For most of the episode, “Another Rick Up My Sleeve” finally explores the alternate universe and lays the groundwork for the middle and end of the season. The episode begins with a glimpse at Rick Flag Jr. and his relationship with Harcourt before he’s sent on his final mission. In the alternate universe, Peacemaker sets out to meet with the new universe’s Harcourt. Their reunion (of sorts) is pleasant, and Peacemaker is confronted with the universe’s version of Rick Flag Jr. Peacemaker’s day with Harcourt is interrupted by The Sons of Liberty. Their attack on the DMV is turned into a positive moment for Peacemaker as he makes quick, brutal work of them and is celebrated as a hero. In the main universe, Peacemaker’s friends wake up hungover, with their conversation mainly focusing on Harcourt’s potential feelings for Peacemaker. Finally, Economos meets Red St. Wild, a mysterious character tasked with killing Eagly and Judomaster as A.R.G.U.S. prepares a bigger raid on Peacemaker’s house. 

While enjoyable, “Another Rick Up My Sleeve” was not as interesting or powerful as the previous episode, serving primarily to set up the rest of the season. With that, this episode was successful in said setup and enjoyable from scene to scene. Additionally, it expands on the charming running gags of Vigilante’s obsession with random animals and Fleury’s hatred for Eagly. Although the episode provided very little for most of the side characters, limiting Harcourt and Adebayo to a necessary but standard conversation about Harcourt’s feelings, the main appeal of the episode was Peacemaker’s exploration of the alternate universe. Aside from the aforementioned running gags, the alternate universe was the standout of the episode, providing a compelling conflict with Rick Flag Jr., expanding Peacemaker’s relationship with alternate Harcourt and his brother, and maintaining a strange tone. Peacemaker, given his arc at this point in the season, views the alternate universe as extremely ideal, but it is becoming gradually clearer that it might be too good to be true. The Sons of Liberty fight scene succeeded in both showing Peacemaker trying to be a hero and providing gory, creative kills. Within the episode, the silly personality of Rick Flag Jr. was strange, but the potential for him to be an integral, dramatic character still exists. Just looking at his one scene, however, his characterization was strange and did not seem as important as teased by the cold open. 

Overall, “Another Rick Up My Sleeve” succeeded in showing the alternate universe and, notably, Peacemaker’s infatuation with this potential life. However, the ensemble characters lag behind as a result of this. Agent Fleury and Economos stand out slightly, but Harcourt, Adebayo, Vigilante, and Rick Flag Jr. do not have very much to do. However, this priority shift seems to be a necessary evil and absolutely forgivable this early in the season. The final minute of the episode alone builds great anticipation for the proceeding episodes, and the gradual exploration of the alternate universe continues to be extremely compelling.

Rating: 7/10