James Gunn has clarified a critical reason behind the failure of Lex Luthor’s elaborate scheme against Superman, as revealed in Peacemaker season 2. Luthor’s plan, executed with government cooperation and involving interdimensional technology, ultimately collapsed due to a fundamental flaw in his pocket universe creation.
Collaboration Between ARGUS and LuthorCorp Unveiled in Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 7
In the seventh episode of Peacemaker season 2, the government agency ARGUS teams up with Sydney Happersen of LuthorCorp, an expert on extradimensional portals and pocket universes. Sydney Happersen, portrayed by Stephen Blackehart, uses the advanced flying communications hub developed by LuthorCorp—previously seen in Superman—to scan for similar dimensional technology.
During the episode, Happersen locates Peacemaker’s Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC) within minutes, finding Chris Smith’s cabin and portal remarkably quickly. This swift detection points to a key problem: Lex Luthor’s portals showed a characteristic “wobble,” indicating inherent instability that made them easier to track.
Unstable Portals: The Major Weakness Behind Lex Luthor’s Plan
Sydney Happersen explains to Rick Flag Sr. that Luthor’s pocket universe portals were inherently unstable, causing noticeable fluctuations on scans known as “wobbles.” This instability was responsible for the catastrophic rifts seen in Superman when the portals were left open too long, eventually splitting Metropolis in two.
By stark contrast, Peacemaker’s Quantum Unfolding Chamber does not exhibit such instability, marking it as a technologically superior device. Its flawless stability stems from extraterrestrial origins, a fact that would likely frustrate Luthor, whose scientific pride would reject any device outperforming his own creation.
In Superman, Mister Terrific of the Justice Gang warns about the extreme dangers of Luthor’s pocket universe, noting that even a minuscule error—measured in picometers—could have created a black hole capable of consuming Earth. Luthor, however, consciously maintained an open portal to provoke a destructive rift, aiming to control Superman’s movements but ultimately forcing Superman’s return to Metropolis and exposing Luthor’s hidden agendas.
His reckless gamble backfired, leading to his defeat and the unveiling of his alliance with Boravia’s invasion efforts. This blunder, driven by Luthor’s arrogance and impatience, exposed the fatal flaw in his design and his hubris.
The Greater Implications of Luthor’s Defeat and Future Prospects
Luthor’s failure highlights how his ego blinded him to weaknesses that were exploited in Peacemaker season 2’s storyline. The dangerous instability of his pocket universe, combined with his political machinations, allowed other forces—like ARGUS and Peacemaker—to gain control over superior dimensional technology.
The Quantum Unfolding Chamber, now under ARGUS’s custody, excites Rick Flag Sr. as he contemplates its potential uses. The season finale teaser hints at further exploration and utilization of this device, suggesting significant developments ahead in the series.
The conclusion of Peacemaker season 2 is set for October 9th on HBO Max, where the story will continue to unravel the consequences of Luthor’s downfall and the emerging power dynamics involving extradimensional technology.
