Peacemaker Season 2 Shocking Death & DCU Villain Setup Explained

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Peacemaker season 2, episode 7!James Gunn explains how Peacemaker season 2, episode 7’s big death sets up a DCU villain story in the penultimate episode of the season. Peacemaker season 2, episode 7 saw the alternate Earth’s variant of Auggie killed by the Vigilantes. This leads to a major brawl where Chris’ alternate brother, Keith, is nearly killed. However, Chris spares his life.

Speaking on DCS ‘ Peacemaker: The Official PodcastGunn explained how Auggie’s death lays the groundwork for Keith becoming a villainous Captain Triumph in the larger DCU. He explains how, for Chris, seeing him die was reliving his childhood trauma, while for Keith, it opens a new wound that could see him becoming a major villain moving forward:

We also learn a little bit more about Peacemaker 2, hearing about how he was not a good guy. And you see that Auggie has real compassion for our Peacemaker. He knows his son was a bad guy. He loved him, he knows that he loves him, but he also knows – when looking at it in a sober fashion – (he) was not a good human being. He can see that the Chris from our planet is a good person, and he wants to save them – he wants to save all of (them). Just have you go back, and never come back. There’s this sort of horrifying, terrifying moment where Peacemaker screams. A real, guttural scream and says, “Please, please get off of him!” It’s obvious that he’s reliving his trauma that he experienced when he was a child, where his brother died. He pushes everyone back, and he holds his brother, who hates him, in his arms. And he says, “It’s not my world that’s wrong, it’s not your world that’s wrong, it’s me.” And he flashes through all the people that have died at his hands, and is in Hell.

I will say, in the original draft, Harcourt kills (Keith). In one way, the whole season is Captain Triumph’s origin as a super villain. A white supremacist, piece of s—t super villain. And what a weird super villain to have as your arch-enemy; it’s your brother from another dimension, who hates you because you killed yourself.

What Auggie’s Death In Peacemaker Season 2 Really Means For The DCU

Despite Earth-2 being ruled by Nazis, Auggie wasn’t one, stating he did what he could within his means to fight back against the system. However, this did not stop the Vigilantes from killing him, with Kieth attacking as retribution. He’s near death when Peacemaker season 2, episode 7 leaves him, but doesn’t end up dying, meaning he can still appear later.

Based on Gunn’s statement, that’s exactly what might happen. Keith’s world has been turned upside down since the arrival of the main Chris, as he now knows his real brother has been dead this whole time. He’s also shown himself aligned with the Nazi ideology of his reality, reflecting the series creators’ sentiment about the kind of villain he’ll become.

It’s unclear when this will be revealed, though, nor when Peacemaker season 2, episode 7 ends, Chris gives the dimensional portal device to Rick Flag Sr. Now that it’s in ARGUS possession, it’s uncertain how Keith will appear again. But, with the acting director having made a deal with Lex Luthor, the possibility of larger dimensional events is more likely.

Our Take On Auggie’s Death In Peacemaker Season 2

Photograph by Jessica Miglio/HBO Max

Auggie’s death is the first domino in a long line that will likely lead to Chris and Keith meeting face-to-face again. The two have been traumatized by the events of their respective worlds. They may not be brothers by blood, but the eventual confrontation will have deep meaning. Their bond goes beyond dimensions, making it important for the DCU.

Nor for the final episode of Peacemakerit seems like the last stretch of adventure that transpires will continue to involve various doors and dimensions. While there’s no guarantee Keith is going to show up, it does lay the groundwork for how he might reappear as the DCU continues. Although the exact nature of what’s next is up to Gunn.

Peacemaker‘s season 2 finale airs Thursday at 9 pm ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Release Date

January 13, 2022

NETWORKS

HBO Max, Max

Directors

James Gunn, Brad Anderson, Rosemary Rodriguez