It has flown by, but Peacemaker‘s first season has reached its epic, emotional, satisfying conclusion.
On Peacemaker Season 1 Episode 8, “It’s Cow or Never,” Peacemaker and the team make their last stand against the butterflies and their main food source, “The Cow.”
All season, Peacemaker has excelled because of the balance it maintains between humor, heart, and pulse-pounding action. “It’s Cow or Never” is no exception to that. The tone has been consistent throughout, and yet the characters have all grown tremendously over the course of the season.
In addition to the massive alien obstacle that the heroes have to overcome, several characters battle emotional obstacles as well. Adebayo, for instance, has to reckon with her betrayal of Peacemaker versus her mother’s wishes.
Peacemaker is battling his demons after killing his father. Even though his father was most certainly a bad man, the guilt of it still weighs on him. This creates opportunities for multiple compelling scenes for Robert Patrick after his character’s expiration.
And of course, we mustn’t forget the fabulous, emotional scene in which Economos admits to (and his reasons for) dyeing his beard. It’s a scene that truly encompasses what Peacemaker is — a show that can take a running joke and turn it into a deeper emotional moment. Steve Agee deserves major props for the whole season, but also specifically this moment.
Goff: What do you say?
Peacemaker: Activate human torpedo.
What’s truly amazing about Peacemaker is that of course they accomplished their mission to destroy “The Cow” — but that almost feels like an afterthought compared to the emotional climax for each character. Sure, the battle scene to the show’s theme is awesome, but what people will remember is the characters and how they’ve grown.
Beyond all of that – Peacemaker being the first DCEU series means they had to go big for the finale. And boy did they ever!
Not only does “It’s Cow or Never” feature a repeat appearance from Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, but it also features (SPOILERS) the JUSTICE LEAGUE. America’s collective jaws hit the floor when Jason Momoa and Ezra Miller make brief cameo appearances as Aquaman and The Flash. I can’t repeat their lines in good conscience, but suffice to say it’s hilarious.
Peacemaker concludes its first season on a high note, a feat at which many shows before it have failed. But it will certainly set the standard for comic book fare going forward, and that’s going to be a tough act to follow.
A few stray thoughts:
- I’m not sure I’ve laughed harder all season than when Peacemaker and Vigilante are interrupting Adebayo with raspberries. Hilarious.
- “I’m going inside” “Why?” “Because of this bag.” “OK!”
- One of my favorite running gags is Peacemaker and Vigilante ranking their friends.
- Speaking of Vigilante, Freddie Stroma is absolutely phenomenal in the role. I can’t imagine anyone else doing it.
- Peacemaker has officially been renewed for Season 2!! James Gunn has a phenomenal show on his hands, and I can’t wait to see what he does next!
What did you think of this episode of Peacemaker? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Peacemaker is now streaming on HBO Max.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
The post Peacemaker Review: It’s Cow or Never (Season 1 Episode 8) first appeared on Tell-Tale TV.