Peacemaker season 2 has demonstrated that James Gunn’s DC Universe (DCU) is potentially sidestepping the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) most significant flaw, namely its excessive dependence on interconnected storytelling. As the next chapter in the DCU’s “Gods and Monsters” saga following the 2025 Superman film, Peacemaker season 2 continues the franchise’s narrative after the unofficial launch of Creature Commandos in December 2024, which served as an introductory palate cleanser for the DCU.
In episode 4 of Peacemaker season 2, subtle nods to Creature Commandos hint at a different approach to franchise interconnectivity than that of the MCU. Unlike the MCU, which initially benefited from closely linked storylines but recently has become overly reliant on them—making audiences feel compelled to watch multiple projects to fully grasp the plot—the DCU’s creative vision led by James Gunn aims to avoid this “homework” burden on viewers.
Episode 4’s Easter Eggs Suggest a More Flexible DCU Viewing Experience
In Peacemaker season 2, episode 4, new character Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, delivers key references that connect to Creature Commandos without relying on them for narrative understanding. Flag Sr. confronts Emilia Harcourt, persuading her to turn Peacemaker in to ARGUS, mentioning that he recently broke his back on a mission and referencing a covert operation in the fictional country of Pokolistan—both tied to Creature Commandos.
Rick Flag Sr.’s injury—caused by Clayface, who will star in an upcoming DC film—is a direct link to previous storylines, while Pokolistan serves as the setting for much of the Creature Commandos series. However, viewers who have not seen Creature Commandos can interpret these details simply as part of Flag’s backstory, with no confusion or need to consult additional material.
This distinction is crucial because it marks a departure from the MCU’s method, where understanding some projects often requires watching others. The references act as enjoyable Easter eggs for informed fans without creating viewing barriers for newcomers. Even the heavier connection to Flag’s deceased son, a point from The Suicide Squad (2021), is explained clearly enough to stand independently within the Peacemaker narrative.
James Gunn’s “No Homework” Philosophy Faces Its Next Challenge with Man of Tomorrow
James Gunn’s commitment to minimizing the need for prior franchise knowledge in the DCU has been reinforced by Peacemaker season 2’s structure, but the approach will be further tested with the upcoming Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow. Gunn has indicated that Peacemaker season 2’s story will significantly tie into this new film, leaving how the connection will be handled open to interpretation.
The challenge will be for Man of Tomorrow to incorporate elements from Peacemaker season 2 without demanding audiences watch the entire series first. If successful, this method would differentiate the DCU from the MCU’s recent pattern, removing the necessity for viewers to catch up on multiple projects to understand a new release. This could mark a pivotal moment, proving that a shared cinematic universe can maintain coherence without overwhelming its audience.
Core Cast Adds Depth to Peacemaker’s Expanding Saga
John Cena continues to lead as Christopher Smith, also known as Peacemaker, supported by Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo. Frank Grillo’s addition as Rick Flag Sr. introduces further complexity to the storyline, particularly in episode 4, where his character’s actions and connections underscore the DCU’s broader narrative strategy. Together, the cast drives the evolving storylines that balance accessibility with nods to the franchise’s wider mythology.
