Frank is joined by Phil to break down Peacock’s Twisted Metal, from its surprisingly heartfelt character work to the tournament arc and deep cuts that longtime players will recognize. We talk John Doe’s search for identity, the show’s “happy sociopath” version of Sweet Tooth, how Season 2 levels up the stunts and car combat, and why adding new lore can actually respect the games. If you skipped this one because “cars with guns,” we make the case for why it’s worth your time.

• 00:00 Introductions and why Twisted Metal was the pick for this episode.

• 00:36 What the show adapts from the games and where it departs, especially with John Doe.

• 02:11 The core premise: post apocalyptic courier job, a shot at life behind the walls, and the road to San Francisco.

• 03:29 Game lore 101: Calypso, wishes with a twist, and character specific endings.

• 07:00 Sweet Tooth as chaos engine, why the Joker style wildcard works on TV.

• 09:05 Samoa Joe in the suit, Will Arnett on the mic, and why the voice swap lands.

• 10:58 Axel and other fan favorites enter, with connected backstories that actually pay off.

• 13:42 Game venues reimagined with in world logic, HUDs and objectives that make sense.

• 18:48 Car combat talk: practical vs CG, why Season 2’s action feels better.

• 21:07 “Silly” weapons that get smart uses and Chekhov’s missile moments.

• 23:03 Budget glow up from Season 1 to Season 2 and early success on Peacock.

• 24:04 John and Quiet’s chemistry, then the Season 2 relationship reset.

• 28:05 The sister storyline, tough choices, and consequences after the wish.

• 30:40 Minion reworked, identity twists, and a setup that begs for Season 3.

• 33:40 Adaptation philosophy: build new stories that feel like the game.

• 41:31 What other game adaptations can learn from Twisted Metal.

• 45:06 Fun facts: ratings, production notes, and stunt work.

• Twisted Metal balances weekly mayhem with character arcs, making the world feel lived in instead of gimmicky.

• Sweet Tooth is written as a charmingly off kilter sociopath, and the Samoa Joe and Will Arnett combo sells the menace and the laughs.

• Season 2 embraces the tournament and deepens game lore while explaining gamey elements inside the story.

• Practical stunts plus targeted CG keep the car combat crunchy and readable.

• Smart departures from canon create stronger relationships without losing the game’s tone.

• “It’s a show about a character trying to find his worth in a post apocalyptic world.”

• “Sweet Tooth is a happy sociopath. It’s off putting and I love him for it.”

• “They nailed the cross between practical and CG. The car combat was better than I expected.”

• “Give me new stories that live in the game’s world, not a beat for beat retelling.”

If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow and rate the show. Drop a review on Apple Podcasts, share the episode with a friend who loved the games, and tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedPod so we can shout you out next week.

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What did the show get right compared to your favorite Twisted Metal entries? Send your thoughts and questions for the next episode, and we will feature a few on air.

Apple Podcasts Tags Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted, Twisted Metal, Peacock, TV review, video game adaptations, Anthony Mackie, Sweet Tooth, car combat, post apocalyptic TV

Frank breaks down Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 6, “Ignorance Is Chris,” and why the “better world” finally shows its cracks. From the diner photo that warps, to Harcourt and Chris opening up in an interrogation room, to Vigilante meeting his Earth X counterpart, this episode clicks into place. We also hit Rick Flag Sr.’s prison visit with Lex Luthor, the Sons of Liberty twist, and the hallway tells that confirm where we are. It is a tense, funny, uneasy chapter that sets up a high-stakes sprint to the finale.

• 00:00 Intro and episode plan

• 00:23 Housekeeping, L.A. Comic Con updates, why last week skipped

• 00:44 Frank’s knee update and getting back on mic

• 01:01 The big swing lands: “Hello, Earth X, mind the flags”

