While an unabashed fan of comic books and superheroes, James Gunn has not shied away from deviating from the comics’ canon. While referencing some classic stories in constructing the DCU, Gunn has also changed some characters and their origins for the sake of a new spin. Peacemaker introduces such a change into the origin of one Batman character. This controversial change could, in turn, could foreshadow some of the Dark Knight’s history in the DCU.
When the cast for Peacemaker Season 2 was announced, the character of Sasha Bordeaux stood out to comic readers. First appearing in 2000’s Detective Comics #751, Bordeaux was a former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard. She was hired by Wayne Enterprises’ board of directors to protect Bruce Wayne. However, Bordeaux soon deduced Wayne’s secret identity.
Wayne reluctantly trained Bordeaux, allowing her to fight crime beside him. They were both later framed for the murder of radio personality Vesper Fairchild. While Batman proved their innocence, Bordeaux was apparently killed in prison before she could be released.
In truth, Bordeaux’s murder was faked by the covert organization Checkmate, so they could recruit her. Bordeaux was later transformed into a cyborg, thanks to the machinations of Maxwell Lord. She eventually took over Checkmate after Lord’s downfall, and had a romance with Mister Terrific. In the modern DC timeline, she is still a cyborg, but now works for ARGUS.
Actor Sol Rodriguez was questioned as to whether Bordeaux’s comics’ background would come into play in Peacemaker Season 2. Rodriguez confirmed she “had it in the back of my mind,” yet was developing a new take on the character. However, she added that when it came to Bordeaux taking over Checkmate or ARGUS, “if (Gunn) ever wants to make that happen, I’m here for it.”
How Peacemaker Season 2 changes Sasha Bordeaux for DCU
The events of Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 5, ‘Back to the Suture’ confirm that some of Sasha Bordeaux’s background from the comics is canon to the DCU. Bordeaux is present when ARGUS attempts to ambush Peacemaker in a public park. When the situation becomes a standoff, Bordeaux draws her firearm and declares that she can take him down, as blue lights flash over her eyes. A quick point-of-view shot from her perspective shows some kind of targeting HUD as she aims at Peacemaker.
Later, when discussing Sasha Bordeaux at ARGUS headquarters, John Economos specifically refers to her as a cyborg. He also adds that she was in a plane crash, at which point ARGUS replaced half her body with machinery. Nothing else has been revealed about her background and training before that time. However, the display of her powers in Peacemaker is consistent with her powers in the comics after joining Checkmate.
Could Peacemaker Season 2 tease DCU Batman?
Little has been revealed about the DCU Batman so far. He appeared in the Creature Commandos animated series, where he captured Doctor Phosphorus. James Gunn also confirmed, in Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, that Batman’s existence was known to the public at large. However, many (including Peacemaker) criticized Batman’s code against killing super-criminals who repeatedly escaped from custody and killed more innocent people.
It is possible the DCU version of Batman has some history with Sasha Bordeaux, as in the comics. However, it is equally possible the changes to her background in Peacemaker were born of a need to eliminate her connection to Batman. Indeed, it may seem unlikely that Batman will figure into the story of Peacemaker at all.
However, Gunn has taken the unusual step of withholding the final three episodes of Peacemaker Season 2 from the usual press screener packs. In an interview with Brandon Davis, Gunn said he was particularly anxious about these episodes being spoiled before broadcast. Why that should be the case is unclear. However, when questioned by Extra about the possibility of the DCU Batman making a cameo in Peacemaker Season 2, Gunn smiled and replied, “We’ll have to see about that.”
