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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
This week’s story for Peacemaker does not drag on long enough. The penultimate episode of James Gunn’s DC Comics action comedy-drama superhero television series, Peacemaker Season 1 is titled, “Stop Dragon My Heart Around”. It is written by Gunn and directed by Brad Anderson.
In this review, I will be discussing Peacemaker Season 1 Episode 7. There will be no spoilers here, as the title of this article suggests. Nonetheless, please read ahead at your own discretion to avoid any possible revelations.
Plot Synopsis
According to WarnerMedia, here is the synopsis for Peacemaker Season 1 Episode 7.
After setting out to kill the cow, Peacemaker, Vigilante, and a reluctant Economos face off against a revenge-seeking White Dragona and his White Hoods. Meanwhile, as Harcourt and Murn confront Adebayo about her recent betrayal, they are swarmed by a full battalion of Butterfly cops.
WarnerMedia
Discussion
“Stop Dragon My Heart Around” is the shortest episode of the Peacemaker series thus far. In fact, I would argue that it is one of the better ones, too. Following last week’s “Murn After Reading”, Gunn continues his style of storytelling similar to what I’ve noticed in his prior works. While the previous episode employs the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” type of element, this week, we see heroes rise to the occasion while one of their beloved is lost during the action. This is something we’ve seen with Dawn of the Dead (2004), the Guardians of the Galaxy films (2014, 2017), last year’s The Suicide Squad, and dare I say, Super (2010).
On my first watch, I felt the episode to be intriguing. After my second viewing, it was just as great for the runtime it possesses. However, some exposition and a couple of awkward acting could have been fortified. Other than that, the episode features excellent moments including action sequences involving Judomaster (Nhut Le), Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), and Vigilante (Freddie Stroma).
Gunn’s way of wrapping up the season is not so much like HBO’s Watchmen, which I mentioned last week. With his filmmaking style, he approaches bigotry in a way that is rather unique to him. The White Dragon’s sons prove quite a challenge, with one saying “Fuck White Power” aloud and the other trying hard not to fall into the dark path. In terms of the Dragon and Peacemaker’s master-slave dialectic, this would be an interesting case. There needs to be sufficient recognition between the two, and this dynamic only ceases once one is physically killed. Through terror and work, the latter overcomes the former and becomes the master.
The Crew of This Week’s Peacemaker
Clint Mansell and Kevin Kiner compose the musical score for Peacemaker. Evyen J Klean and Ian Broucek are the music supervisors of the episode, while Gregg Featherman serves as its editor with Michael Wale as the cinematographer. Betsy Paterson returns as the visual effects supervisor, while Neil Greenberg and Kevin Gasca edit the VFX.
Lisa Soper, Karin Nosella, and Tonie St-Onge design the production, costumes, and set of the episode, respectively. Colette Storey is the assistant costume designer, while Jessica Lythgoe-Green is the episode’s costume supervisor. Wayne Dalglish and Gaston Morrison serve as stunt coordinators, while Alex Kyshkovych is the fight coordinator of the episode.
Catherine Ircha serves as the supervising art director, while Shannon Grover and David Hadaway are the art directors of the episode. Alexandra Rojek is the set decorator, while Rose Goronzy is the assistant set decorator. Calla Syna Dreyer is the department head of make-up, while Richard Kohlen is the department head of hair.
The Cast of This Week’s Peacemaker
As always, John Cena portrays the title character, Christopher Smith/ Peacemaker, while Robert Patrick portrays the character’s father, August “Auggie” Smith/ White Dragon.
Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, and Steve Agee play respective members of Project Butterfly: Leota Adebayo, Emilia Harcourt, and John Economos, with Chukwudi Iwuji as the group leader, Clemson Murn. Freddie Stroma portrays Adrian Chase/ Vigilante, while Nhut Le portrays Judomaster.
Annie Chang and Lochlyn Munro portray the Evergreen police detectives Sophie Song and Larry Fitzgibbon, respectively; while Christopher Heyerdahl appears as Caspar Locke. Elizabeth Faith Ludlow appears as Keeya.
Quinn Bennett plays a young Christopher Smith, while Liam Hughes plays his later older brother, Keith. Douglas Roy Dack and Trevor Hinton appear as a “white power shithead” and an “asshole referee”, respectively.
Michael Newman plays a reporter. Bzhaun Rhoden plays a young man. Neil Webb, Ryan Jefferson Booth, Jen Znack, and Paul Tryl play “Cool Steve”, a racist thug, a skinhead girl, and a whitehood wanker, respectively.
Tyler Burrows and Dan Ginnane play frat dudes, while Isaac George-Hotchkiss plays an E-Z P-Z cashier. Haig Sutherland, Sarah Corrigan, and Philippe Collins portray Dr. Hurtwitz, a female nurse, and a male nurse, respectively.
Rochelle Greenwood returns as Peggy, while Kevin O’Grady plays Johnson. Zak Santiago plays a prison guard, while Dee Bradley Baker voices Eagly.
Performances and Character Developments
Cena does well as Peacemaker. At first, I did not believe the character is a hero; The Suicide Squad proves this. Although, this series is about him taking those extra baby steps to get him to that point. This week’s episode, in particular, finally brings Peacemaker to such a point, if not in close proximity of it; however, he does not accomplish it without encountering vices along the way.
Additionally, Stroma continues to shine as Vigilante. As the series progressed, I often perceived seen him as akin to Marvel Comics’ Deadpool. Where he fails in not shutting up during times that deem it necessary, he succeeds in fighting for the right cause. The actor solidifies his version of the character as somewhat iconic, and it is such a blast to see him in action.
Chang is fine as usual as Detective Song. She does not have enough screen time in the episode, but this does tease her role in the finale. The character is ruthless when she does cross paths with some members of Project Butterfly. Moreover, Robert Patrick is actually terrifying in costume as The White Dragon. He definitely knows how to take the shots of whatever white supremacist organization he runs is called.
Lastly, we have Holland and Brooks’ dynamic as Harcourt and Adebayo. They do excellently in their scenes together. You will either adore the characters’ drama, dislike their weirdness, or both. However, I do believe that the dialogue that Gunn has written for them might require slight improvements.
Final Thoughts
This second-to-last episode of Peacemaker Season 1 has its flaws here and there. However, if this is your first time watching this specific episode, it might be to your liking. Afterward, try not to think about it too much.
“Stop Dragon My Heart Around” possesses promise for the first season finale. Gunn’s filmmaking signature continues to be felt here. Perhaps it’s best that he’s the only one doing it like he is, but also… Is it time for something new from the renowned Guardians of the Galaxy writer/director? Maybe, although that does not mean it’s a bad thing.
James Gunn’s DC Comics television series, Peacemaker, is now on HBO Max!
Have you seen this television series? If so, what are your thoughts? Let us know! For more action, comedy, drama, and superhero-related news and reviews visit and follow The Cinema Spot on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Also, if you are looking to expand your DCEU Funko Pop collection, check out this Peacemaker Funko POP from James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad available for purchase on Amazon!
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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