James Gunn shares deep Peacemaker insights on Flag’s dark path. [Image Source: MZSTATIC]
Nearly a week after the finale of Peacemaker Season 2 premiered on HBO Max, fan reactions remain divided over the series’ tone and plot developments. Among the major changes was the introduction of Checkmate and the mysterious Salvation, with fewer cameos and a more emotionally driven narrative. James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, offered fresh insights into Rick Flag Sr.’s altered persona in this evolving DC Universe (DCU) storyline, providing context for his controversial actions in the finale.
The episode saw Rick Flag Sr. embrace a villainous path, passively allowing numerous A.R.G.U.S. agents to perish inside the Quantum Unfolding Chamber, and sending Chris Smith—Peacemaker himself—to Salvation in retaliation for his son’s death in The Suicide Squad. Gunn acknowledged the complexity of Flag’s choices, stating,
“Despite everything, I don’t hate Flag,”
he explained, adding,
“I think he’s manipulative and stupid and vengeful and very callous about discovery, but I still like him.”
James Gunn clarified that Flag’s feelings toward metahumans are nuanced rather than outright hostile. He elaborated,
“He doesn’t hate all metahumans at all,”
but warned that Flag sees some metahumans as dangerous entities, akin to individuals
“walking around with a neutron bomb attached to their arms.”
This fear stems from a traumatic experience in which Clayface, a metahuman, severely injured Flag during the events of Creature Commandos.
“Having a metahuman almost kill you might make you more wary of metahumans,”
Gunn commented, offering insight into Flag’s growing distrust. When asked who qualifies as a metahuman within the DCU’s framework, he said,
Image of: James Gunn
“I don’t consider anyone metahumans. But I think ARGUS might consider Blue Beetle a metahuman, but not [Batman and Green Arrow].”
This distinction highlights a key division within the DCU, particularly as Flag remains deeply concerned with metahumans’ impact on global politics. Gunn pointed out that Flag’s suspicion largely targets how superheroes like Superman and the Justice Gang, especially Hawkgirl, have shaped the geopolitical landscape.
“The character is mostly afraid of how difficult it is to contain metahuman criminals,”
Gunn noted, explaining Flag’s ruthless approach, which includes creating Salvation and working alongside Lex Luthor to pursue his goals.
Checkmate’s Emerging Influence Within the DC Universe
The role of Checkmate remains one of the most mysterious aspects unveiled in the Peacemaker finale, yet James Gunn has emphasized its significant future within the DCU, especially as the franchise gears toward Man of Tomorrow. Gunn described Checkmate as a newly emerging, privately funded group designed to operate independently of government or corporate influence, unlike A.R.G.U.S.
He explained,
“A.R.G.U.S. are a governmental intelligence agency in charge of everything to do with metahumans,”
and continued,
“Checkmate are just forming but they’re a privately funded organization created for the benefit of society outside of the government or corporations or metahuman organizations like the Justice Gang.”
Historically, Checkmate has held a villainous reputation in DC comics, manipulated by figures like Amanda Waller and Maxwell Lord. However, within the DCU, the organization appears poised to provide a counterbalance as A.R.G.U.S., under Flag’s increasingly sinister control, steers down a darker trajectory.
Future Implications for Peacemaker, Salvation, and the DCU
Though the next steps for Peacemaker remain uncertain, fans speculate that Salvation’s alternate reality may reimagine Dinosaur Island, setting the stage for The Centre to emerge as a primary antagonist in Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. This potential storyline could escalate the stakes for Flag, Peacemaker, and their allies as they navigate a universe facing threats both metahuman and cosmic.
All episodes of Peacemaker Season 2 are available for streaming on HBO Max, keeping the audience engaged and eager for what’s next in this dark chapter of the DCU.