• 01:19 Diner scene breakdown and the melting-faces photo

• 02:01 The inevitability of the reveal and why the vibe felt off

• 02:28 At Adrian’s place: mom cameo, “secret room,” evidence stash

• 03:33 The Beanie Baby closet and recreating the portal

• 04:06 Back in the portal room: the neighbor-alien and why it matters

• 04:44 Sneaking the Smith mansion and the rising tension

• 05:20 Harcourt’s snow globe stall, the car ride with Keith

• 06:10 Music clues in this world, no rap, the whitewashed timeline

• 06:33 Eagly raid in the kitchen, the mess to clean up

• 06:55 Vigilante meets Vigilante, animal “facts,” and the glasses tell

• 08:12 Sons of Liberty inversion and why Alt Adrian hates Peacemaker

• 09:39 Rick Flag Sr. visits Lex Luthor at Belle Reve

• 10:38 The deal for portal tech and the DCU bridge it hints at

• 11:19 Harcourt and Chris finally say the quiet part out loud

• 12:40 Adebayo’s walk, “one got out,” and the street chase

• 13:59 Auggie ambushes Economos at the mansion

• 14:47 Alt Harcourt flips the switch at A.R.G.U.S.

• 15:08 The flag with a swastika and the words that land like a punch

• 15:47 Wrap up, what 6 through 8 now promise, social plugs and sign-off

• The episode earns its dread by letting small details stack until the Earth X truth can no longer be ignored.

• Vigilante meeting himself is both the funniest stretch and honest character work that reframes his bravado.

• The Harcourt and Chris scene gives the alt-world twist emotional weight and nudges their relationship into something healthier.

• Rick Flag Sr. and Lex Luthor open the door to wider DCU stakes without hijacking the episode.

• Adebayo’s street sequence and the desk flag reveal are the gut checks that make the cut to black land.

• “Hello, Earth X, mind the flags.”

• “One got out! It’s a black.”

• “This is your perfect world.”

If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow the show, leave a rating, and share the episode with a friend who is watching along. Use #ChallengeAcceptedLive so we can find your takes.

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What was the exact moment you realized we were on Earth X? Where do you land on Adrian vs. Adrian after this episode? Send thoughts and questions to [email protected] or DM us on socials and we will read a few next episode.

Apple Podcast Tags: Peacemaker, Peacemaker Season 2, Peacemaker S2E6, Ignorance Is Chris, Earth X, Vigilante, James Gunn, John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Rick Flag Sr., Lex Luthor, DCU, Review, Podcast Show Notes, Geek Freaks, Challenge Accepted

Thomas and Frank kick off a running series to assemble a living “Hall of Fame” of 100 movies covered on Challenge Accepted. In this first pass, they lock in the opening 20 picks across adventure, animation, sci-fi, horror, and sports drama. Along the way they talk performance standouts, scenes that shaped their taste, and how future rewatches and listener votes could bump titles up or off the board.

00:03:52 Big Fish and why it still wrecks us in different seasons of life 00:05:07 Hook as 90s Goonies energy and a Robin Williams showcase 00:06:49 Tombstone and the definitive Doc Holliday performance 00:08:13 Raiders of the Lost Ark and the problem of recasting Indy 00:12:52 The Prestige and discovering a top tier Nolan on rewatch 00:14:48 Interstellar nomination and why it grew with repeat viewings 00:17:12 The Shining as prestige horror and a genre pivot point 00:18:23 In Time gets discussed but does not make the cut for now 00:20:00 Across the Spider Verse moves in after a better audio experience 00:22:47 Planes, Trains and Automobiles lands as a comedy essential 00:24:43 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) and its surprising emotional weight 00:28:38 Studio Ghibli slot: Spirited Away talk and the case for Kiki’s Delivery Service 00:30:24 Dune: Part Two enters as modern epic sci-fi 00:34:38 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and how the evolving list could reshuffle later 00:36:55 The Empire Strikes Back as the Star Wars representative 00:39:11 Jurassic Park and the marriage of practical and digital effects 00:41:02 The Iron Claw and a note on wrestling stories we will cover next 00:42:52 Superman (1978) closes the 20 with an all time origin story 00:48:27 Wrap up, what is coming next, and how listeners can influence the rankings

• Big Fish

• Hook

• Tombstone

• Raiders of the Lost Ark

• The Prestige

• Interstellar

• The Shining

• Spider Man: Across the Spider Verse

• Planes, Trains and Automobiles

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

• Spirited Away or Kiki’s Delivery Service (Ghibli slot)

• Dune: Part Two

• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

• The Empire Strikes Back

• Jurassic Park

• The Iron Claw

• Superman (1978)

• Plus a few near misses and future candidates

• This is a living list. Titles can move as we review more films and as listeners weigh in.

• Emotional resonance matters as much as craft, from TMNT’s farmhouse sequence to Big Fish’s generational pull.

