Peacemaker returns with a simple, effective, and consistent continuation of the incredible first season. “The Ties That Grind” picks up where the heartfelt yet raunchy previous season left off with Peacemaker, in his underwear, wandering into a parallel universe where his family is still alive. Six months later, Peacemaker is struggling to be taken seriously by superheroes such as the Justice Gang despite saving the world in season one. Adebayo is having marital issues, Harcourt struggles with finding a new job, and Economos works for Rick Flag Senior–a man hell-bent on avenging his son by killing Peacemaker. After Peacemaker throws a sex party to cope with being rejected by the Justice Gang, he goes back to the alternate dimension and hides his intense emotions during a pseudo-reunion with his family. The episode concludes with an exciting Peacemaker versus Peacemaker fight, in which the parallel universe’s Peacemaker is killed. Despite the larger-than-life science fiction plot points, “The Ties That Grind” successfully explores its characters in a succinct, engaging, and clear way that capitalizes on the highlights of the previous season and builds anticipation for the remaining episodes. 

From start to finish, “The Ties That Grind” is a solid continuation of the previous season, avoiding common pitfalls of stories that deal with alternate universes or expansive comic book worlds. Even though seeing Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Maxwell Lord, and parallel universes was exciting, Peacemaker shines in its smaller character moments. Economos’ check-in with Vigilante, Adebayo and Economos’ conversation in the motel, and Peacemaker sharing a drink with his “dead” brother and father stand out amidst the action and references to a larger universe. Beyond this, the science fiction and action elements are handled well. Harcourt’s barfight is meaningful to her character and choreographed creatively, especially with the billiards balls. The Peacemaker versus Peacemaker fight is exciting, while brief, and the cameo appearances do not feel cheap. This is extremely consistent with the first season, as Peacemaker has always excellently justified itself. Usually, a character cheating death feels cheap, but James Gunn justified this choice with a great first season. The same can be said for this episode, with the multiverse being not an excuse for cameos and references, but a catalyst for an engaging choice Peacemaker will have to reckon with. 

Overall, “The Ties That Grind” is an extremely focused continuation of the first season. It does not offer many unpredictable plot points until the end, but it effectively and clearly sets up an exciting season. The episode is at its most interesting after the first act check-ins with the characters, but it is consistently funny and engaging. Everything is set up well, and, with most of the pieces set, it will be extremely interesting to see where this season and these characters go. 

Rating: 8/10