The final episode of Peacemaker Season 2 ended with a surprising twist and a mysterious number. The shot of the new Checkmate agency’s building prominently displayed the address 653, a detail that was far from random. This number is a deep-cut reference connecting the show to pivotal moments in DC Comics history, from the fall of a Gotham hero to the rebirth of Superman.
The Checkmate Reveal and a Mysterious Number
In the finale, titled “Full Nelson,” the story reaches a turning point for John Cena’s Christopher Smith. After being bailed out of prison by his friends, he seems to find a new purpose. The team, including Leota Adebayo, Emilia Harcourt, and Vigilante, decide to start their own independent peacekeeping agency. They are joined by A.R.G.U.S. agents Sasha Bordeaux and Langston Fleury, as well as Judomaster.
Together, they form the organization Checkmate, vowing to do good away from government oversight. The scene where the eight members stand together is deliberate, with the camera focusing on the building’s address: 653. This number appears twice, framed clearly in the shot for several seconds. This was an intentional choice by creator James Gunn, known for weaving complex symbols into his stories.
More Than an Address: 653 in DC Comics
The number 653 is a direct callback to specific comic book issues that mark significant transformations for DC heroes.
In Batman #653, the story “The Last Crusade” features Harvey Dent, also known as Two-Face. In this arc, Dent believes he has cured his split personality and tries to replace Batman as Gotham’s protector. For a moment, it seems he might succeed, but he ultimately relapses into chaos. The number 653 became a symbol of collapsed redemption, a point where a hero’s attempt to rewrite his past fails. This theme of broken structure and personal downfall mirrors Peacemaker’s own journey as his newfound stability with Checkmate is shattered.
Similarly, Superman #653 concluded the “Up, Up and Away!” story. After spending months without his powers and living as a human, Clark Kent finally regains his abilities. His return is not a simple victory but a weary acceptance of the heavy responsibility that comes with being Superman. This issue turned 653 into a symbol of rebirth through hardship. In a reverse of this idea, Peacemaker does not regain his power or purpose in the finale; he loses everything, exiled to a prison dimension.
James Gunn’s Plan for the Future
In the finale’s closing moments, Rick Flag Sr., seeking revenge for his son’s death in “The Suicide Squad,” has Peacemaker abducted. He uses the Quantum Unfolding Chamber to send him to a planet called Salvation. Flag plans to use this world as an inescapable prison for metahumans, making Peacemaker its first test subject.
James Gunn has confirmed that this sets up major elements for the wider DC Universe. When asked about future seasons, Gunn stated, > “No, this is about the wider DCU and other stories in which this will play out right now.” He emphasized that Peacemaker is an “important character” to him and the overall DCU plan, hinting that his story will continue in other projects.
The planet Salvation is a direct adaptation of the “Salvation Run” comic book storyline. In that story, many of DC’s villains are exiled to a distant planet, which they later discover is a training ground for the evil New God Darkseid and his Parademons. The growls of unseen creatures heard as Peacemaker arrives on Salvation suggest this dangerous element will be part of the story moving forward.
A Code for the Faithful Fans
For decades, the number 653 has been a hidden code in DC Comics, signaling major turning points where heroes fall and rise again. By placing it on the Checkmate headquarters, James Gunn rewards fans who look closely, connecting Peacemaker’s modern story to this legacy. It transforms a simple street address into a piece of living DC history, suggesting that the same forces of tragedy and reinvention that shaped Batman and Superman are now shaping Peacemaker’s destiny.
Also Read: What Happened In Peacemaker Season 2 Finale: A Shocking Ending and New DCU Setup