• Genre representatives help keep variety, like Empire for Star Wars and a Ghibli pick for animation.

• Craft notes: Jurassic Park’s blend of practical and digital still sets the bar, and Vol. 3 sparks a James Gunn redemption chat.

• Community plan: we will combine Frank’s rankings, Thomas’s rankings, and a listener ballot to shape the master list.

• “The little things are the big things.”

• “He smashed it, dropped the mic, and went to DC.”

• “If you see a puddle shake, you’re waiting for the T-Rex.”

Enjoying the Hall of Fame project? Follow, rate, and review the show. Share this episode with a friend who loves movies and tell us what should make the next batch using #ChallengeAcceptedHall.

All news and episode links are available on our website. That is the source for all news discussed on our podcasts.

Find Challenge Accepted and the Geek Freaks Network on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Twitter, and Patreon. Hosts: Frank and Thomas.

What movie should anchor the next five spots, and which of these 20 would you swap out after a rewatch? Send us a voice note or message and we will feature selections in an upcoming Hall of Fame update.

Apple Podcasts Tags: movies, film discussion, movie rankings, sci fi, animation, comedy, horror, action, Geek Freaks Network, Challenge Accepted, Hall of Fame, podcast review, classic films, modern hits

Frank is joined by Jamie, an Australian wrestling journalist and podcaster, to unpack Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler. They break down Mickey Rourke’s career-defining turn as Randy “The Ram,” why the film treats wrestling with rare respect, how indie scenes work behind the curtain, and what the movie gets right about pain, pride, and the gig life. Expect talk on blading, deathmatches, deli counters, and the bittersweet final leap.

The Wrestler - CA

• 00:00 Welcome and guest intro, Jamie’s magazine and The Commentary Booth

• 01:33 Why The Wrestler, and why it treats wrestling seriously

• 02:21 Indie wrestling in Australia and how regional styles differ

• 04:27 Two-minute plot speed run for The Wrestler

• 06:12 Rourke’s comeback, near-miss Oscar, and how his story mirrors Randy’s

• 07:03 Aronofsky parallels with Black Swan and the “passion vs body” theme

• 08:46 The physical toll: pain, injuries, and why “fake” is the wrong word

• 10:04 Casting what-ifs and why Rourke was the right choice

• 11:07 Marisa Tomei’s character, boundaries, and mirrored struggles

• 14:18 Real wrestlers on screen: Necro Butcher, Blue Meanie, R-Truth, Nigel McGuinness

• 15:43 Backstage authenticity: planning matches and protecting spots

• 16:38 Filmmaking choices: over-the-shoulder, docu feel, sound and silence

• 17:11 The deli counter sequence and why it hurts so much

• 21:16 Blading 101, when companies allow blood, and modern policies

• 23:05 The indie hustle: bookings, calendars, and life on the road

• 25:07 Health care, rehab access, and duty of care today

• 26:42 Drugs, CTE, and hard lessons from wrestling’s past

• 28:46 Favorite scenes and the ambiguous ending

• 31:04 Locker room rituals, “match memory,” and shared shorthand

• 32:50 What aged well and what hits harder in the gig economy era

• 34:16 Deathmatch primer and recommended watch list

• 43:56 Awards talk, where The Wrestler ranks, and Jamie’s current projects

• 46:04 Outro and how to send us your challenges

• The Wrestler is a love letter to pro wrestling that treats the craft and its workers with respect.

• Rourke’s performance lands because his real-life arc echoes Randy’s fall and claw-back.

• The movie nails backstage realities: match planning, protecting limbs, and protecting spots.

• “Fake” is a myth. Stories are scripted. Physicality is very real.

• Aronofsky’s choices — handheld camera, long silences, ring sounds — put you in Randy’s head.

• The deli scene is a perfect “what if” path that collapses under one bad interaction.

• Indie wrestling is a grind: bookings, travel, day jobs, and recovery are constant tradeoffs.

• Modern policies are better on rehab and blood, but the culture still battles pain and risk.

• “It’s definitely a love letter to wrestling overall.” — Jamie

• “The stories are fake, but the physicality is real.” — Frank

• “It almost feels more like a fly on the wall documentary rather than a big budget motion picture.” — Jamie

• “I love the ambiguity of the ending.” — Jamie

• “You have to survive the bad days.” — Frank

• Our site: GeekFreaksPodcast.com GeekFreaksPodcast.com is the source of all news discussed during our podcast.

