Peacemaker season 2 episode 2 ending explained: What happened to Chris' doppelganger?

Peacemaker season 2 continues with episode 2, A Man Is Only As Good As His Bird. The episode focuses on the unsettling things that happened in the first episode, especially Chris Smith's meeting with his own doppelganger.

Chris kills this other version of himself, which pulls him into a reality that makes him question what is true and what may have been. The closing scenes show him confronting a world where his family is alive and Harcourt appears to love him. This scene raises questions about the life of his alternate being and the direction of the season.

Chris asks help from Vigilante in Peacemaker season 2 episode 2?

At the end of episode 1, Christopher Smith, better known as Peacemaker, kills his doppelganger from an alternate dimension. Episode 2 reveals how he disposes of the body with the help of Adrian Chase, a.k.a. Vigilante.

They use the Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC), a machine capable of bridging dimensions, to eliminate the evidence. The scene shows both characters dismantling and incinerating the corpse. This highlights the gruesome lengths Chris must go to in order to cover up what happened.

However, by taking his alternate self’s phone, Chris inherits access to personal messages, photos, and private details. On the device, he discovers that the other Chris shared a happy relationship with Emilia Harcourt in that dimension. For a man still haunted by rejection and longing for Harcourt’s affection, this discovery pulls him deeper into temptation.

The episode ends with Chris entering the QUC again. Drunk and desperate, he texts the alternate Harcourt using his variant’s phone. Her reply is a broken heart emoji, suggesting lingering feelings tied to her dimension's Chris.

The main Peacemaker begins to blur the line between his own life and the alternate version’s by impersonating his doppelganger. Though the doppelganger is gone physically, his shadow looms large, as Chris now considers stepping into his shoes and living out a life that is not his own.

What does Harcourt’s broken heart emoji mean in

Peacemaker season 2?

The broken heart emoji is a small but significant detail in the ending of episode 2. In season 1, Chris develops feelings for Emilia Harcourt, but their relationship never truly advances.

Season 2 shows that, despite forming a bond between them, Harcourt continues to keep her distance. Their strained exchange at the Task Force X gathering in episode 2 confirms that the tension remains unresolved.

The alternate Harcourt’s response suggests emotional baggage tied to her world’s version of Peacemaker. In this alternate reality, Chris and Harcourt have a relationship; however, it's going sideways. The broken heart symbol could mean she still harbors unresolved pain or regret from their breakup. When main-universe Chris texts her, she assumes he is her Peacemaker, and her reply reveals that she has not fully moved on.

This response fuels Chris's fantasy of stepping into his variant’s life. Unlike his reality, where Harcourt rejects him, the alternate version offers a chance at the relationship he craves.

Also read: 7 shows to watch while waiting for more episodes of Peacemaker season 2

How does Rick Flag Sr. shape the events of Peacemaker season 2 episode 2?

In episode 2, Frank Grillo joins the cast as Rick Flag Sr. while Chris deals with the legacy of his doppelganger. After Amanda Waller's exposure in season 1, he takes over as acting director of A.R.G.U.S. Chris killed his son, Rick Flag Jr., during the events of The Suicide Squad, so his arrival adds a personal conflict to the show.

Episode 2 shows why Flag Sr. did what he did. He asks for files about his son's death, not long after he takes office. He demands that Chris be watched all the time after he finds out that Peacemaker was to blame.

Economos, who has been given the job of keeping an eye on Flag Sr., has a hard time balancing his allegiance to the squad with his orders from A.R.G.U.S. This subplot shows that Flag Sr. will be a prominent villain for the entire season.

By the end of episode 2, Flag Sr. gives the go-ahead for Peacemaker's home to be broken into.

Eagly saves the day in Peacemaker season 2 episode 2

Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt and John Cena as Chris Smith (Image via HBO Max)

Eagly, Peacemaker’s loyal bald eagle, becomes the unexpected hero of episode 2. Eagly fiercely protects Chris's home when A.R.G.U.S. agents break in. He hurts a few skilled agents, scares them away, and even stops for a bit to show off.

This scenario changes Eagly's function from being a mascot to being an active guardian. The bird has been a friend and a source of light humor, but in episode 2, he shows how deadly he can be. His acts also keep Chris safe from being found out since the operatives are going to look into the Quantum Unfolding Chamber and might find out the truth about the other dimension.

Chris's secret is safe for now thanks to Eagly's intervention, but the fight is becoming worse. A.R.G.U.S. now understands that Chris's residence is unsafe, and Flag Sr. will probably step up his efforts against him in the following episodes.

Also read: Peacemaker season 2: Every new DCU character introduced in the show

What to expect next in Peacemaker season 2?

The preview for episode 3 hints that Chris will learn more about the other universe. He might face Harcourt directly, try to make up with her, and even talk to his family, who in that world are the superhero team called the Top Trio. A.R.G.U.S. will probably step up its hunt for the QUC and Peacemaker himself, which will put Chris's personal decisions at odds with the agency's goals.

Episode 2 already demonstrates how Chris's mental anguish, Flag Sr.'s revenge, and the QUC's growing prominence are all coming together. James Gunn keeps adding interdimensional themes to the tale, and each of these threads points to bigger things happening in the DCU.

Peacemaker season 2 is now streaming on HBO Max.

About the author

With over five years of work experience, Bea Melisse Ibañez is a seasoned writer covering K-pop, K-dramas, and the latest trends in the entertainment industry at Sportskeeda. Holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, Bea combines her academic background with her fascination for Hallyu culture, creating insightful and accurate content.

In her career, Bea has had the opportunity to interview prominent figures in the K-pop industry, including groups like TWICE and artists such as GOT7's BamBam, Lee Seung-gi, and Hwang Min-hyun.

As a pop-culture enthusiast, her love for Korean dramas and music began in high school, where she discovered 2nd and 3rd-generation K-pop groups. She also admires actors like Eddie Redmayne, Lee Joon-gi, and Park Eun-bin, and her favorite celebrity is Miley Cyrus.

In her free time, Bea likes to rewatch her favorite shows. If given a chance, she would like to be a part of the dazzling world of Hazbin Hotel.

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Edited by Bea Melisse Ibañez