A Whole New Whirled

It's decently funny, the intro is pretty wicked too.

It's a little woke which is kind of cringe but I'm still enjoying it. If it starts to force that more in your face though I will probably stop watching, but overall pretty good. You'll enjoy it for what it is.

It's not the best show ever, but it's pretty fun to watch if you just take it for what it is.

To stay out of prison Peacemaker joins a newly set up team. After reconnecting with his political incorrect father and after some team bonding he faces a new threat head-on.

Writer/director James Gunn delivers an entertaining first episode (in the vein of his own Suicide Squad) which pulls no punches, even surpassing Ash vs Evil Dead, certainly in terms of nudity and foul language. It has a film feel and shot on location look which elevates the shenanigans. From the amusing 'previously on Peacemaker' recap and tone setting dance number opening credits, to the character group dynamics and the closing climatic fight, it's a whole new whirlwind of fun.

Debating more entertaining and unique than the first episodes of its Marvel counterparts. In keeping with the awkward character, it's off putting, rude and inappropriate, which isn't a bad thing. The humour is on point with some genuine laugh-out-loud moments. Muscle bound actor John Cena isn't shy to poke fun at himself or the character and appears to be having a blast making it, this comes through on screen. From the action to the wit and character moments, it's sharp, well staged, edited and executed. You can see the potential, there's plenty they can do with the character on his journey of betterment.

Perfectly cast, littered with dark comedy and entertaining cringeworthy moments, Gunn is able to thread in a bit of backstory with his dad and give the character a reason for why he is like he is. It's nicely paced, spending time with the secondary characters without moving on too fast to the next setup or gag.

Overall, it pulls no punches and takes no prisoners. The tone may take you left of field but Cena with Gunn's on the nose script delivers TV gold in this first episode, of course, that is, if tactless superhero vigilantes are your thing.

James Gunn masterfully launches this spin-off with the same irreverent energy that made The Suicide Squad memorable, delivering a series premiere that balances crude humor with surprising emotional depth. The episode establishes its tone immediately through a brilliantly choreographed opening credits sequence that perfectly encapsulates the show's self-aware absurdity while hinting at deeper character complexities beneath the surface bravado.

Written and directed by series creator James Gunn A Whole New Whirled - Wikipedia, the episode showcases confident visual storytelling that elevates HBO Max's production values through dynamic cinematography and vibrant color palettes that distinguish suburban mundanity from covert operations. The technical execution feels cinematic, with fluid camera movements during action sequences and intimate character moments receiving equal attention to detail.

John Cena delivers a nuanced performance that expands beyond his film portrayal, revealing vulnerability beneath the patriotic facade while maintaining the character's trademark bombast. The supporting ensemble, particularly Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt and Danielle Brooks as Leota, brings grounded professionalism that anchors the more outlandish elements. Steve Agee provides welcome comic relief as John Economos, while Freddie Stroma's Adrian Chase adds an endearing awkwardness that complements the team dynamics.

The episode succeeds in establishing "Project Butterfly" as an intriguing central mystery while exploring themes of redemption and identity through its protagonist's reluctant heroism. Gunn's script balances crude comedy with moments of genuine pathos, particularly in scenes exploring family trauma and moral ambiguity. The pacing feels deliberate yet engaging, building tension through character interactions rather than relying solely on action set pieces. Production design creates a lived-in world that feels both fantastical and authentically grounded in small-town America, supporting the narrative's exploration of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

John Cena is amazing, writing is amazing, action, comedy real good stuff.

Two black lesbians one of whom fat in the very first 5 minutes.... Now that u know what ur looking at apply it to the whole show and watch at your own risk.

Well on the superhero front I think it's safe to say HBO MAX= 1, Disney Plus = 0 (save for Wandavision)

I'm amazed at the quality of this episode. Of course Jame Gunn is super talented but there is a low key aspect to the comedy and R rated elements that works perfectly, almost better than The Suicide Squad.

First of all the opening credits are amazing, unskippable. Then the balance between the character scenes and action sequences is spot on. Actual actions scenes, good CGI and WELL CHOREOGRAPHED fights : dear Marvel should take notes, yeah I'm looking at you, Hawkeye. The cast feels real and is immediately likable.

Of course, you have to like Gunn's tendency to saturate the screen with OTT overacting characters laughing at their own dirty awful jokes and his obsession with ironic soundtracks, but when it works it really does. The humor has actually room to breath and feels like conversations thanks to the format. In his movies the jokes are so hysterical they can feel like advert lines. And finally the cherry on the cake is the greatness of John Cena who is basically a cartoon Schwarzenegger.

Plus I just rewatched all the available episodes and there is a very clever caterpillar scene that foreshadows the main storyline... Well done DC. Well done.