• Mentioned by Jamie: The Commentary Booth, Wrestle Radio Australia, Australian Wrestling Cards, and his magazine project all found at pariomagazine.com.au

• Related watches: You Can’t Kill David Arquette, Queen of the Ring

• Film: The Wrestler (2008), directed by Darren Aronofsky

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow and subscribe, rate us 5 stars, and share the episode with a friend using #ChallengeAcceptedLive. Your reviews help more listeners find the show.

• Challenge Accepted: Instagram @challengeacceptedlive, TikTok @challengeacceptedlive, Twitter @CAPodcastLive

• Hosts: Frank on Instagram @franklourence79, Thomas @thomascraigviii

Send your challenges, hot takes, and questions for the next episode: [email protected]. We might read yours on air.

The Wrestler, Mickey Rourke, Darren Aronofsky, Marisa Tomei, indie wrestling, deathmatch wrestling, Ring of Honor, Necro Butcher, backstage wrestling, blading, wrestling journalism, Australian wrestling, movie review, Aronofsky style, Challenge Accepted Podcast

Frank and Jen break down Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 4, from the wild Michael Rooker cameo to that portable-dimension device that might not be what it seems. They dig into the alternate Earth, what it reveals about Chris, Keith, and Auggie, and why Adebayo might be the real center of the 11th Street Kids. The conversation hits possible DCU ties like Creature Commandos, Mr. Terrific, Blue Beetle, and whether the “boom tube” theory holds water. Plus, a thoughtful look at Harcourt’s arc, Argus pressure, and how the show balances crude humor with real character growth.

CA

00:00 Welcome and coffee-fueled kickoff 00:24 First impressions of Episode 4 and the “family affair” watch 04:27 The portable dimension and how Auggie really got his tech 05:21 Series shift: Argus pressure, new location, and a relentless hunter 05:55 Michael Rooker goes all-in as an eagle tracker 08:14 “X-rated corner of the DCU” and the opening flashback read 09:49 Keith’s role as heart vs. Auggie’s shadow 13:16 Is the portal a boom tube or something new 16:29 Creature Commandos, Corto Maltese nods, and DCU connective tissue 19:38 Cameo watch: Mr. Terrific, Frankenstein, the Bride, or Weasel 24:26 Waller’s name-drops and why she might show up 26:27 The coded “perfect world” that’s not perfect at all 29:18 Adebayo as the team’s glue and Chris’s reality check 34:20 Harcourt and Rick Flag Sr. show a different side of both 35:58 Age, casting, and why Flag Sr. reads more “father-in-law” than “dad” 39:20 Why peacemaker is the easy scapegoat for a grieving Flag Sr. 40:07 Where this could go: reluctant father figure and hard choices 41:11 Enchantress, Rick romance, and what that means for Harcourt and Chris 42:15 Final cameo predictions and the Blue Beetle/Ted Kord angle 44:44 What if Dave Bautista played Peacemaker 47:44 James Gunn, Michael Rooker, and that dance 48:43 Guest plugs: Distance Nerding shows and Lego giveaway

• Episode 4 plants a big flag for the back half of the season by moving the fight to a controllable space and tightening the Argus noose.

• The portal tech reframes Auggie’s “genius” and hints at a broader toolkit that could connect to other DC corners.

• The alternate Earth isn’t aspirational. It puts Chris’s growth in focus and undercuts his nostalgia for a world he’s better off without.

• Adebayo is the emotional center and likely leader in practice. She’s the person everyone calls, and the one who grounds Chris.

• Harcourt’s conversation with Rick Flag Sr. shows who she was before the walls went up, and why Argus keeps pulling her back.

• Expect a meaningful cameo tied to portals or Argus operations. Mr. Terrific, Waller, or a Creature Commandos face are all in play.

• The show keeps mixing crude laughs with character work that lands, which is why the heavier scenes hit.

• “Peacemaker is the X-rated corner of the DCU.” — Jen

• “This episode felt like a gear shift. Argus is coming, and the portal changes the board.” — Frank

• “Adebayo is the glue. She keeps everyone honest and points them back to reality.” — Frank

• “They didn’t show that flashback for nothing. One choice can change a universe.” — Jen

• “Rooker only does that scene because Gunn is the one on the other end of the phone.” — Frank

If you dug this breakdown, subscribe and drop a quick review. Share the episode with a friend who is catching up on Peacemaker and tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedLive.

