a gut-punch moment” that ties the DCU together.

The tension between Chris and Flag Jr. in the alternate world hints at future conflicts, making this a pivotal moment for the season.

How Does the Action Steal the Show?

The episode’s action peaks when Chris takes on the Sons of Liberty, a terrorist group, during an attack on a DMV. His brutal, efficient kills are cheered by onlookers, a stark contrast to his usual criticism.

This sequence, described on X as “horror-movie levels of intense,” underscores Chris’s destructive tendencies, heroic or not. The introduction of Red St. Wild (Michael Rooker), a violent eagle hunter, adds another layer of chaos, setting up future threats. The action is fast-paced and visceral, balancing the episode’s emotional weight with Peacemaker’s signature over-the-top violence.

What’s the Deal with Harcourt and Chris’s Chemistry?

The dynamic between Chris and Harcourt takes center stage, especially in the alternate universe where their romance feels possible. A lighthearted park bench scene hints at rekindled feelings, but Harcourt’s main-timeline fears, tied to her past with Flag Jr., create tension.

Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) sees through Harcourt’s defenses, pushing her to confront her emotions. This subplot adds depth to both characters, with X fans praising the “spark” and “heartfelt moments” that make their relationship compelling, even if it’s complicated by multiversal shenanigans.

How Does the Episode Set Up Future Drama?

While “Another Rick Up My Sleeve” excels in exploring the alternate universe, it also lays groundwork for the season’s midpoint. A.R.G.U.S., led by Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), ramps up its pursuit of Chris, with Economos (Steve Agee) facing heat for the team’s failures.

The episode ends on a tense note, with a confrontation looming and Judomaster’s return adding unpredictability. Critics have noted that while side characters like Adebayo and Harcourt get less screen time, the focus on Chris’s journey sets up a “brutal clash” with Flag Sr., as teased in the episode’s trailer. This balance of setup and payoff keeps the stakes high.

Why Is the Humor Still So On-Point?

Despite its heavier themes, the episode doesn’t skimp on humor. Running gags, like Vigilante’s obsession with random animals and Fleury’s disdain for Eagly, keep the tone light.

The soundtrack, featuring tracks like “Break It Out” by Ammotrack and “Dreamer” by the late and great Ozzy Osbourne, enhances the chaotic energy, with James Gunn updating the Spotify playlist to reflect the episode’s vibe. Fans on X have called the humor “charming” and “classic Gunn,” ensuring the show remains as fun as it is intense.

Some Closing Thoughts:

This episode of Peacemaker proves why the series remains a DCU gem, blending multiversal madness with emotional depth and explosive action.

As Chris navigates the highs and lows of his alternate life, the stakes feel personal and universal, setting up a thrilling season arc.

Whether you’re here for the laughs, the heart, or the chaos, “Another Rick Up My Sleeve” delivers on all fronts, leaving fans eager for what’s next.

What were your thoughts on this latest chapter in the Peacemaker Saga? Jump down in the comments section down below and let us know your thoughts!