Peacemaker's Jennifer Holland Breaks Down Harcourt's Wild Season 2 Journey

Jennifer Holland opens up about Emilia Harcourt's intense emotional and physical challenges in Peacemaker Season 2, from battling Nazis to that pivotal kiss with Chris Smith.

TL;DR

• Jennifer Holland loved playing Emilia Harcourt's complex journey in Peacemaker Season 2, including multiverse fights and emotional growth.
• The season's finale finally revealed the long-anticipated kiss between Harcourt and Peacemaker, sparking major character development.
• Despite no official Season 3 plans from James Gunn yet, Holland is eager to continue Harcourt's story and hopes to reunite the Checkmate team.

If you thought Emilia Harcourt had it tough in Peacemaker Season 1, you hadn't seen anything yet! Season 2 threw everything but the kitchen sink at Jennifer Holland's character, pushing her to emotional and physical extremes. From punching misogynists in a bar to facing off against Nazis in an alternate reality, and even admitting some long-suppressed feelings, Harcourt's journey this season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. And Holland herself loved every minute of bringing that intensity to the screen.

The latest season, which recently wrapped up on HBO Max (or just Max, as we know it now), saw Harcourt evolve from a tightly wound A.R.G.U.S. agent to a woman reevaluating her entire life and relationships. It was a deep dive into her psyche, exploring her complex past and her even more complicated present, especially concerning her connection to Chris Smith, a.k.a. Peacemaker. Let's break down everything Holland shared about the wild ride that was Peacemaker Season 2.

Diving Deep into the Multiverse and the Weight of Moral Dilemmas

Multiverse stories are all the rage in superhero flicks these days, but Peacemaker Season 2 took a uniquely dark and personal spin on it. Holland was thrilled when creator James Gunn first told her about the show's multiverse angle, especially how it allowed Emilia Harcourt a chance for some serious self-reflection.

"I wanted to see more of what was going on between Emilia Harcourt and Peacemaker, especially between seasons, and also why she initially hated him so much," Holland told The A.V. Club. The alternate dimension, particularly Earth-X, ruled by white supremacists, was a jarring yet timely backdrop. Holland admitted there was nervousness about tackling such difficult social and historical issues, especially since the story was written before current events made its themes even more poignant.

Playing an alternate version of Harcourt on Earth-X was a delicate balancing act for Holland. She was careful to ensure this doppelganger wasn't just a caricature but felt grounded, making Chris Smith's complicated relationship with her believable. This arc wasn't just about cool alternate realities; it was deeply personal for Chris, too, who got to see lost family members in this dream-like world. The experience forced both characters to confront different versions of themselves and their pasts, making for powerful storytelling.

Gunn's approach to these sensitive topics, and the positive reception from audiences, was a huge relief for Holland. The show managed to be subversive without being preachy, letting the narrative speak for itself. While the finale didn't explicitly resolve all threads from Earth-X or address the return of Chris's father, Keith Smith, Holland hopes these plot points are left open for future exploration, given Gunn's talent for crafting empathetic villains.

The Kiss that Changed Everything: Unpacking the Pivotal Boat Revelation

Fans have been wondering all season about that mysterious incident on the boat between Chris and Harcourt, and the Season 2 finale, "Full Nelson," finally spilled the beans. It turns out it was just a kiss, but for Harcourt, that "just a kiss" was monumental. Holland explained that allowing her guard down enough to kiss the man who killed her only friend, Rick Flag Jr., was an "extraordinary circumstance."

"For Harcourt, allowing her guard to be let down enough that she kissed the man who killed her only friend is an extraordinary circumstance."

— Jennifer Holland, on Harcourt's pivotal kiss

Harcourt had a friendship and even a fling with Rick Flag Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) before Peacemaker tragically killed him in The Suicide Squad. This history fueled her initial "deep vitriol and hatred" for Chris. So, when that kiss happened, she was "mortified" at herself, feeling like she'd gone "too far to let someone in" and betrayed her promise to Rick Flag Sr. (who the sources state she promised to make Chris pay, even as he becomes a new antagonist in the finale).

Holland described filming the boat scene as a "rom-com for a couple of days," which was a dream for her. James Gunn strategically placed this flashback in the finale to emphasize Harcourt's emotional block. Her "toxic-masculinity problem," as Holland called it (referring to her inability to experience or communicate emotions), meant this simple kiss became "the crux of everything that has affected her relationship with Chris this season." It highlighted her deep-seated fear of vulnerability and connection.

