Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 8, titled "Full Nelson," received generally strong reviews but with noted mixed feelings about the finale's narrative resolution. Critics praised the emotional depth, especially the development of Chris Smith/Peacemaker's relationship with Emilia Harcourt, highlighted by a long- awaited cathartic acknowledgment of their feelings after a significant "boat party" kiss earlier in the season. The episode resolves many character arcs and unites the main cast into forming a new group called Checkmate, symbolizing their move towards independence from A.R.G.U.S. However, the finale was also described as the weakest episode of the season in terms of overall story pacing and focus. Major plot threads, including Rick Flag Sr.'s true intentions and the overarching Nazi conspiracy, felt underdeveloped or rushed. Particularly dark and impactful was the reveal of Rick Flag Sr.'s villainy, as he betrays Chris Smith by sending him to a mysterious and dangerous prison dimension called Salvation, in a personal act of revenge for the death of his son. This harsh turn leaves the hero trapped and ambiguous about his future. The tone of the episode was emotionally brutal yet moving, balancing moments of joy and camaraderie with a tragic and unsettling ending. The use of music, such as live performances of "To Get Back To You" and "Oh Lord," underscored the show's themes of loss and consequence, wrapping up the season with a rock requiem feel. In summary, the episode delivered strong character moments and set up significant future storylines for the DC Universe but left fans with a bittersweet and cliffhanger ending that emphasizes the cost of change and personal vendettas within the show's universe.
