Why Peacemaker Killed Rick Flag – And How It Impacts ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2

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In the DC Universe, the tension between John Cena’s character Peacemaker and Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag Jr., particularly noticeable in the leadership roles they held within Task Force X in both “Suicide Squad” and James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad,” reaches a critical point. This conflict promises to have far-reaching effects in the second season of “Peacemaker.”

In “Suicide Squad” and “The Suicide Squad,” Flag served as the leader, while Peacemaker made his DCU debut in the latter film. Their relationship soured rapidly, with their animosity intensifying throughout the storyline, leading eventually to Flag’s demise.

Although initially part of the older DC Extended Universe (DCEU), aspects from James Gunn’s movie, The Suicide Squad, have been blended into the new DC Universe that Gunn and Peter Safran are shaping. As a result, certain events in the film have now become established as truth and serve as the foundation for the Peacemaker spin-off series airing on HBO Max.

In August, on the 21st, the first episode of the second season of “Peacemaker” premiered on HBO Max. This marked the return of Dwayne Johnson, portraying Christopher Smith in his helmet, alongside his fellow characters Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), and Harcourt (Jennifer Holland). The series, developed and directed by Gunn, also shares ties with his recent DC Studios film titled “Superman.

Why Peacemaker Killed Rick Flag In the DCU

Rick Flag, a seasoned military veteran and head of Amanda Waller’s Task Force X, encountered his equal in Peacemaker – a helmet-donning pacifist with an intense devotion to his cause. Both men were equally strong and skilled, excelling in marksmanship and combat, showcasing their shared talents.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but reflect on the dynamic between Peacemaker and Flag in “The Suicide Squad.” Often, they found themselves at odds, engaging in frequent disagreements over the best approach to various situations. A prime example was when Flag decided to alter their mission, aiming to rescue Harley Quinn, played by the captivating Margot Robbie.

In my latest movie review, I found myself at an unexpected crossroad when the protagonist, Flag, unveiled a startling revelation: Amanda Waller had been keeping secrets about Task Force X’s true mission – to conceal the government’s collaboration with Project Starro. In a bold move, Flag swiped a crucial hard drive, containing evidence of the US administration’s clandestine research on Starro, aiming to expose their plans to transform it into a deadly weapon for global domination.

In the following scenario, Peacemaker was instructed by Waller to prevent Flag from disclosing sensitive information. To avoid conflict, Peacemaker cautioned Flag but found himself in a physical altercation instead. Despite appearing to be at a disadvantage during this intense fistfight, Peacemaker eventually ended the confrontation tragically, inflicting a fatal wound on Flag using a piece of debris.

How Peacemaker’s Rick Flag Decision Will Impact ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2

In the movie “The Suicide Squad”, Peacemaker stood by Waller’s side, making him the sole faithful member of Task Force X. He later clashed with Bloodsport (played by Idris Elba) and sustained near-fatal injuries as a result. However, in the TV series “Peacemaker” Season 1, he persisted in his association with ARGUS, creating his own squad to carry out their missions.

In Season 2 of Peacemaker, the consequence of his action to eliminate Rick Flag will catch up with him. This is because a new leader in ARGUS is presented, none other than Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo. Although Rick Flag Sr. has appeared in two previous DC Universe productions, Creature Commandos and Superman, Peacemaker Season 2 marks the first time his son’s killer will come face-to-face with him.

In the upcoming weeks, Senior Flag is set to make his first appearance on Season 2 of Peacemaker, and the tension between them promises to be intense. Previews for the HBO series suggest that Senior Flag is out to track down Peacemaker due to his use of his father’s pocket dimension. To add fuel to the fire, Senior Flag holds a longstanding grudge against the antihero, asserting that “I must find Peacemaker. He was the one who killed my son.

In the teaser for Season 2 of “Peacemaker,” snippets seem to suggest that Flag Jr.’s legacy will be a significant aspect. A scene featuring his funeral is even included. The sorrow over his loss is expected to heavily influence Flag Sr.’s actions in Season 2, leading up to a potentially brutal confrontation between him and the main character. In the trailer, we hear Flag Sr. say, “My son was a better man than you could ever aspire to be.” This suggests he intends to avenge his son’s death, which might prove disastrous for Peacemaker.

In the upcoming season, it appears Peacemaker will endeavor to make amends for past transgressions, potentially including his role in Flag’s death. Yet, at a certain juncture, he expresses doubts about redemption, saying, “‘I’m not sure redemption is an option here,’” indicating that the Suicide Squad incident may be a significant source of regret for him throughout the new season.

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2025-08-22 22:05