James Gunn, the creator of Peacemaker, has explained the narrative purpose behind a heartbreaking death that occurs in the penultimate episode of season 2, which sees Chris Smith (John Cena) and his team escaping from a terrifying alternate dimension. This key moment, featured in episode 7 titled Like A Keith in the Night, plays a critical role in shaping future storylines.
Exploring the Alternate Universe and Emotional Stakes
Earlier in the season, Chris Smith unwittingly enters a parallel universe through his late father’s Quantum Unfolding Chamber. In this alternate reality, he finds his family alive and celebrated by society. Moreover, his romantic feelings for his colleague Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) are returned in this world, starkly contrasting with the painful experiences he endures in his own reality.
However, this seemingly perfect universe hides a dark truth: it is an authoritarian Earth where the Nazis emerged victorious in World War II. As Chris gradually realizes this grim reality, the tension rises drastically, emphasizing the danger that awaits him and his allies.
An Unexpected Ally in a Fascist World
In episode 7, Chris forges an unlikely bond with his alternate father, Auggie (Robert Patrick). Unlike the abusive neo-Nazi father he knows in his own world, this version of Auggie shows genuine compassion towards him—even after learning that Chris accidentally killed his Earth-2 counterpart. Gunn elaborated on Auggie’s complex feelings:
“[Auggie] knows his son was a bad guy,”
James Gunn said on the official Peacemaker podcast.
“
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.”
This portrayal of Auggie challenges viewers’ perceptions, revealing a man who, despite his environment, rejects the fascist ideology dominating Earth-2 and hopes to protect his son and others from its cruelty.
Tragic Violence and the Creation of a New Villain
Unfortunately, the brief moment of connection between Chris and his alternate father is violently shattered when Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) storms in and kills Auggie, believing he is rescuing his friends. Vigilante’s actions occur without understanding Auggie’s true intentions to help them escape the fascist world. This brutal event drastically alters the course of the story.
Chris’s alternate brother, Keith (David Denman), who opposes their father’s sympathies, becomes further radicalized by the killing and seeks revenge. Despite his determination, Keith is quickly subdued by the combined forces of Chris’s Earth-1 allies. Yet, the encounter leaves Keith gravely injured and possibly poised to return in the future.
James Gunn revealed that Auggie’s unexpected death was crucial to the development of Captain Triumph, also known as Keith’s supervillain persona. Gunn described this origin as follows:
“In one way, the whole season is Captain Triumph’s origin as a super villain,”
He continued on Peacemaker’s podcast with stars Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee (Economos), and Nhut Le (Judomaster):
“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.”
This chilling insight into the villain’s backstory highlights the tangled family dynamics shaping the series’ ongoing conflicts.
Emotional Fallout and Uncertain Futures
For Chris, witnessing the violent attack on Keith dredges up painful memories of his real universe’s Keith dying during their childhood. This emotional pain peaks as Chris demands the violence stop, creating a tense and harrowing scene. Keith, barely surviving, leaves an open possibility for further confrontations.
The episode concludes with Chris surrendering to ARGUS authorities, featuring Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr, which leaves his fate in the DC Universe ambiguous. This cliffhanger sets the stage for what viewers can expect in the final episode of the season.
Where to Watch and What’s Next
Peacemaker is currently available on Sky Max and NOW, inviting fans to follow the story’s complex developments. The unfolding narrative promises more tension and character growth as the drama moves toward its climax. Viewers eager to keep track of the series can add Peacemaker to their watchlist for updates and recommendations.
