The highly anticipated Peacemaker Season 2 finale has left fans divided, earning the dubious distinction of being the lowest-rated episode in the show's history on IMDb. But here's where it gets controversial: was it a genuine letdown, or did fans set themselves up for disappointment by expecting too much? Let’s dive in.
The season concluded with the episode Full Nelson, which clocked in at nearly an hour but surprisingly gave John Cena's Chris Smith limited screen time. Instead, significant portions were dedicated to musical performances by Nelson and Foxy Shazam. This creative choice, while bold, seemed to miss the mark for many viewers who were eagerly awaiting a climactic showdown or resolution to the season’s overarching plotlines.
One of the most glaring omissions was the absence of Earth-X, the sinister alternate dimension that had been teased throughout the season. After building up this mysterious threat, its complete exclusion from the finale felt like a missed opportunity. To add insult to injury, Peacemaker’s long-awaited happy ending was snatched away by a vengeful Rick Flag Sr., leaving a bittersweet taste for fans.
However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Full Nelson did introduce two intriguing concepts to the DC Universe: Checkmate and Salvation, which are rumored to play pivotal roles in future DC Studios stories. Additionally, the episode delivered emotional moments, particularly for fans of the 11th Street Kids and the budding romance between Chris and Emilia Harcourt. These highlights, though appreciated, weren’t enough to salvage the episode’s overall reception.
And this is the part most people miss: James Gunn’s handling of the final episodes may have inadvertently set the stage for disappointment. By keeping them under wraps from critics, teasing big cameos, and labeling the show a Man of Tomorrow prequel, Gunn arguably raised expectations to an unattainable level. Whatever he delivered was bound to fall short for some fans, and the IMDb ratings reflect this—Full Nelson scored a mere 6.8/10, a stark drop from the 9.2/10 ratings of the preceding episodes.
The second-lowest-rated episode of Season 2, Need I Say Door, managed a 7.6/10, but the finale’s plunge in ratings has sparked debates. Did fans overhype the episode, hoping for appearances from Superman, the Justice Gang, and Brainiac? Or did the creative choices simply miss the mark? Gunn’s frequent interviews and social media updates certainly played a role in shaping expectations, leaving fans either thrilled or bitterly disappointed.
Now, Gunn can shift his focus to Man of Tomorrow, while frustrated fans have a year to enjoy DC projects he didn’t helm, like Lanterns, Supergirl, and Clayface. Juggling Creature Commandos, Superman, and Peacemaker has undoubtedly stretched Gunn thin, so concentrating on a single movie might be a welcome change. Despite the mixed reactions, his DCU projects have consistently been critical hits, regardless of IMDb scores.
But here’s the burning question: Did Full Nelson deserve its low rating, or were expectations simply too high? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your thoughts!
For those unfamiliar, Peacemaker follows Chris Smith, a vigilante superhero grappling with his past while pursuing his misguided quest for peace at any cost. Season 2 delves into his discovery of an alternate world, forcing him to confront his trauma and shape his future. Starring John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, and more, the season was written and partially directed by James Gunn, with Peter Safran and Cena as executive producers.
In our earlier review of the first five episodes, we noted that Season 2 felt superfluous, lacking the emotional depth and stakes of its predecessor. Yet, John Cena’s exceptional performance and some fan-pleasing surprises kept it afloat. All episodes are now streaming on HBO Max.
So, how would you rate the finale? Was it a misstep, or did it lay the groundwork for something greater? Share your thoughts below—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
