The Butterfly-infected Senator Goff, acting under the control of the alien Butterflies, orchestrated the attempt on Peacemaker’s life in the first episode of Peacemaker. This assassination attempt served as a crucial plot point, signaling the dangerous scale of the Butterfly invasion and highlighting the immediate threats Peacemaker faced upon his release from prison.
The Senator Goff Conspiracy: Unpacking the Butterfly Agenda
The initial assassination attempt on Peacemaker, immediately following his release from Belle Reve, was a calculated move by the Butterfly conspiracy. Senator Goff, a key figure in their infiltration of human society, saw Peacemaker as an unpredictable variable – a liability. Having discovered Peacemaker’s impending assignment to Project Butterfly, the Butterflies, disguised as humans, acted quickly to eliminate what they perceived as a threat to their operations.
The scene unfolds dramatically: a truck unexpectedly rams into Peacemaker’s car, followed by a coordinated attack by masked assailants. The sheer force and precision of the ambush make it clear this was no random act of violence, but a targeted strike. The attack, while ultimately unsuccessful thanks to Peacemaker’s combat skills and Eagly’s timely intervention, sets the stage for the high-stakes conflict that drives the entire series. This attempted murder was not simply about eliminating a single individual; it was about safeguarding the Butterflies’ intricate and covert takeover of Earth.
Decoding the Attack: Motives and Methods
To understand the motivations behind the attack, we need to dissect the Butterflies’ objective: to dominate the planet and enforce their own brand of twisted, albeit well-intentioned, peace. Peacemaker’s chaotic nature and unwavering, albeit warped, belief in his own ideals presented a significant risk to this meticulously planned operation. A rogue operative, especially one with a history of questionable decision-making, could expose the Butterflies’ existence and jeopardize their entire mission.
The method of attack was also indicative of the Butterflies’ ruthless efficiency. Utilizing seemingly ordinary vehicles and employing masked assassins ensured a degree of deniability, obscuring the true orchestrators behind the violence. The attackers were clearly well-trained and equipped, further demonstrating the Butterflies’ resources and their commitment to eliminating any perceived threats. The choice to strike immediately after Peacemaker’s release also reveals their intimate knowledge of the situation and their strategic timing.
The Role of Auggie Smith: A Red Herring?
While some theories suggest that Auggie Smith (White Dragon), Peacemaker’s abusive father, may have been involved in the assassination attempt, the evidence strongly points towards the Butterflies. While Auggie harbors immense hatred for his son, his resources and influence were significantly diminished following his imprisonment. The level of coordination and strategic planning required for the attack far exceeded what Auggie could realistically accomplish from behind bars. Moreover, Auggie’s primary focus was on publicly denouncing and discrediting Peacemaker, not outright assassination. Therefore, while Auggie certainly benefited from Peacemaker’s demise, he wasn’t the one pulling the strings.
The FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions
To further clarify the events surrounding the attempted assassination of Peacemaker in Episode 1, let’s address some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: How did Senator Goff become infected with a Butterfly?
Senator Goff was infected by a Butterfly in an event preceding the series. The details are slowly revealed throughout the season, initially showing her acting strangely during the Project Butterfly briefing. Flashbacks reveal a more complex sequence of events and establish the breadth of the Butterfly infiltration.
FAQ 2: Why was Peacemaker considered a threat to the Butterflies?
Peacemaker was seen as a threat because of his unpredictable nature, tendency for violence, and potential to uncover the truth about the Butterflies. His unwavering, albeit flawed, sense of justice made him a wildcard that could disrupt their meticulously crafted plans.
FAQ 3: What evidence points to Senator Goff’s involvement in the attack?
While Goff doesn’t directly appear at the scene, her subsequent actions and dialogue throughout the series, particularly during her interactions with the team and her unwavering support for the Butterfly cause, strongly suggest her orchestration of the attack. Her body language and subtle cues hint at her knowledge of the event.
FAQ 4: Was the assassination attempt successful in any way?
No, the assassination attempt failed. Peacemaker survived, although he sustained injuries. It did, however, achieve its secondary objective: alerting him to the fact that someone wanted him dead, forcing him to be more cautious.
FAQ 5: Did the other members of Project Butterfly know about the assassination attempt?
It’s unlikely that all members of Project Butterfly were aware of the attack. Murn, who was also a Butterfly, likely knew, and possibly Waller, but the others were kept in the dark. The attack was a clandestine operation orchestrated by the higher-ranking Butterflies to eliminate a perceived threat.
FAQ 6: How did Peacemaker manage to survive the attack?
Peacemaker survived due to a combination of factors: his combat training, his surprisingly effective helmet, and the unexpected assistance from Eagly, his pet eagle. Eagly’s intervention proved crucial in distracting the attackers and allowing Peacemaker to gain the upper hand.
FAQ 7: Was there any communication between Peacemaker and Senator Goff after the attack?
There was no direct explicit communication between Peacemaker and Senator Goff about the attack itself. However, their interactions throughout the series are laden with tension and unspoken animosity, reflecting the underlying conflict between them.
FAQ 8: Did the assassination attempt impact Peacemaker’s trust in his new team?
The assassination attempt undoubtedly heightened Peacemaker’s paranoia and distrust. He became even more guarded and suspicious of his new teammates, questioning their motives and loyalties. This distrust served as a recurring theme throughout the series.
FAQ 9: What were the long-term consequences of the assassination attempt?
The long-term consequences were significant. It escalated the conflict between Peacemaker and the Butterflies, forcing him to become more proactive in uncovering their plans. It also solidified the team’s understanding of the dangerous threat they were facing.
FAQ 10: Why didn’t the Butterflies simply kill Peacemaker at Belle Reve?
Killing Peacemaker at Belle Reve would have attracted unwanted attention and potentially triggered a full-scale investigation. The Butterflies preferred to operate in the shadows, and a public execution would have compromised their secrecy.
FAQ 11: Could Auggie Smith have hired someone to attack Peacemaker?
While theoretically possible, it’s unlikely Auggie Smith hired the attackers. His resources were limited, and the level of coordination suggests a more powerful and organized force, like the Butterflies.
FAQ 12: What does the assassination attempt reveal about the nature of the Butterflies?
The assassination attempt reveals the Butterflies’ ruthlessness, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to their goals. It highlights their willingness to resort to violence and deception to maintain control and eliminate any perceived threats. It also demonstrates that they are willing to sacrifice innocent lives to achieve their twisted vision of peace.