Peacemaker: A shocking death births a new leader

The penultimate episode for DC's Peacemaker has shaken up the comedic series, as two major deaths alter the antihero's world.

Jennifer Holland stars as agent Emilia Harcout in the DC series Peacemaker.
Jennifer Holland stars as agent Emilia Harcout in the DC series Peacemaker.  © IMAGO/Picturelux

The HBO Max series continues to not disappoint with its new action-packed seventh episode, Stop Dragon My Heart Around.

The show's squad Project Butterfly is now down a member as John Cena's character Peacemaker squares off against his abusive, racist father in the penultimate chapter.

Thursday's episode picks up from Adebayo's, played by Danielle Brooks, betrayal. After Peacemaker uncovers her deceit, he goes rogue.

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Things get bloody and messy when The White Dragon, aka Auggie, shows up with his hooded followers to kill Peacemaker.

From start to finish, the latest episode is satisfyingly delightful and intensely gripping. Grim sacrifices are made, and the antihero ultimately ends his father's toxic hold over him – finally.

Yet the fabulous Jennifer Holland, who portrays the distant Emilia Harcourt, is the episode's principal player.

Project Butterfly gets a new leader just in the nick of time

In the seventh episode of Peacemaker, Harcourt becomes the new leader of Project Butterfly after their leader, Murn, is killed.
In the seventh episode of Peacemaker, Harcourt becomes the new leader of Project Butterfly after their leader, Murn, is killed.  © IMAGO/Picturelux

One of the best parts about the raunchy DCEU series is its ability to give each character the spotlight.

There is a lot was going in the latest episode, for sure. Vigilante literally sets himself on fire and Peacemaker kills his father - which was long overdue.

Still, Hollands' performance as the complicated Harcourt is down right bewitching and emotionally captivating, and it's clear that it's her time to shine.

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Initially the A.R.G.U.S. agent is cold, distant, and untrusting of Peacemaker. But the series progresses, Harcourt's frigid demeanor thaws and she begins to trust and have the backs of her fellow comrades.

Therefore, no can blame the agent for calling out Adebayo for betraying Peacemaker – though he's still a bit of a douchebag. And despite not trusting the daughter of her shrew former employer Amanda Waller, she still protects her.

Harcourt also shows her vulnerable side when she cries over Chukwudi Iwuji's Clemson Murn, the group's leader who selflessly sacrifices himself to let his team escape.

And can we talk about Harcourt's epic fighting skills? She shows just how good she is when she beats the hell out of Judomaster, played by Nhut Le.

All of this combined is why the remaining members of Project Butterfly appoint Harcourt as their new leader, and thank God they did. With an army of butterfly-infected police officers after them and a still somewhat confusing alien-like cow to destroy, the remaining black ops team needs someone that will keep them alive.

Hopefully.

Will Project Butterfly save the world? The season finale for Peacemaker airs on February 17, only on HBO Max.

Cover photo: IMAGO/Picturelux

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