Do you really wanna, do you really wanna taste it?

Peacemaker is unlike any other comic-book adaptation. Scratch that; it’s unlike any other television show I’ve seen. Period. Sure, it’s as funny and action-packed as any Marvel production, but this DC-based show provides some of the most original and fun content to grace our screens in a long time. Let’s say it’s as refreshing for DC as The Mandolorian was for Star Wars. 

What makes this kudos even more impressive is that Peacemaker is such a B-grade character, one whom most of us hadn’t even heard of before his appearance in 2020’s Suicide Squad movie. It’s a far cry from your typically popular Batman or Superman. On the contrary, Peacemaker is a potty-mouthed, violent, and even sometimes racist vigilante that, on paper, seems like an absolutely terrible character as the protagonist for a show. Yet somehow, against all odds, there’s heart here, too.

The heart comes thanks to some solid character development across the series’ 8 episodes. Peacemaker – a.k.a Christopher Smith – is a damaged soul who’s seen it all. The fact is, despite his misgivings, he’s actually a nice guy. He cherishes peace. His mantra about not caring “how many men, women, and children I need to kill to get it” may seem barbaric, but he’s actually more clueless than sociopathic. His arc throughout season one feels genuine and fulfilling, without the need to lose what makes him Peacemaker.

Like the Suicide Squad, the show cobbles together a group of soldier-like agents with an anti-hero (or two), and sends them on a dangerous mission. There’s antagonism and disloyalty at the beginning, almost a sense of everyone looking out for themselves. During the course of this season, the entire team is brought on a journey of self-awareness and bonding.

The show had me hooked from the beginning. The intro credits alone are an absolute joy to watch, and literally had me beaming when they rolled for each and every episode. If you’re unaware, it features the entire main cast dancing to ‘80s hair metal, complete with ridiculous dance moves. They look so serious as they perform and I honestly love it. It may be the single best intro to a television series since The Simpsons. 

This sense of humor is sprinkled throughout the show and really helps Peacemaker shine. Some of the laughs come from completely random observational jokes, as if Seinfeld himself was writing the script. James Gunn has done a terrific job bringing this damaged character to life in a balanced way.

Like most comic-book-driven plots, the show’s narrative involves an attempt to take over the world. In this case, it’s an alien race of butterflies who inhabit humans, using them as hosts in an “invasion of the body snatchers” way. It may sound generic, but the plot doesn’t seem as well-worm as usual. There’s an element of intrigue as we follow the team’s investigations, and there is rarely a moment of downtime.

Along the way, we meet some of Peacemaker’s existing allies, namely Vigilante and Eagly. Eagly is a completely original creation who is not adapted from the comics. His character is an actual eagle, and an absolutely brilliant concept for a sidekick. Even his simple name of “Eagly”, something a kid would name an animal, serves to paint a picture of Peacemaker’s child-like innocence. Eagly clearly bonds with Chris, and vice versa, in some strangely touching scenes. He may be a minor one, but he’s a welcome inclusion in this crazy cast of characters.

Vigilante is a much more prolific presence. He’s Peacemaker’s self-appointed best friend, and serves as a less stable version of Chris’ own alias. Simply put, he has no qualms about killing, and seems dumbfounded when anything remotely moral is suggested. In fact, Vigilante may be the only character not to grow throughout the series, which is ironic given that he acts like a teenage boy most of the time.

The rest of the cast includes Suicide Squad alumni Economos and Harcourt. These familiar faces reprise their roles from the movie, helping to keep the continuity intact. Economos is more of a tech-based agent, preferring to stay behind the scenes and out of the line of fire. Of course, there are moments when that’s just not possible, usually with brutal and humorous repercussions. Harcourt, on the other hand, is a cold assassin-like soldier with a tough exterior and a chip on her shoulder. 

The team is led by Murn, a solemn man who struggles to bring the juvenile antics of the team to order. His presence reminds us of Amanda Waller’s serious tone when it comes to completing the mission at all costs, though he has an interesting backstory of his own that impacts the story. Speaking of Ms. Waller, it’s nice to see her return, albeit briefly, in a few spots throughout the series.

Newcomer Ads rounds out the team, bringing an enthusiasm that belies her experience. Like everyone else, she has her own baggage, and must learn what it means to be part of this group. Teamwork is a recurring theme of the season, with a cast of misfits coming together – and Peacemaker’s initially jarring presence actually helps to bring them all closer.

The entire cast does a fantastic job. Another standout performance comes from Robert Patrick, who plays Peacemaker’s father, Auggie Smith. If you don’t recognize the actor’s name, you’ll recognize his face; Robert was the villainous liquid-metal assassin in Terminator 2. He’s not a good guy here, either, playing the role of a white supremist who taught Peacemaker everything he knows. It’s a miracle his son turned out so well, given his origin story, and Auggie is continually disappointed in everything Peacemaker says and does. He’s not shy about sharing it, either. There’s a complicated father/son relationship on display here, and, amidst all the action and humor, we’re treated to a great backstory that puts Peacemaker’s origins in context.

There’s plenty of other DC-related references and Easter eggs littered throughout the show to keep fans happy. Most of these poke fun at other superheroes (particularly Aquaman), and it’s refreshing to see DC take itself less seriously. There’s an excellent cameo in the finale that perfectly places Peacemaker in the existing DC universe. It was a well-timed and well-executed joke that should bring a smile to anyone familiar with these characters.

If you’re a fan of comic-book shows, and don’t mind the swearing and violence, there’s a lot to enjoy with Peacemaker. It’s a hilarious, action-packed look at one of the lesser-known characters of the DC universe, and James Gunn has skillfully brought him to life. HBO has revealed plans for a second season – with James Gunn in tow – and I couldn’t be more excited to see what’s next.