Harcourt's Hard-Won Evolution and the Rebirth of Checkmate

Throughout Season 2, Harcourt's journey was one of gradual thawing. Despite her initial "ghosting" of Chris after the kiss and her struggle to communicate, her actions spoke volumes. Her decision to go to the alternate dimension to bring Chris back, risking her own life, showed that she deeply cared. In the interrogation room scene, while she couldn't articulate her feelings, her presence was her way of saying, "I'm here."

By the finale, we saw a breakthrough. While she's "not suddenly turned into some open book," her admission that the kiss meant something to her was a crucial step. The season also saw her reevaluate her career, ultimately bringing the beloved "11th Street Kids" (the original Peacemaker team) back together, forming the covert agency Checkmate. After a season of misses and setbacks for the team, seeing them regroup and welcome new members brought a much-needed sense of camaraderie and a "win."

The finale also had a fun, subtle reveal: the theme song band, Foxy Shazam, often assumed to be Chris's taste, is actually Harcourt's! In the final moments, as she lets her guard down on another rock cruise, belting out the lyrics to "Oh Lord," it's clear this is her music. This small detail underscores her slow but steady path toward self-acceptance and emotional openness.

Inside the Creative Process with James Gunn and John Cena

Working on Peacemaker is a unique experience for Holland, not just because of the challenging material but also her collaboration with her real-life husband, James Gunn. Gunn, who wrote and directed the finale, has a particular way of working. Holland shared that he often keeps some narrative details close to the chest, even from his actors, because "he's afraid something might change in the writing process." This approach, however, allowed Holland to build Harcourt's character with "improvised instincts," leading to a more organic and reactive performance.

Holland was particularly proud of the interrogation-room scene with Chris, praising Gunn's direction and John Cena's performance. Gunn’s choice to keep the camera moving during the scene was intentional, making the audience feel Harcourt's desire to escape while having nowhere to go but to confront her feelings with Chris. Holland found this directorial choice incredibly helpful for her acting, allowing her to portray Harcourt's struggle to push away emotions while physically trying to move. She also commended Cena's presence, calling him an "incredibly present" and helpful scene partner, making it one of the most satisfying experiences of her career.

What's Next for Harcourt and the Checkmate Crew?

Just when you think the 11th Street Kids have finally found their footing and a glimmer of happiness, James Gunn, true to form, "loves pulling the rug out from people." The Season 2 finale ended on a massive cliffhanger: Chris Smith is kidnapped by Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) and sent to Salvation, an A.R.G.U.S. planet intended as a prison for Metahumans. This twist leaves the future of Peacemaker and his newly formed Checkmate team completely up in the air.

As for a third season, James Gunn has stated he has "no plans for a third season (yet)." However, Jennifer Holland is more than ready to jump back in. She shared her deep love for the character, stating, "I could literally play this character for the rest of my life. I love her so much. She's incredibly well-written, and I'm not saying this just because of my husband." Holland hopes that the Season 2 ending isn't goodbye to Harcourt and the team, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what comes next for Peacemaker's pals at Checkmate as they undoubtedly work to rescue their leader.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peacemaker Season 2

Where can I watch Peacemaker Season 2? Peacemaker Seasons 1 and 2 are currently streaming on HBO Max (now simply Max). Who are the key cast members in Peacemaker Season 2? The main cast includes John Cena as Chris Smith/Peacemaker and Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt. Other notable characters include Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) and the newly introduced Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo). What happened on the boat between Peacemaker and Harcourt? The Season 2 finale revealed that a kiss occurred on the boat. For Harcourt, this simple act was a profound emotional breach, as she felt she betrayed her promise to Rick Flag Sr. (related to Chris killing Rick Flag Jr.) by allowing herself to develop feelings for Chris. Will there be a Peacemaker Season 3? As of the Season 2 finale, creator James Gunn has stated he has no official plans for a third season yet. However, star Jennifer Holland has expressed a strong desire to continue playing Emilia Harcourt.

Sources

• Jennifer Holland breaks down Peacemaker's "almost happy ending"  - The A.V. Club
• 'Peacemaker' Star Jennifer Holland on What Harcourt-Chris Kiss Means Going Forward - TV Insider
• "I learned a lot": Jennifer Holland reveals what she learnt about Harcourt's story during Peacemaker Season 2's pre-production - SoapCentral
• Peacemaker season 2 star Jennifer Holland didn't expect to fight Nazis, but loved it - Popverse