In the sixth episode of Season 2 of Peacemaker, streaming on HBO Max, a startling revelation changes everything for the show‘s lead, Christopher Smith (John Cena). Known for his brash, shoot-first-ask-questions-later style, Chris finds himself fully immersed in an alternate universe where he never accidentally killed his brother Keith (David Denman). In this parallel world, Chris, Keith—also known as Captain Triumph—and their father Auggie (Robert Patrick), called Blue Dragon, are celebrated superheroes and a happy family. This contrasted sharply with Chris’s original troubled life and the fractured relationships he has on his true Earth. By the end of the previous episode, Chris chooses to abandon his original world and move to this seemingly ideal alternate reality.
The alternate Earth also features a very different Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), Chris’s love interest, who here is emotionally stable and capable of maintaining their relationship. However, despite the appealing facade of this new world, something has felt deeply unsettling to viewers, a sense confirmed in Episode 6, “Ignorance Is Chris.”
Unmasking the Dark Truth of the Alternate Earth
As the storyline progresses, Harcourt, along with Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), and Economos (Steve Agee) — collectively known as the 11th Street Kids — journey to convince Chris to return home. This visit to the alternate universe is chaotic and laden with tensions, highlighted by an incident where they are splattered with Vigilante’s stash of contraband cocaine, maintaining the show’s mix of dark humor and action.
Once they arrive, the group quickly separates. Harcourt convinces Keith to escort her to the alt-Earth’s A.R.G.U.S. headquarters, where she immediately notices the absence of people of color in the town. Meanwhile, Vigilante finds his alternate self, who, despite being otherwise identical, shockingly calls Chris his “archenemy.” Adebayo and Economos remain at the Smith family compound without a plan, prompting Adebayo to explore the neighborhood. There, she faces hostile stares and accusations based solely on her race. Keith shouts, “One got out! A Black!” which sets off a violent chase as Adebayo flees from a mob of Nazi Americans.
That moment coincides with Peacemaker’s own painful discovery when examining flags lining the desks at the alternate A.R.G.U.S. offices. Rather than stars, these flags feature swastikas, revealing that this Earth, referred to by creator James Gunn as Earth X within the DC universe, is one where Nazi Germany won World War II.
James Gunn’s Commitment to Preserving the Episode’s Hidden Reveal
James Gunn, who wrote and directed the episode, kept this twist under tight wraps, opting not to send the episodes to press for early review. Instead, he conducted private test screenings to determine if viewers would notice that Earth X’s population lacked any people of color prior to the big reveal in Episode 6. Gunn reports that “no one noticed at all,” including people of color among the audience.
“And that was people of color, too, by the way. It wasn’t just, you know, the whites.”
– James Gunn, Creator
Despite Gunn’s efforts, some fans correctly pieced together the grim reality of Earth X after noticing Harcourt’s observations about the all-white population, combined with the knowledge that Auggie from the main Earth is a known white supremacist under the name White Dragon.
“It’s really hard when you’re online and one person out of the millions of people that are watching the show says, ‘Wait a second, here’s a screenshot of what it’s like in the alternate world, and here’s a screenshot of the background actors in the DCU,’ and you see the difference between them immediately,”
– James Gunn, Creator
“A lot of people don’t go online to talk about television. So I got a lot of comments of people that were freaked out. But a lot of people knew it was coming.”
– James Gunn, Creator
The Social and Emotional Themes Explored Through This Dark Twist
Gunn discussed the episode’s production during the tense period of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, explaining how this real-world climate subtly influenced the series without dominating its story. When asked about the omnipresence of Nazi symbolism on the alt-Earth, he said Peacemaker himself is not a racist, though the character tends to view situations through his own lens of self-interest and personal judgment. This narcissistic blind spot explains why Peacemaker initially does not notice the disturbing racial homogeneity of Earth X, while Harcourt, more sensitive and detail-oriented, spots it immediately.
Gunn reflected on his own experience working on the show and interacting with its fan base, noting the broader societal implications of the episode’s themes. He highlighted how being in an isolated bubble can cause people to overlook critical social issues, something mirrored by Peacemaker’s initial ignorance in the story.
He also emphasized that while the show carries these strong messages, its primary goal is to tell a compelling emotional narrative focused on the relationships within the 11th Street Kids group. The poignant interrogation room scene between Peacemaker and Harcourt embodies the heart of the series, illustrating its focus on human connection beyond political statements.
“Oh, I’ve got to prove a point about something.”
– James Gunn, Creator
Gunn stressed that, despite addressing racial and social tensions, the story is foremost about the characters and their growth rather than simply serving as a political commentary. He hinted that future episodes would delve deeper into the complexities of Earth X’s society and how characters shaped by a Nazi victory might view their world.
Connections to the Larger DC Universe and Upcoming Projects
The episode also introduces Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) in a cameo role, linking Peacemaker more closely with the broader DC universe. Gunn revealed that Lex’s presence is specifically tied to upcoming storylines in the 2027 film Superman: Man of Tomorrow, which will explore the implications of Lex’s relationship with Rick Flag. This alliance could spell trouble for Superman and other meta-humans in the future.
Gunn explained that choices about which characters appear in the show, such as David Denman’s Keith missing out on a cameo that Nicholas Hoult received, were driven by narrative necessity. Lex Luthor’s role fulfills a particular story function rather than highlighting favoritism.
He also discussed the interconnected storytelling strategy for the DC universe under Warner Bros. Discovery, mentioning ongoing plans for a blend of movies and television shows designed to cohere into a comprehensive narrative arc involving Superman, Peacemaker, and other projects.
Addressing Contemporary Issues Through Fiction
In candid reflections, Gunn acknowledged the challenges and responsibilities of incorporating social issues into entertainment, especially amid global tensions and conflicts like Israel and Palestine, emphasizing that his work is not intended as direct allegory. Instead, it is shaped by emotional truths and human kindness as central themes.
He expressed frustration with the growing visibility of racism in society, questioning whether it is increasing or merely becoming more openly expressed. Gunn hopes that the show might inspire viewers to become more conscious of their own biases, though he insists that this was not the show’s original purpose.
“Oh, maybe I should be more aware of my prejudices,”
– James Gunn, Creator
Underlying much of Gunn’s philosophy is a belief in the fundamental goodness of people, despite misunderstandings and differing viewpoints. He rejects cynicism and advocates for kindness and empathy, embracing an old-fashioned humanity that challenges the modern obsession with being “cool.” Gunn’s vision for his work and characters reflects this hope for connection and understanding even in a fractured world.
What Lies Ahead for Peacemaker and Its Viewers
The explosive Nazi twist in Peacemaker has deepened the series’ exploration of identity, morality, and societal values, forcing both characters and audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. Earth X’s portrayal will continue to unravel, exposing the intricate ways its inhabitants justify and live within a fascist regime.
As James Gunn continues to align Peacemaker with the larger DC storyline, fans can expect future installments to further intertwine these alternate realities with ongoing superhero narratives. The evolving relationships, political tension, and moral questions raised by this season promise a tense and thought-provoking journey ahead.
