The DCU catches up to the MCU in its third installment thanks to Peacemaker‘s multiversal plot. Creature Commandos, Superman, and Peacemaker season 2 provide a new beginning for the DC Universe in a brand-new continuity. Yet, neither of them acknowledge the DCEU or any of its characters.

Surprisingly, though, Peacemaker season 2 presents a multiversal story. As early as episode 1, Peacemaker season 2 introduces and kills off an alternate-timeline Peacemaker, introduces a new White Dragon, and reveals that Peacemaker’s pocket dimension can be as dangerous as Lex Luthor’s. In contrast, it took ten years for the DCEU to tap into the DC multiverse.

Peacemaker Season 2 Focuses On The Story Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness Glossed Over

In Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Scarlet Witch tries to steal the children of her Earth-838 variant, who lives the peaceful life she desires. Similarly, Doctor Strange finds himself in a world where he’s regarded as Earth’s mightiest hero and Christine Palmer is still in love with him. Ultimately, both Strange and Wanda have to give up their dreams.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness offered a profound theme of temptation and letting go. However, Sam Raimi’s MCU movie didn’t fully commit to its themes. Instead, it divided its screentime between high-octane action, multiversal cameos, and multiverse rules, all of which kept Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch from delving into the subtleties of their emotional conflict.

In Peacemaker season 2, Chris Smith’s life changes when he meets his alternate-universe father and brother. Peacemaker devotes a whole season to Chris Smith’s attempt to live his perfect life with the woman he cherishes, as well as the negative consequences of replacing his alternate-universe self. Season 2 takes place early in the DCU, allowing Chris Smith to continue dealing with this theme soon.

Peacemaker Season 2’s Multiversal Plot Proves The DCU’s Franchise Approach Is Working

In just one episode, Peacemaker season 2 lays the basis for a multiversal story with a deep focus on its protagonist’s inner demons. While Peacemaker season 2 episode 1 features many obscure easter eggs, it explains how the DCU multiverse works with only a few lines. It doesn’t need to introduce and explain multiple contrived concepts, feature alternate-universe cameos, or tie back to other multiversal projects.

Peacemaker season 2’s surprisingly simple handling of the multiverse suggests the DCU will focus on each project’s emotional core, regardless of how complex the context is. Whereas Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness doesn’t fully stand on its own without Doctor Strange and WandaVision, Peacemaker season 2 works perfectly even without season 1. DC Studios seems to be taking this approach with every project.