Peacemaker: New DC series is gritty, raunchy, and a rousing good time

HBO Max dropped the first three episode of the new show Peacemaker, which brings back John Cena as the complex anti-hero.

John Cena reprises his role as Christopher Smith/Peacemaker in the new DC series on HBO Max.
John Cena reprises his role as Christopher Smith/Peacemaker in the new DC series on HBO Max.  © IMAGO /Picturelux

On Thursday, the newest TV series that's part of the DC Extended Universe arrived – though it may be hard to stomach for some viewers.

But for those who are privy to the franchise's grotesque sense of humor, it won't be surprising just how crass the show gets.

Nevertheless, the pro wrestler shines as the star of the dark comedy.

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Picking up right after the events of The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker follows the anti-hero's release from the hospital after being shot in the movie.

However, to avoid going back to prison, he is recruited by a black ops team known as Project Butterfly that has been tasked to kill some vicious meta-humans.

With a sublime cast to support him and an action-packed storyline that doesn't let up, it appears the messiness that is Peacemaker may be the comedic relief the world needs today.

Peacemaker is unapologetically crude but still thoroughly entertaining

(From l to r:) Economos (Steve Agee), Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), Murn (Chukwudi Iwuji), Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), and Peacemaker (John Cena) are the new task group Project Butterfly on the series Peacemaker.
(From l to r:) Economos (Steve Agee), Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), Murn (Chukwudi Iwuji), Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), and Peacemaker (John Cena) are the new task group Project Butterfly on the series Peacemaker.  © IMAGO/Picturelux

Racism, sexism, and a pet eagle named Eagley.

In all honesty, Peacemaker is the most ridiculously fun series to come from director James Gunn yet.

The first three episodes kick things off with a bang and draw viewers in with their dazzling cinematography, 80s soundtrack, and an original opening credits that includes a hilarious dance number from the main cast.

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Then there are the other aspects of the DCEU show that are super raunchy.

Peacemaker is clearly not a good guy, despite his constant efforts to prove otherwise.

From making crude remarks to a waitress to his failed attempts at seducing his colleague, the former Suicide Squad member has a hard time proving that he's not a douchebag.

Adding to the fact is that his father, August "Auggie" Smith, played by Robert Smith, is a blatant racist who doesn't hold back his distaste for other cultures. He even goes as far as referring to an Asian-American cop as "Chopsticks." Peacemaker's dad is also apparently the head of a neo-Nazi-esque group, and was hailed the "White Dragon" when he was thrown in jail.

It's clear that the supervillian is the main reason why Peacemaker isn't well-received amongst his new teammates – or the world, for that matter.

But with a few people that seem to be in his corner, like the mysterious Leota Adebayo, portrayed by Danielle Brooks, and Peacemaker's self-proclaimed BFF Vigilante, perhaps the merciless killer will have some sort of redemption as the series progresses.

Then again, he did have random sex with a meta-human and a married woman – so who knows where things are headed for the DC character.

Peacemaker is now streaming on HBO Max.

Cover photo: IMAGO/Picturelux

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