- Peacemaker season 2 episode 3 introduces a group called the Sons of Liberty to the DCU
- The paramilitary organization might hold the key to the show’s big new fan theory
- Fans have long suspected something’s amiss on Earth-2, aka the parallel world Chris Smith keeps visiting
Peacemaker fans are convinced that its latest episode drops the biggest hint yet that there’s some truth to a major new theory about the DC Universe (DCU) TV show’s second season.
Full spoilers immediately follow for Peacemaker season 2 episode 3. Turn back now if you haven’t watched it yet.
This season’s third chapter, titled ‘Another Rick Up My Sleeve’, sees the eponymous anti-hero, real name Chris Smith, actively explore the parallel world – dubbed Earth-2 by the show’s cast and crew – he first discovered in Peacemaker season 2’s premiere.
On the surface, there’s lots to like about the alternate universe he twice describes as being the “best dimension ever”, too. His dad and brother are not only still alive in this reality, but also part of a celebrated superhero group (alongside this world’s Peacemaker) called the Top Trio. A more emotionally available version of Emilia Harcourt exists in this dimension, too. Oh, and the Peacemaker who was part of this universe – you know, before the DCU’s Smith accidentally killed him – owns an incredibly cool, weaponized two-wheeler called the Peace-Cycle.
Ever since Smith stumbled upon this parallel dimension in season 2 episode 1, though, fans have had their suspicions that something isn’t quite right with the seemingly idyllic Earth-2. And, thanks to the introduction of a group known as the Sons of Liberty in episode 3, many are more convinced than ever that their wild fan theory about Earth-2 will be proved correct.
So, what’s their hypothesis? That Earth-2 is a stand-in for Earth-X. In DC Comics, Earth-X is a parallel Earth, which existed prior to 1985/86’s ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths’ comic book series that essentially rebooted the the DC comic book universe, where Nazi Germany won World War II.
There’s evidence to suggest Earth-2 is the DCU’s reimagining of Earth-X, too – the primary proof being that everyone who exists in this parallel dimension is white. Don’t believe me? Go back and watch ‘Another Rick Up My Sleeve’ and see if you can spot any character – main, background or otherwise – who are Black, Asian, or a member of another ethnic minority race.
I’m not the only one who’s noticed the absence of people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, either. Just look at threads that have sprung up on the DC Cinematic and DCULeaks Reddit pages, as well as on ResetEra, which are full of fans saying as much.
“Okay, but what’s this got to do with the Sons of Liberty?” I hear you ask.
For the uninitiated: in DC Comics, the Sons of Liberty are an ultra-nationalist paramilitary organization that incites hate and intolerance. In layman’s terms, they’re fascists who use violence.
Initially in ‘Another Rick Up My Sleeve’, it seems the Sons of Liberty have been adapted as authentically as possible for Peacemaker season 2. Indeed, midway through episode 3, they carry out a mission to infiltrate a building in the center of Evergreen, take people hostage in said building, and set up a bomb with the aim of causing as much death and destruction as possible. Unfortunately for them, the DCU’s Smith kills them all, defuses the explosive, and laps up the adulation from the assembled crowd.
The Earth-2 fan theory flips the script on the Sons of Liberty being the bad guys, though. If Earth-2 is the DCU Chapter One TV series’ take on Earth-X, that would position them as altruistic freedom fighters who are fighting for a better and more diverse world. I can already see the look on the DCU Smith’s face if (and potentially when) he learns Earth-2 is home to a predominantly white supremacist human race – remember, his dad held similar views in the DCU before his death, so this wouldn’t sit well with the Smith we know – at some point in the HBO Max show’s second season.
As with any fan theory, it’s possible that many of us are barking up the wrong tree. But, with DCU co-chief James Gunn suggesting there are plenty of surprises to come in season 2, especially its final three episodes, I wouldn’t be shocked if it’s revealed that Earth-2 is Earth-X in all but name.
But, what do you think? Does this theory hold any weight? Or is it a misdirect to throw us off the scent ahead of a completely different reveal? Let me know in the comments.
