Maximum Peace

I couldn't get HBOMax in Japan my last couple years there because I couldn't afford a decent VPN to go with it (HBOMax is not yet available in Japan). So I'm catching up on shows I wanted to see. Ironically, I never had easy access to Ghibli movies on any streaming service in Japan but now I can finally watch them on HBOMax. I love Ghibli movies but the only one I had opportunity to watch while I was there was the one that was released in theatres, Kimitachi ha dou ikiru ka/The Boy and the Heron.

So now I'm halfway through the second season of House of the Dragon, which I'm enjoying, but then a couple days ago I remembered I hadn't seen the second season of Peacemaker yet. I just started it, I've watched the first two episodes, and I love it. The jealous and untalented vultures seem to be trying to use Supergirl's low box office to drag James Gunn so it's good to be reminded that he's fucking brilliant.

The second season begins with the group being disbanded. The show's now in Gunn's new DC Cinematic Universe continuity, which is explained quickly with a recap that retcons a few moments from the first season, editing out the cameo from the Flash and Aquaman and replacing them with Hawkgirl and Green Lantern from the recent Superman movie. Hawkgirl and Green Lantern turn up again, along with Sean Gunn, to interview Peacemaker for a position on the Justice Gang. It's a hilarious scene. John Cena is back as Peacemaker/Chris Smith and he continues to do a good job of being both ridiculous and sympathetic.

I'm enjoying Jennifer Holland as Harcourt, though her whole character seems to be reacting against what a female character is supposed to be in fiction now. She has an interview with HR in her first scene this season in which she's told that she exhibits too much "toxic masculinity." It's amusing.

There's also an orgy with lots of graphic nudity. I wasn't expecting that but I appreciated it.

Peacemaker is available on HBOMax.