Since the well-received release of this summer’s “Superman”, many comic fans are in unison with chants of, “James Gunn is saving D.C. movies!” It is not for me to speculate whether or not Gunn is a cinematic savior, but the creative spark he brings to his movies translates to the small screen. HBO Max’s “Peacemaker” was a real surprise; a refreshingly funny, action-packed delight with no boundaries. Premiering August 21, season 2 is no exception.

Where Gunn’s “Superman” was a light and upbeat message of hope, “Peacemaker” has a darker (albeit humorous) edge, and that is part of its ironic charm. Superhero (or, in this show’s case, anti-superhero) movies and shows have overtaken our cinemas and televisions to the point of exhaustion. Hollywood cares not about giving adult-themed films a chance. They put all of their millions behind (mostly) comic book fare, so it is an absolute pleasure when something comes along to shake things up.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is the perfect mantra for the characters who inhabit the “Peacemaker” series. Season one banded together a team of morally ambiguous broken souls. Round two finds them all in a continuing flux regarding their place in the world. Focusing on such a downtrodden bunch gives the show dramatic bite and keeps interest levels high.

Gunn directed the first five episodes (WB allowed critics to screen only these first five) and wrote the entire season. The filmmaker brings his signature inventive and irreverent style to the hit HBO MAX series, and this time, the scripts dig a bit deeper, and the show gets more personal for its characters.

In the first episode of the new season, Peacemaker, a.k.a. Chris Smith (an entertaining John Cena), blows his interview that could have led to a spot in Maxwell Lord’s Justice Gang. In a post-James Gunn Superman world, Peacemaker’s prison record and brutally violent ways have no place.

In a depressive state, Chris finds himself doing drugs and hosting a graphic orgy where a houseful of naked men and women have every type of sex that censors will allow. Just a note for the parents watching this one with their teens or tweens, the censors allowed a lot. The extended moment is gleefully graphic and purposely in your face with wanton abandon. Take that, Marvel!

Still stoned, Chris stumbles through his father’s (Robert Patrick) gateway to another dimension. While it is past time to put this whole “multiverse” craze out to pasture, Gunn makes it interesting.

Peacemaker/Chris is happy during his time in the alternate world, where his family is alive and together. Before the anger, before the prison, and before all of the death and destruction, Peacemaker had respect, and Chris had a happy family with his brother and dad. Life here is the best, but neither persona can stay; an unavoidable reality that causes Chris further emotional pain.

While the character gets too introspective and serious (his childish aloofness is missed), Gunn’s scripts land some touching moments, and John Cena shows a depth that most of his projects don’t allow.

The entire cast is equally good. Jennifer Holland’s soul-scarred and heartbroken Harcourt and Danielle Brooks’ Adebayo continue to be series standouts.

Freddie Stroma’s Adrian “Vigilante” Chase is still a man so goofy that he makes Peacemaker look like a Swedish philosopher, and Steve Agee’s John continues to be a perfect match for the actor/comedian/writer’s talents.

A funny Tim Meadows joins as deadpan ballbuster, Argus agent Langston Fleury, a new colleague/annoying thorn in John’s side, and Frank Grillo returns as Rick Flagg Sr., hell bent on getting revenge for his son’s murder, an act committed by Peacemaker.

There are more surprises, cameos, and new characters that add to the fun and surprising complexity of season two’s multiple storylines. Spoilers prevent discussion of a few, and it would be unfair to reveal too much about the pure fun and genuine emotion season two has in store for its fans. Just get ready for the eagle expert!

Season two of “Peacemaker” is full of the show’s signature quips, wild action, and crazy adult-themed comedy. Just about everything hits. The laughs are big, the action is brutal, and the characters are even more endearing this time out.

James Gunn loves this makeshift family of outcasts and certainly respects the show’s fans by staying in control of his narrative. As for the five episodes screened for critics, the new season is already a blast of vulgar fun, hard-edged action, and an emotional pull that is undeniably effective.

“Peacemaker” is the real deal.