‘Invincible’ Season 3 Finale Review – Damn!

Recap:

When things get tough for Mark, it’s like walking on glass. Sure, everything will eventually be fine and heal nicely, but until then, it’s complete hell. Episode 7 came for his head but more than anything it came for his reputation. While his new training has been paying off, others, his friends, weren’t so lucky. Not only did Rex sacrifice himself like Gambit in X-Men 97, but the Guardians of the Globe were run through like tape at a finish line, other heroes were ripped apart, and Eve ended up in the hospital. More than ever, we are learning that with Mark being so concerned about the well-being of those he cares about, he cannot fully focus on the threat at hand, putting himself in mortal danger and prolonging the attacks. Unless, you read the comics, who could have seen Angstrom Levy being such a formidable foe? It’s the classic brain against brawn, luckily for Invincible’s brawn, good tends to triumph over evil; but that doesn’t mean the bad guys can’t beat the shit out of you. And as we saw at the end of the episode with the arrival of Conquest, the job is never over nor is it easy.

“I’m going to split you in half and eat your heart.”

Damn! That is the first word that comes to mind and escapes your mouth when thinking about and experiencing this finale. Episode 8 of Invincible Season 3 is a banger from beginning to end. From its elevated pacing to the nonstop action, it’s exactly what fans want to see more of. Yes, the storytelling and growth have been more entertaining this season, but the showrunners know we want the DBZ-level action and we want it often. Subsequently, that is what this episode delivers as Mark faces off against Conquest. It’s gloriously violent and immensely captivating, and the dialogue is bone-chilling.

This is one of the episodes fans will refer back to when thinking about when the series took a turn. It not only solidifies Invincible as the most powerful on the planet, but it’s evident there is still untapped potential. What makes this series, specifically this episode, thrilling is Mark is fallible and can be defeated by the right villain. However, what makes him live up to his moniker, the thing that drives him to outlast his enemies, is what Viltrumites have a strong disdain for, compassion. His compassion isn’t solely reserved for humankind but for any innocent being in harm’s way. Unfortunately, that love for others, though commendable, tends to lead to more injury. Nevertheless, Mark will sacrifice his mind, body, and soul to protect everyone he can.

“I can see the future. You don’t live to see tomorrow.”

This episode is rife with injuries and cascading with destruction. No one is immune to it. From bodies slowly being pulled apart to a rendition of the infamous subway scene, if you came for carnage, you get it in abundance. Adding to the visual superpowered pummeling is some of the best sound design of the series. Every broken bone, every exploding tendon, and every earth-shattering blow fills the ears sending vibrations through the body. Moreover, the voice acting of Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Conquest is perfect. The balance of maniacal confidence and calm is chilling. It also weirdly gives Glenn from The Walking Dead a rematch against Negan. Powers are unlocked, lives are changed, and it’s all glorious. From its focus on the meticulously ruthless attack from Conquest to the gems the closing minutes give us, the series’ future looks insanely bright. Its rewatchability is high.

Final Thoughts

While this season may not have delivered everything fans wanted, it did many things very well. The writing and story structure featured a level of sophistication we hadn’t seen yet. Mark’s journey became more nuanced and vibrant. Kirkman and company shook things up in a way that kept each episode interesting and engulfing. And the show is more aesthetically pleasing each season. Ending with tons of surprises and even more questions, season 4 should be mindblowing.

All episodes of Invincible Season 3 are now streaming on Prime Video. Stay safe and remain Invincible.