After a few entertaining episodes held back by an excess of setup, “Back to the Suture” delivers on numerous fronts and tells the best story of the season. The story begins with a closer look at Harcourt’s relationship with Rick Flag Sr. and Jr. at the latter’s funeral. In the present, Peacemaker walks right into a trap Harcourt warned him about, all so he can talk to her about their relationship. Knowing he’s surrounded by A.R.G.U.S., Peacemaker hilariously takes cover behind dogs, couples, and children in an incredible gag that also serves to display Peacemaker’s genuine tactical cleverness. Peacemaker is almost taken down by Boreaux, revealed to be a cyborg, but is apprehended by Harcourt and taken to headquarters, where he is beaten up by Rick Flag. Since Economos put Peacemaker’s arrest on file, Rick Flag is unable to secretly torture and murder him. At the cabin, Eagly is revealed to be the magical prime eagle and, with a swarm of other eagles, brutally murders Red St. Wild. Finally, Judomaster follows a depressed Peacemaker into the alternate dimension. Peacemaker closes the door behind them, leaving friends distraught and determined to pursue him. Peacemaker is happy in the alternate universe, killing monsters (the same as in the Superman film) with his family and ending up with Harcourt. 

The main plot points in “Back to the Suture” were executed extremely well, but this episode also shines in moments with its minor characters. Sasha Bordeaux being revealed to be a cyborg worked extremely well, and her relationship with Rick Flag Sr. entered an interesting, strangely romantic level. Agent Fleury is familiarly obnoxious until, in a moment of genuine goodness, he compliments Economos’ decision to book Peacemaker’s arrest. Adebayo and Vigilante bonding over her investigative services being interpreted as sexual was entertaining and helped build their relationship before Vigilante’s tearful moment after Peacemaker leaves. Finally, Judomaster being skyrocketed to importance by following Peacemaker into the dimensional door was a surprising, exciting escalation of the hilarious character. 

Overall, this was an extremely strong episode of Peacemaker. Where previous episodes served to mostly establish plot points, the energy and pace of “Back to the Suture” set up the remaining episodes while telling a strong, climactic, and compelling story on its own. Even though Bordeaux and Fleury have room to grow, all of the newly introduced A.R.G.U.S. agents are coming into their own. Red St. Wild’s comically large rifle was incredible, but the scene’s magical, brutal climax was one of the best moments in the show. Compared to previous episodes, Peacemaker himself does not do all that much in this episode after he is heartbroken by Harcourt and beaten up by Rick Flag. That said, his tangible sadness after these impactful scenes makes his retreat into the dimensional rift all the more believable and relatable. Not only is the groundwork thoroughly laid for an incredible final trio of episodes, but “Back to the Suture” managed to be a compelling showing of nearly every single character in the show.

Rating: 9/10