Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 3 Review: Another Rick Up My Sleeve

After two episodes of Peacemaker Season 2 gave us a sneak peek of what was possible for a perfect life for Christopher Smith, Season 2 Episode 3, “Another Rick Up My Sleeve,” dives right into this new universe with some optimism. Albeit, it might not be as perfect just quite yet.

Whereas Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 2, “A Man Is Only as Good as His Bird,” tackled Chris’ struggle between here and there, this episode makes the argument that this other life could be worth it after everything Chris has gone through.

However, that’s not in the best case for the rest of the 11th Street Kids as well as A.R.G.U.S., who believe in the emotional and metaphysical danger Chris’ actions cause, respectively. We do get some ample time to understand both ends of this debate, which makes for a very compelling episode, considering what Chris is up to.

This already begins with some new context for the larger part of the DCU: it turns out that Rick Flag Jr. was actually partners with Harcourt before he got deployed. Considering what happened in that film, as well as how Chris coped with his actions, it’s genuinely hard to believe that this was possible.

Yet, in its own way, this new scene actually gives us better insight into Harcourt’s character. She doesn’t want to be in love with Chris because she believes that it might end up the same way her relationship with Flag Jr. was. Harcourt, in some way, fears that not everything will work out once again, but she’s gotten used to it at this point.

However, Adebayo sees right through her as her talk with Harcourt after the previous events of “A Man Is Only as Good as His Bird” created some kind of spark. Though Harcourt doesn’t believe it, her alternate self actually does, which was teased previously.

In the “Elseworld”, Chris’ alternate self was able to fully invest himself into a deep relationship with Harcourt. While the cause of their split remained a mystery for some time, we get that further explored once Chris actually meets up with Harcourt.

Of course, the pomp and circumstance of Chris’ dreams of heroism are also brought to life. It’s about as sweet, if comedically gratuitous, as it can get, as Chris rides off to ARGUS on his own Peace-bike. Here, not only is Flag Jr. actually alive, but he’s about as incompetent as Chris hoped he’d be.

However, that initial hesitancy still lingers in the back of his mind. He wants to move past killing Flag Sr.’s son, but he’s unable to when Flag Jr.’s literally standing right in front of him. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem like Harcourt’s too into Flag Jr.

As we move pass the awkwardness of it all, the Elseworld’s Harcourt reveals that she broke up with Chris because he got too into the life of being a superhero. Harcourt’s not the agent she is in the prime universe, but rather acts like the “Lois Lane” to Chris’ “Superman” while still retaining a bit of that cynicism.

She wants Chris to commit himself as much as she did to the version that Chris accidentally killed way back on Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 1. Though a little walk-and-talk created a bit of leeway for Harcourt to reconsider Chris, what happens in the final act drives her to believe in Chris once again.

In quite an explosive fashion, Chris and Harcourt are thrown into the middle of a high-stakes robbery by an organized gang. Seizing the chance, Chris decides to confront this group head-on, not just to be a hero, but to prove to Harcourt how dedicated he can be.

It slowly, yet easily, throws you into the action, though it’s all “action-hero” pow-wow in classic Peacemaker style. Even the backing music makes the entire sequence have this bravado that replaces the heavy, down-to-earth feeling that was present from Season 1.

Sure, it feels a little bit over-exaggerated with the reactions and movements, but it’s what makes this “happy-go-lucky” Elseworld stand out from the prime universe. That said, there’s not much that happens back in the prime universe on this episode, but it does provide the setup for what’s to come.

For one, Economos’ hesitancy to stick with the 11th Street Kids while doing his job at A.R.G.U.S. has grown too much. Previously, he misguided Langston and his A.R.G.U.S. cronies into fighting Eagly, resulting in their brutal beating. As such, Sasha Bordeaux has recruited some peculiar figures to help Economos and Langston out.

Not only do we get Michael Rooker in his most insane James Gunn-esque role with Red St. Wild, but we also get the return of Judomaster. With A.R.G.U.S. making a new plan, they decide to head to Chris’ house once more as Chris returns from the Elseworld.

Chris not only had to face another fight, but he also had to make those reparations while reflecting on everything that can possibly be.

The moment he shares with his brother, Keith, at the end is one of the most touching moments Peacemaker has given us. It’s only a shame it might be the only time given A.R.G.U.S.’s approach.

Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 3 confidently develops the complex dynamic between Chris and Harcourt while showcasing the narrative importance of this “Elseworld”. As it presents viewers the potential of what Chris’ work as a superhero can be like, it also does a great job highlighting the intricacy of how to move on from the past.

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New episodes of Peacemaker Season 2 premiere on HBO Max on Thursdays.

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