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Peacemaker S2E8 | Rise of Eagly | Salvation Run, Checkmate, and What It Means for Superman

Challenge Accepted

Release Date: 10/10/2025

Thank you and Goodbye. show art Thank you and Goodbye.

Challenge Accepted

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Frank and Thomas unpack the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, from John Cena’s performance to the big-picture DCU setup. They dig into Salvation Run and Checkmate, how the metahumans vs. government angle points toward Superman, and why this episode feels more like a bridge to Season 3. Along the way, they talk Vigilante’s MVP moments, Harcourt’s arc, Lex Luthor’s influence on Rick Flag, and whether multiverse storytelling still works.

Timestamps & Topics

  • 00:00 — Welcome back and life update from Thomas; setting the table for the finale chat

  • 00:55 — James Gunn’s podcast, fathers and sons, and why that matters to Chris and Adebayo

  • 02:21 — First impressions: great performances, odd placement for a “finale” episode

  • 04:34 — Will there be a Season 3 and where this could continue in the DCU slate

  • 05:16 — The Superman tie-in: metahumans vs. government, framing the next phase

  • 06:06 — Salvation Run explained, Checkmate connections, and deep-cut DC lore

  • 08:31 — Quantum doors and the “QC” device; quick tour of the multiverse worlds

  • 10:13 — Why the multiverse still works here and how Gunn is trusting the audience

  • 11:12 — That black-hole world and callbacks to the new DCU’s prison ideas

  • 12:01 — Rick Flag’s heel turn and the debate over Lex’s manipulation

  • 14:10 — Government vs. metahumans as a DCU driver; room for Batman later

  • 16:02 — Waller, Task Force X, and where Checkmate fits in public vs. shadow ops

  • 18:00 — Vigilante praise, Fleury chemistry, and why the side cast still matters

  • 20:06 — Chris and Adebayo’s “you made me feel loved” scene; mixed reactions

  • 21:30 — Harcourt’s arc, the boat, and the kiss that did not shock the internet

  • 24:02 — Expectation traps, Earth X sleuthing, and fan predictions vs. payoff

  • 28:06 — Is Nicholas Hoult scary enough as Lex yet

  • 31:04 — Judo Master, Langston Fleury, and Checkmate as a home for “good but messy” heroes

  • 32:18 — Final thoughts: Season 1 vs. Season 2, and what is next for DC on TV

Key Takeaways

  • The finale plays like a handoff, setting up Superman and a broader DCU conflict rather than closing Season 2 cleanly.

  • Salvation Run and Checkmate point to deeper DC lore and a clear government vs. metahuman story.

  • John Cena carries the heart and humor; Vigilante continues to be a stealth MVP.

  • Lex’s off-screen sway over Rick Flag divides opinion but supports a long game for the character.

  • The multiverse beats land because they are visual, simple, and high-stakes without heavy exposition.

Quotes

  • “John Cena is so lovable. I want to hug him and watch him wreck shop.”

  • “Episode 7 felt like the true finale. This one felt like a plus-one.”

  • “Salvation is basically a planet of villains trying to rule each other.”

  • “Government vs. metahumans sets the stage for Superman and maybe even Batman.”

  • “Vigilante’s joy is so raw and kid-like that it weirdly grounds the show.”

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Apple Podcast Tags
Peacemaker, DCU, James Gunn, John Cena, Salvation Run, Checkmate, Lex Luthor, Rick Flag, Vigilante, Harcourt, Superman, TV review, Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted, Podcast