In the penultimate episode of Peacemaker season 2, a shocking death deepens the series’ exploration of trauma and sets the stage for a new villain in the DC Universe (DCU). James Gunn reveals how the death of Auggie, the alternate Earth’s variant of Chris Smith’s father, introduces the rise of a dark adversary. This moment unfolds late in episode 7, where vigilantes kill Auggie, sparking a brutal confrontation in which Keith, Chris’s alternate brother, nearly dies but is ultimately spared.
How Auggie’s Death Shapes a New DCU Villain
Peacemaker fans witnessed a grim moment as Auggie from an alternate Earth—an environment ruled by Nazis—was killed by vigilantes despite his opposition to the regime’s brutal rule. Unlike many on Earth-2, Auggie was not aligned with Nazi ideology and tried to resist their system within his limited means. Yet, his death does not end the story; Keith, his son and Chris’s alternate brother, launches a violent retaliation and nearly dies, though Chris chooses to save him. This survival hints at Keith’s potential return and transformation.
James Gunn elaborated on this during an episode of DC’s official Peacemaker podcast, explaining that Auggie’s demise serves as the catalyst for Keith’s evolution into the villain known as Captain Triumph. Gunn described how Chris’s trauma is relived through this event, while Keith’s pain opens the path for him to emerge as an antagonist in the DC Universe. Gunn described Auggie as possessing a complex mixture of love and realistic awareness, recognizing his own son as deeply flawed but still caring for him:
“We also learn a little bit more about Peacemaker 2, hearing about how he was not a good guy. And you see that Auggie has real compassion for our Peacemaker. He knows his son was a bad guy. He loved him, he knows that he loves him, but he also knows – when looking at it in a sober fashion – [he] was not a good human being. He can see that the Chris from our planet is a good person, and he wants to save them – he wants to save all of [them]. Just have you go back, and never come back. There’s this sort of horrifying, terrifying moment where Peacemaker screams. A real, guttural scream and says, “Please, please get off of him!” It’s obvious that he’s reliving his trauma that he experienced when he was a child, where his brother died. He pushes everyone back, and he holds his brother, who hates him, in his arms. And he says, “It’s not my world that’s wrong, it’s not your world that’s wrong, it’s me.” And he flashes through all the people that have died at his hands, and is in Hell.
I will say, in the original draft, Harcourt kills [Keith]. In one way, the whole season is Captain Triumph’s origin as a super villain. A white supremacist, piece of s—t super villain. And what a weird super villain to have as your arch-enemy; it’s your brother from another dimension, who hates you because you killed yourself.”
— James Gunn, Director and Creator
The emotional intensity of this scene reflects Chris’s deep-seated pain related to childhood trauma, symbolized by his anguished scream and desperate plea. The conflict is not just physical but psychological, as Chris carries the weight of his past actions and losses. Meanwhile, Keith’s progression into a villain is framed as a shift fueled by hatred and the ideological extremes perpetuated in his world.
The Broader Impact on the DC Universe Narrative
Auggie’s death is more than a tragic moment; it paves the way for significant future storylines within the DCU. Keith’s survival after the near-fatal brawl means he remains a looming threat, setting up a complicated and personal rivalry with Chris. His alignment with the Nazi ideology of Earth-2 paints him as a potent and disturbing foe, embodying themes of division and hate that matter deeply in the aura of this show’s darker tones.
However, where Keith will reappear remains uncertain. At the end of episode 7, Chris passes the dimensional portal device to Rick Flag Sr., putting it in the hands of A.R.G.U.S., the covert government agency. This transfer raises questions about the potential surveillance or containment of dimensional travel and how Keith’s fate will intertwine with these forces. Complicating matters is the new alliance between the acting director of A.R.G.U.S. and Lex Luthor, suggesting more expansive interdimensional challenges on the horizon for Peacemaker and the broader DCU.
The Emotional and Narrative Significance of Auggie’s Passing
The death of Auggie is the triggering event that will likely compel Chris and Keith to confront each other face to face again. Their relationship—though complicated by being alternate dimension versions rather than biological siblings—is defined by shared pain and loss. This confrontation promises to explore themes of hatred, forgiveness, and the enduring scars trauma imprints across divergent but connected worlds. Their intensely personal bond adds emotional weight to the unfolding DCU storyline.
Looking ahead, the final episode of Peacemaker season 2 appears set to further probe themes of multidimensional travel and conflicting realities. While there is no definite confirmation of Keith’s return, the episode’s events establish the narrative foundation for such a development. The creative direction remains in James Gunn’s hands, who controls how this arc will evolve going forward.
Peacemaker’s season 2 finale is scheduled to air Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, marking the climax of this emotionally charged, tension-filled season.
Main Cast of Peacemaker Season 2
- John Cena as Christopher Smith / Peacemaker
- Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo
