What if one of the most powerful characters in Peacemaker Season 2 was hiding in plain sight—literally as a joke?
James Gunn’s Peacemaker Season 2 is a wild ride through alternate realities, emotional breakthroughs, and absurd humor, and for the most part, it all works together beautifully. From Nazi-controlled dimensions to candy-eating monsters, the show uses its sci-fi chaos to bring its characters closer together. Whether it's Judomaster (Nhut Le) finally finding her place on Team Peacemaker or Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) bonding with Langston Fleury (Tim Meadows) over animal trivia, the multiverse madness always serves the story.
But here's where it gets controversial: one of the season's most intriguing subplots—arguably one of its biggest—gets dropped like a hot potato just when it’s heating up. And no, we’re not talking about the unresolved tension between Leota (Jennifer Holland) and Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), or even the fate of the Butterflies. We’re talking about Eagly—yes, that talking eagle with a taste for lunch meat—and his sudden, shocking reveal as the Prime Eagle, the most powerful being on Team Peacemaker.
Let’s break it down. In Season 2, after Eagly goes full beast mode in a brutal fight, A.R.G.U.S. brings in Red St. Wild (Michael Rooker), a grizzled eagle hunter with a mystical obsession. Red believes Eagly isn’t just any bird—he’s the legendary Prime Eagle, a mythic figure who commands all eagles. For several episodes, the show leans into this bizarre subplot, mixing action, comedy, and even a touch of mysticism as Red becomes more unhinged in his pursuit.
Then comes Episode 6, "Ignorance is Chris", where the truth drops like a guillotine: Eagly is the Prime Eagle. That’s right—Peacemaker’s feathered sidekick is actually the most powerful member of the team. Cue stunned silence, eagle minions, and a flaming aura.
But—and this is the part most people miss—the very next episode, the show completely abandons this revelation. Red dies, Eagly goes back to being the goofy, meat-loving bird we all know and love, and the Prime Eagle twist becomes a one-off gag. No follow-up. No consequences. No explanation.
So why did the show drop the ball on this massive plot thread?
The answer might lie in the tone of the series itself. Peacemaker thrives on absurdity and character-driven comedy. While Eagly’s newfound powers could have opened up epic storylines—imagine him summoning eagle armies or casually bending reality—the showrunners likely realized that elevating him too much would disrupt the delicate balance of humor and heart that makes the show work.
Think about it: Eagly is at his funniest when he’s doing mundane, ridiculous things—like riding shotgun with his head out the window like a golden retriever or pecking at a fridge in frustration. The humor lies in the contrast between his adorable behavior and his hidden godlike abilities. Once the audience knows he’s the Prime Eagle, that contrast becomes even funnier. Peacemaker (John Cena) and Economos (Steve Agee) still have no clue, which makes Eagly’s casual displays of power—like effortlessly beating up a squad of goons—feel like inside jokes just for us.
And that might be the real genius of it. By walking back the Prime Eagle reveal, the show keeps Eagly in his lane as a comedic wildcard, not a plot-driving powerhouse. It’s a bold choice, and one that some fans might find frustrating. Shouldn’t a character this powerful have more of a role in the overarching narrative? Or is it better to leave some mysteries untouched, especially when the joke is the point?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Should powerful characters always play a central role in the plot, or can their strength be more impactful when it’s used sparingly for emotional or comedic beats? Let us know in the comments.
And here’s another one: Was James Gunn right to sideline the Prime Eagle arc, or did he miss a golden opportunity to elevate one of the show’s most beloved characters?
Peacemaker Season 2 is now streaming in full on HBO Max. Whether you loved it or felt it dropped the ball, there’s no denying it’s one of the most unique and ambitious shows in the DC universe.
