The latest episode of Peacemaker, “Another Rick Up My Sleeve,” delivered a significant twist with the return of a character long believed dead: Rick Flag Jr. Joel Kinnaman reprises his role as the Special Forces operative, who was killed by Peacemaker in 2021’s The Suicide Squad. The revival is made possible through the show’s alternate dimension storyline, introducing a version of Flag who never died.
A flashback in the episode’s opening reveals a previously unknown romantic history between Flag and Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), showing them together on the morning he departed for his fatal mission to Corto Maltese. The scene also includes a subtle nod to the Enchantress from the first Suicide Squad film.
Flag’s re-emergence serves a clear narrative purpose, directly tying into the season’s central conflict. With Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) hunting Chris Smith to avenge his son’s death, the presence of an alternate Rick Jr. complicates the emotional landscape for every character involved. The new dynamic also allows Kinnaman to showcase his comedic talents, as his alternate-dimension Flag is driven to bumbling physical comedy by Chris’s presence.
Meanwhile, Chris is adjusting to life in the alternate universe, assuming the identity of his deceased, heroic counterpart. While he becomes entangled in a web of lies, he also reaps the rewards of a hero’s reputation, from adoring fans to a custom “Peace-Cycle.” His new status is solidified when he single-handedly thwarts a terrorist attack by the Sons of Liberty. In a brutal and methodical sequence, Chris saves the day without his signature uniform, earning the awe of local law enforcement.
Following a more subdued previous installment, this episode injects a potent mix of high-stakes action and dark humor into the season. The assault on the Sons of Liberty is a thrilling highlight, demonstrating Chris’s amazement at his own success in a world that finally sees him as a hero.
The episode also advances several subplots. Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) appears to be the only one who recognizes the growing connection between Chris and this dimension’s Harcourt. At A.R.G.U.S., Economos (Steve Agee) is forced to cooperate with agent Sasha Bordeaux (Sol Rodríguez) in a mission to capture Chris and kill Eagly. This development introduces a new threat: Red St. Wild, a renowned eagle hunter played by Michael Rooker.
