A Major Character Death Gives Us An Emotionally Powerful John Cena Performance

Warning! This review contains SPOILERS for Peacemaker season 2, episode 7.Peacemaker season 2’s episode 7 is easily one of my favorites. The DC series has become one of the most exciting projects the studio has ever put out, and with its latest episode, John Cena’s performance underscores how much of a powerhouse actor he’s become. After episode 6’s shocking twist, the new hour further explores the Nazi Earth and what it means for the show.

While the season’s biggest plot twist was already behind us, episode 7 managed to surprise with another major moment that ended in a heartbreaking death. It also does a great job of setting up the finale and how the multiverse could play a new role in it.

Peacemaker’s Alternate Dimension Still Had One More Twist To Reveal

What happened with Blue Dragon was a shock. Given that Auggie Smith was a racist villain with several followers back in Peacemaker season 1, it seemed obvious the same would be true on Earth-X.

As such, it was relieving to know that wasn’t the case. Revealing that Blue Dragon was not a villain, with the character telling Peacemaker and his friends that he did not agree with the Nazis, was the most shocking thing the show could have done. It confirmed that a key part of Chris’ dream dimension was real.

It also made it hurt so much more when Vigilante, who was not there for the reveal, immediately killed Blue Dragon as soon as he arrived. Peacemaker season 2 has been more focused on Christopher Smith as a character than on his superhero adventures. A huge part of what makes him work is related to all his childhood trauma.

Episode 7 focuses on that, bringing it all back for him, and you can’t help but feel for him. After he was forced to kill his father in season 1, Peacemaker now had the joy of finding out his dad’s Earth-X counterpart was a good guy despite the Nazis ruling the world, only for him to die brutally right in front of him.

If anyone still doubted John Cena’s acting skills due to his WWE background, then I don’t believe that could still be possible after the level of performance he just pulled in the DC series.

That was made even more powerful when Peacemaker’s friends saved him from Keith, only to almost kill Peacemaker’s alternate dimension brother. Seeing Chris relive the moment his brother died in his world through flashbacks that cut between what was happening made the moment one of the show’s most distressing. Peacemaker lets out a scream that felt like his child self.

The actor was firing on all cylinders in episode 7. If anyone still doubted John Cena’s acting skills due to his WWE background, his performance in just that scene alone would have changed their mind. I was moved by the utter despair in his eyes. What a scene.

Cena’s impeccable comedic timing is also a delight. However, the best parts of the show come from these deep character moments, where the actor taps into more profound material and brings out a raw, stripped-back energy to Chris. It’s as if we see all of what Peacemaker is laid bare on the table, and that’s powerful.

Peacemaker’s Season 2 Finale Is Set Up Perfectly

Chris Smith in Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 7

With an extremely emotional new chapter, the penultimat episode wonderfully sets up the season 2 finale. As the finale’s trailer revealed, Rick Flag Sr. and ARGUS will be exploring several dimensions in search of something. Flag might be looking for a dimension where his son is alive.

After all, his arc this season has revolved around Flag Jr.’s death and Peacemaker’s role in it. With episode 7 seeing a father die in front of his son, it would be poetic for the season 2 finale to be about a father trying to get his son back.

Given that the actor has already returned for an episode this season for flashbacks as the original Flag and to play his Earth-X counterpart, it would make sense for him to come back for good in the finale.

With Keith still alive and filled with rage due to his brother and father’s deaths, he should come calling. Having Peacemaker‘s final season 2 showdown be with the brother he accidentally killed in his world would be epic. Such a charged encounter should leave a lasting effect on Chris, and I hope it happens, though with no deaths this time.

The final episode of Peacemaker season 2 releases Thursday at 9pm ET on HBO Max.