The sixth episode of Peacemaker season 2 just dropped, and to say it shook the foundations of the DC Universe would be an understatement. From shocking reveals to game-changing twists, Christopher Smith’s journey has never been more complicated. Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and how it sets up the future of the DCU.
Christopher Smith’s Impossible Choice
Peacemaker has always been one of the most tragic figures in DC’s lineup. Behind the bravado and crude jokes is a man haunted by his past — his father’s abuse, his brother’s death, and the blood he spilled in the name of peace.
In season 2, those wounds were reopened as A.R.G.U.S. director Rick Flag Sr. pursued him relentlessly, blaming him for the death of his son, Rick Flag Jr. (The Suicide Squad). At the same time, Chris struggled with his feelings for Emilia Harcourt, unsure if love or redemption was even possible for someone like him.
Episode 5 presented him with a dangerous temptation: escape. By stepping through an interdimensional doorway, he could live in a version of reality where everything he ever wanted existed — his family alive, his father loving him, Harcourt at his side, and himself hailed as a true hero.
Episode 6 explored what happens when dreams come true… but hide a nightmare underneath.
Welcome to Earth-X
The episode, aptly titled “Ignorance Is Chris”, fully revealed the nature of the new world: none other than Earth-X.
At first, things seemed perfect. Chris had the validation and family he had craved all his life. Even Harcourt shared a tender moment with him, admitting her feelings in a way fans have waited for since season 1.
But cracks quickly began to show. Emilia noticed strange inconsistencies — like the unsettling lack of diversity on this “perfect earth.” When Adebayo wandered through the streets, she was immediately met with violent hostility simply because of her race. Even Keith, Chris’ beloved brother, joined the mob screaming slurs at her.
It was the chilling confirmation: this wasn’t paradise. It was a dystopia built on Nazi victory — the infamous Earth-X from DC Comics.
Earth-X in the Comics
Long-time comic readers recognized the signs instantly. In the comics, Earth-X is a dimension where the Nazis won World War II and spread their ideology across the globe. This earth is dominated by fascism, racism, and oppression, with the Freedom Fighters (a team of heroes like Uncle Sam, Phantom Lady, and The Ray) as the only line of resistance.
The Peacemaker version leans heavily into that concept. The altered flag, the treatment of Adebayo, and the “too perfect” veneer all serve as indicators that this world is rotten at its core.
The big question: will Chris and his crew step into the role of Freedom Fighters? They may have no choice if they want to save themselves and this broken dimension.
Alternate Characters and Their Twists
One of the episode’s best moments came from Adrian Chase (Vigilante) meeting his alternate self. While hilarious at first, the humor turned dark when Earth-X Adrian revealed that he joined the Sons of Liberty because of his Peacemaker — suggesting that the Chris of this world is not a misunderstood antihero but an active enabler of tyranny.
This realization shook Chris, making him question whether the “ideal” version of himself is even worth aspiring to.
Meanwhile, Emilia Harcourt of Earth-X exposed Chris’ delusion head-on, declaring him blind to the suffering around him. For Chris, this was another brutal reminder that ignoring reality in favor of comfort only perpetuates evil.
The Lex Luthor Twist
While Chris wrestled with his personal hell, the episode also expanded the larger DCU storyline. Back on the prime Earth, Rick Flag Sr. sought answers and turned to none other than Lex Luthor, with Nicholas Hoult reprising the role.
Their deal was chilling: Lex would provide A.R.G.U.S. with a device to track interdimensional energy, allowing them to pursue Chris and his friends. In return, Flag and his operatives would effectively “work for Lex.”
This cameo has massive implications. Not only does it cement Lex as a long-term power player in the DCU, but it also ties Peacemaker into the upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow movie, where Lex and Superman are rumored to have a reluctant partnership. Episode 6 looks like it just set the stage for that.
What the Ending Really Means
By the time credits rolled, one thing was clear: Peacemaker cannot run from his demons. The “perfect life” he sought turned out to be built on fascism and hatred, and staying in Earth-X would mean betraying everything he once stood for.
The ending suggests several key directions:
- Chris’ Redemption Arc: He may finally accept that peace built on lies is no peace at all. His decision to fight against Earth-X could be his true first step toward redemption.
- Formation of the Freedom Fighters: With his crew stranded in a Nazi-ruled world, they might become this dimension’s unexpected heroes.
- The Rise of Lex Luthor: His partnership with A.R.G.U.S. ensures that his fingerprints are all over the future of the DCU. Don’t be surprised if this thread connects directly to Superman’s next film.
Final Thoughts
Episode 6 was everything fans hoped it would be: emotional, shocking, and loaded with comic book lore. It blended Peacemaker’s deeply personal struggles with the larger stakes of the DC multiverse, ensuring that this chapter will be remembered as one of the show’s boldest yet.
The arrival of Earth-X and the return of Lex Luthor have officially changed the rules of the game. What happens next could define not just Peacemaker season 2, but the direction of the DCU itself.
Peacemaker season 2 streams Thursdays on HBO Max.