A Whole New Whirled

Through out time, history is littered with stories and tales of mankind's achievements. We have harnessed fire and the wheel. We have created great works of art and terrible acts of war. The magnitude of our achievements have spanned from the Colossus of Rhodes, the Library of Alexandria, and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to modern technological miracles like putting a man on the moon and the Internet. As awe inspiring and soul touching as all of these events have been each and every one now pales in comparison to what has been revealed to the world today. I speak to everyone of the peak of human achievement, the ultimate fulfillment of that desire to satisfy the need deep inside us all, and finally an answer as to why this vast and wonderous Universe exists. Today we have reached the pinnacle of human existence that is the opening credits song and dance sequence from Peacemaker. There is no where left to go. There are no more mountains to climb. The rest of eternity is a slow decent down from this Everest and we all will shine out for the better having known that this exists.

This is a lot better than I expected, it's hilarious and actually has good action for a TV show, it actually still feels like The Suicide Squad. My only gripes is the eagle CGI is meh, some jokes don't land, and they try to make you care about peacemaker but it's not compelling enough yet for me to forget how he was basically a terrible person in The Suicide Squad; but maybe that will change in future episodes.

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.

In all honesty I had more anticipation for the premiere of Book of Boba Fett but this first episode of Peacemaker blew the first 4 episodes of Fett out of the water. Freakin hilarious first episode of Peacemaker and well worth your viewing time. If you loved The Suicide Squad humor you'll love this first episode.