The Dark Twist Behind the DCU’s Alt-Universe

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Peacemaker season 2, episode 3

I think I’ve figured out the massive twist James Gunn is planning for the DCU’s new alt-universe. Beginning with Creature Commandos as its first animated project and Superman as its first live-action movie, the new DC Universe continuity is in full swing with Peacemaker season 2. However, I’m pretty suspicious of this parallel world the show has just debuted.

Remarkably, the DCU already has its own parallel world. Seen in Peacemaker season 2, episode 3, I think we may have just been introduced to one of the darkest Earths in the DC multiverse. Here’s what we know about the DCU’s alt-reality, and all the evidence pointing to a major twist I’m confident is coming in future episodes.

Peacemaker Season 2 Has Debuted An Alternate DC Universe

Peacemaker Season 2 Alt Reality Auggie and Keith

In Peacemaker season 1 (the majority of which is still canon to the new DCU), Chris Smith’s father Auggie had access to a Quantum Unfolding Chamber in his house, a pocket universe where he kept his armor, advanced weaponry, and helmets for Chris.

Now, Peacemaker season 2 has confirmed that the Quantum Unfolding Chamber contains doors to other dimensions and is used by other beings from various worlds.

This includes an alternate Peacemaker from a parallel world to the DCU. Once the primary DCU’s Chris discovers this dimension, it’s revealed that both his brother and father are alive and well in this alt-DCU. Not only that, but the three of them fight crime together as a team known as “The Top Trio”.

Compared to the main DCU, where Chris’ brother Keith died when they were kids and Auggie was a white supremacist whom Chris killed in Peacemaker season 1, this new DC universe seems awfully appealing, featuring everything Peacemaker’s ever wanted and/or lost.

After encountering his alternate self, who was inadvertently killed in their resulting brawl, Chris decides to explore this new reality in Peacemaker season 2, episode 3, posing as his now deceased doppelgänger.

Chris Smith Thinks This New Dimension Is The Best (I’m Not Convinced)

Peacemaker in Alt Reality Peacemaker Season 2

Taking the other Chris’ Peace-Cycle out for a drive to meet with Emilia Harcourt at ARGUS, crowds of people are shown cheering Peacemaker’s name in Peacemaker season 2, episode 3. Receiving hero-worship and praise he’s never experienced before, it’s no wonder Chris thinks that this is the “Best. Dimension. Ever”.

However, there are more than a few elements that make me suspicious, the more time Chris spends in this alternate DCU reality. Firstly, there has yet to be a single person of color in this alt-DCU reality. From the ARGUS agents to the crowds cheering Peacemaker’s name, everyone is white.

Secondly, “The Top Trio” have thus far been the only heroes we know about in this other reality. Furthermore, the Sons of Liberty, who took over a government building in this episode, claimed they were resisting an “oppressive” government.

This all leads me to a pretty big conclusion and the catch that’s undoubtedly coming to throw a wrench in this supposedly “perfect” DCU reality.

DCU Theory: Peacemaker’s New Universe Is Earth-X (Where The Nazis Won)

Crisis On Earth-X JLA JSA Freedom Fighters

All in all, I think it’s incredibly likely that the alt-DCU our Peacemaker discovered is a live-action version of Earth-X. In the original comics, Earth-X was the reality where the Nazis won WWII, resulting in their fascist ideals becoming dominant across the globe.

Fans of the CW’s Arrowverse will remember Earth-X from the shared DC universe’s fourth annual crossover, bringing together heroes from Supergirl, Arrow, The Flash, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow to fight their Nazi counterparts.

If Earth-X is indeed this new DCU reality in Peacemaker season 2, it could easily explain why this alt-Smith family is not only alive but thriving, and why Auggie in particular is seemingly so much kinder. It’s only because his white supremacist and fascist beliefs are the prevailing societal norm in this dimension.

Likewise, Earth-X was similarly short on heroes in the comics. There’s even an issue of Swamp Thing from the 90s based on Earth-X where the Nazis similarly won WWII in a parallel reality, resulting in what appeared on the surface to be an idyllic society (not unlike what we’re seeing in Peacemaker season 2).

Captain Triumph Suit in Peacemaker Season 2

Another potential clue is the newspaper headline about The Top Trio taking down the Silver Age “Rainbow Creature”. One could argue this might be implying/symbolizing anti-LBGTQ sentiments (aligning with Auggie’s overall intolerance/homophobia from Peacemaker season 1), further foreshadowing the future twist that Peacemaker’s newfound dimension is not as perfect as it seems.

Based on trailers, we know that the rest of the 11th St. Kids will eventually head to this alt-DCU reality as well to bring Chris home. Once that happens, that will most likely be the time when the veil is lifted and the truth about this alt-DCU is fully revealed.

New episodes of Peacemaker season 2 release Thursdays on HBO Max.