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Send questions, hot takes, or challenges for future episodes to [email protected]. We might feature your note on the show.

Apple Podcast Tags: Peacemaker, Peacemaker Season 2, James Gunn, John Cena, Michael Rooker, DCU, Vigilante, Adebayo, Harcourt, Rick Flag, Creature Commandos, Boom Tube, Multiverse, Challenge Accepted, Geek Freaks Podcast

We invited Reena from the “Better Call Daddy” podcast to rewatch Dirty Dancing and dig into why this 1987 classic still hits today. We talk about Baby’s coming of age from a woman’s point of view, Johnny’s arc from hired talent to self-worth, the film’s frank treatment of abortion, and that complicated father-daughter dynamic. Along the way, Reena shares personal stories that mirror Baby’s bravery, and we unpack the movie’s layered look at class, privilege, and nostalgia.

• 00:00 - Welcome + Guest intro

• 00:00:32 - What is Better Call Daddy

• 00:02:17 - Why Dirty Dancing still resonates

• 00:03:55 - Two-minute plot rundown

• 00:06:48 - Baby’s POV on sexuality

• 00:08:44 - Class, privilege, and stepping up

• 00:10:26 - Getting Dad involved for Penny

• 00:13:05 - Lakeside talk with Dad and accountability

• 00:16:18 - Johnny’s growth and the age-gap lens

• 00:19:24 - Do not pedestal people

• 00:22:05 - Kellerman’s old guard and changing times

• 00:23:43 - Why the resort hires grad-student waiters

• 00:27:10 - “I carried a watermelon” and belonging

• 00:28:15 - Dance as storytelling

• 00:30:59 - Behind the scenes of the practice-lift

• The story centers Baby’s perspective, which was rare for the era.

• Class is the engine of the plot, from entertainment staff to waiters and guests.

• Baby’s bravery shows up as practical action to help Penny.

• The father-daughter thread is about holding each other to shared values.

• Johnny moves from being used to asserting his worth.

• The nostalgia lands because the movie pairs romance with clear commentary on labor and belonging.

• “We challenge you to a new movie or TV show every week.”

• “I have a podcast with my dad, then he weighs in with his intergenerational take.”

• “She’s in pain. I need to fix her pain.”

• “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”

• “I carried a watermelon.”

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow and subscribe on your favorite app, leave a quick review, and share the episode with a friend using #GeekFreaksPod.

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• GeekFreaksPodcast.com — our home base and the source of all news discussed on the podcast.

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What should we challenge each other to watch next? Send questions and picks via DM or tag us with #GeekFreaksPod and we may feature you in a future episode.

Apple Podcasts Tags: Dirty Dancing, Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, film analysis, movie podcast, father daughter, class and privilege, 1980s movies, dance movies, Better Call Daddy, Geek Freaks, nostalgia, abortion in film, coming of age, Catskills, ballroom dancing, filmmaking, pop culture, interviews, podcasts, reviews

Frank sits down with James from Distance Nerding to unpack Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 2. They get into the portal arc and what it means for Chris as a character, why Eagly quietly steals the episode, and how James Gunn uses running gags like bird blindness to build heart under the humor. The conversation hits Economos wrestling with anxiety and loyalty, Harcourt’s guard-up spiral, Maxwell Lord setup notes, and a few big swing predictions for where the last three episodes could go.

00:00 Welcome and intro to James from Distance Nerding 00:41 First reactions and the tone of a bridge episode 01:20 Tim Meadows as Flurry and the bird blindness gag that keeps paying off 02:55 Eagly reminder and the home defense sequence 03:34 Who hunts Eagly and why that matters for stakes 03:54 The portal arc and the pull of a “better life” versus the 11th Street Boys 05:36 Frank’s theory that the other world celebrates the wrong heroes 07:16 Economos anxiety, Argus pressure, and found family 08:20 Wanting solitude yet craving connection 09:25 The quiet role Economos plays as a buffer between Argus and Peacemaker 10:49 Harcourt’s arc and the “is it nepotism if they are perfect for the part” debate 12:10 Maxwell Lord read and why this version fits the DCU tone 13:08 Little prop clues and what they say about each universe 14:59 Pacing notes and how small scenes plant story markers 16:50 Expecting a tonal pivot in the final three and how it could bridge into the DCU 18:14 Why mature side stories like this hit different than the big icons 19:13 The portal as a what if and a metaphor for avoiding the real work 21:02 A simple I love you that hints at hope in a darker world 22:05 Will Chris ever find peace or accept where he is 24:13 Amelia in the other world and why a perfect version may not be what he wants 25:01 Kintsugi idea and why the cracks are what make Chris care 25:57 Screener cutoff at five episodes and cameo speculation 27:06 Adebayo and Kia under strain and what career first says about her path 27:46 Will Economos choose Argus before choosing his people 28:47 Twilight Zone vibes and a pocket world that looks bright but is not 29:07 Hot take prediction that a certain Rick Flag could show up in a key way 30:12 Senior’s revenge focus and Chris facing what he did 31:13 Guilt in the Maxwell Lord interview and the line that haunts him 32:31 Final thoughts plus a quick Alien Earth shout 32:53 Distance Nerding con schedule and Geek Freaks collabs 35:01 Sign off

• Peacemaker is sitting in the tension between a tempting escape and the messy work of growth.

• Running jokes like bird blindness are doing character work, not just easy laughs.

• Eagly is more than a mascot. Giving him an active threat raises the emotional stakes at home.

• Economos is the quiet hinge of the team. His anxiety and Argus ties set up a hard choice.

• Harcourt is pushing people away to avoid being seen. That makes her mirror Chris more than ever.

• The other universe may celebrate ugly values under a hero banner. That could snap Chris back to who he is now, not who he was.

• Expect a big tone shift in the last three episodes with room for a surprise cameo that ties personal guilt to resolution.

• “Those callback jokes you think are throwaways keep coming back. It is gold.”

• “Eagly steals the show. We kind of forgot he is a badass.”

• “He can see the life he wants through the portal, but he has not dealt with his stuff.”

• “You cannot hide the body. Your problems keep rolling back out.”

• “I think the other world might be cheering for the wrong kind of hero.”

If you enjoyed this breakdown, follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Drop a rating and review to help more fans find the show. Share this episode with a friend and tag us with #ChallengeAcceptedPod.

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What is your read on the portal world. Do you think Chris should stay and chase the old dream or come back and face the mess with his found family. Send your take and a prediction for Episode 3. We will read a few on the next show.

Peacemaker, Peacemaker Season 2, Peacemaker S2E2, DCU, James Gunn, John Cena, Vigilante, Eagly, Maxwell Lord, Economos, Harcourt, TV review, superhero TV, DC Studios, Challenge Accepted, Geek Freaks, podcast recap, character analysis, portal story, found family

Frank breaks down the Season 2 premiere of Peacemaker with a clear eye on tone, pacing, and character arcs. He digs into how the show turns a once unlikable lead into someone worth rooting for, why the loneliness under the jokes hits harder this year, and how the new multiverse twist sets up real emotional stakes. You will hear thoughts on the Justice Gang cameo, the revamped intro, and the visual style of the folding door chamber. There is praise for John Cena’s performance, predictions for where the 11th Street Kids are headed, and a quick show update while Thomas focuses on family.

• 00:00 Welcome and show update for Challenge Accepted

• 00:52 What to expect while Thomas is on dad duty and how the show will roll

• 01:29 Spoiler alert and the review plan for this episode

• 02:06 Tone and pacing compared to Season 1

• 02:59 Why Peacemaker is now easy to root for

• 03:44 Loneliness balanced with humor and how the show pulls it off

• 04:34 Justice Gang interview gag with Maxwell Lord, Hawkgirl, and Guy Gardner

• 06:16 Harcourt at the bar and what that fight says about her headspace

• 07:04 Faster cross cutting and more time with the full crew

• 07:49 The 99 doors concept and Chris seeing Keith again

• 10:24 Reading the alt world and the darker subtext behind it

• 11:29 John Cena’s quiet beats and why they land

• 12:06 Adebayo with Chris and Economos watching for Rick Flag Sr

• 13:33 Vigilante and Economos calls and why they still click

• 14:17 New intro song and dance and why it works

• 15:11 Folding chamber visuals and how the world multiplies

• 15:50 Justice Gang line up and a clean DCU reset inside the recap

• 18:13 Big moments to watch and a look ahead at the multiverse thread

• 19:27 Final thoughts and excitement for the season

• Peacemaker’s path from jerk to vulnerable lead keeps paying off because the show lets humor sit on top of real hurt.

• Season 2 spreads focus across the team which helps flesh out Harcourt, Adebayo, Economos, and Vigilante.

• The 99 doors device is more than a visual trick. It puts Chris face to face with the life he wished he had and tests his growth.

• Harcourt’s bar scene shows a trained fighter chasing pain to feel anything at all.

• The Justice Gang cameo quietly resets the DCU context without getting lost in lore.

• John Cena’s small moments carry as much weight as the big jokes.

• Expect a reckoning with Rick Flag Sr and a deeper look at guilt, forgiveness, and chosen family.

• “It is amazing how DC took a character like Peacemaker and now I am rooting for him in every way.”

• “These outsiders are going to reunite again.”

• “There are 99 doors in this folding chamber and each one asks who Chris wants to be.”

• “Sometimes we do not need to make it complicated. The reset is right there in front of us.”

• “John Cena is a fantastic actor and the quiet beats prove it.”

If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, tap subscribe, and leave a rating and review. Share the episode with a friend and post your take with the hashtag #ChallengeAccepted.

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Peacemaker, Peacemaker Season 2, Peacemaker review, DCU, James Gunn, John Cena, Vigilante, Harcourt, Adebayo, Rick Flag, Challenge Accepted podcast, TV review, superhero TV, Geek Freaks Network

Thomas and Frank set sail for a rewatch of Pirates of the Caribbean The Curse of the Black Pearl. They talk first impressions, why the story pacing feels different today, and why Jack Sparrow still dominates pop culture. The conversation hits character arcs for Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, the film’s blend of practical effects and early CGI, sly nods to the Disneyland ride, and what modern blockbusters can learn from a character first adventure. Fun facts and a quick Hall of Fame debate wrap the voyage, plus a look ahead to Hacks and weekly Peacemaker coverage.

00:00 Welcome and why this pick still matters 00:49 First impressions today versus memory 01:09 Fast plot recap and shifting alliances 04:02 Pacing talk and a slow first act 05:08 Misdirection, the curse, and keeping motives straight 06:03 Cast praise for Depp, Bloom, and Knightley 06:21 Jack Sparrow as career defining performance 07:50 Cartoon energy inside a live action Disney world 09:17 Tone and the Disney magic without the gore 10:15 Family action adventure that still plays for all ages 10:59 Will Turner as the straight man with real growth 12:20 The peg and the dog dynamic between Will and Jack 14:04 Bootstrap Bill and a changing view of pirates 16:06 Set design, practical work, and ride callouts 17:48 Ship battles and why they still pop 23:06 CGI that aged well and where it shows seams 25:19 Budgets, timelines, and quality control for VFX 27:21 Jerry Bruckheimer’s fingerprints and franchise future 28:16 Would a non IP pirate movie hit today 30:37 What modern blockbusters can learn from this film 35:42 Romance that supports rather than drives the story 36:39 The trilogy era and that cliffhanger problem 40:19 Fun facts lightning round 47:50 Hall of Fame vote split 49:22 What is next Hacks S1E1 and weekly Peacemaker 50:16 Quick shout on Game Changer and why to watch 51:09 Outro and how to reach the show

• Jack Sparrow works because the comedy never undercuts danger and the character always dances on the edge • Will Turner is the emotional core and the only character with clear growth in this film • Practical effects enhanced by targeted CGI keep the world tactile and hold up better over time • The movie balances action, comedy, and light romance without losing stakes • Nods to the Disneyland ride help the setting feel lived in rather than digital • Modern blockbusters could benefit from character first design and teamwork focused climaxes • The sequel era of the mid 2000s chased cliffhangers that did not always serve casual viewers

“Jack is our Bugs Bunny in this world.” “The comedy never undercuts the danger.” “Movies should just be fun and character first.” “One person needs to be the peg and one person is the dog that runs around the peg.” “I remember this more fondly than it played for me this time.” “Practical effects with just enough CGI is the sweet spot.”

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Send your questions, challenges, or takes on Black Pearl to [email protected] or DM us on socials. Include your name and city if you want a shoutout on the show.

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