Marvel’s Secret Invasion is the latest series to hit Disney +. Despite being one of many Marvel offerings on the platform, the show’s incredible first episodes promise to deliver an experience unlike anything we have seen before in the MCU. With a strong focus on character work and building conflict, it is clear that the writers understand the benefits of taking their time and being intentional in establishing the plot line of the series first and foremost.
Right off the bat, audiences will notice this series has a distinct feel that sets it apart from other MCU projects. From the opening scene, there is a constant sense of danger and uneasiness as soon as the threat of the Skrulls is introduced. This tension is woven into the fabric of the show, creating a political thriller rooted in the implications of a government infiltrated by an external force. These early episodes lay a lot of groundwork in building up a formidable threat for Fury and his allies to face.
The effectiveness of these episodes can be attributed to director Ali Selim, who combines multiple technical elements to make the show feel grounded in more ways than one. The show utilizes a color palette that matches its gritty aesthetic and tone. Meanwhile, the shot composition feels personal and character-focused which becomes especially noticeable in tense exchanges between characters, such as the show’s opening scene. Additionally, the decision to allow one director to direct the entire series allows for a more cohesive finished product, which will be exciting to observe as the series continues to unfold.
My favorite example of the grounded nature of the series is the intensity of the action sequences. The fight scenes of Secret Invasion are not the over-the-top fights that we have grown accustomed to in recent MCU projects. The lack of superpowers from the main cast gives the sequences a sense of urgency as it feels like the characters are truly in danger. The gunshots feel visceral and the explosions have an impact. This series’ focus is not on superpowers, but rather on the powerlessness of the characters due to their existence.
While the grounded nature of the series means the plot moves at a slower pace, it allows more time to delve deep into the backstories of its characters. The most prominent example of this character-driven focus is the protagonist of the series, Samuel L Jackson’s Nick Fury. Throughout the character’s tenure in the MCU, audiences have become accustomed to the character as the all-powerful Director of SHIELD. However, this show strips the character of this status, allowing the audience to finally see him as more than just a man in power.
This shift in role allows Jackson to give Nick Fury some long-overdue character development. In previous appearances, Fury fulfills the role of the mentor, often inspiring the hero to push onwards and save the day. However, this series destructs the character and asks the question: “Who is Nick Fury without all that power?”. In asking this question, the series is able to fill the gap between the character’s last appearance and where this series starts, giving a rational explanation for his absence in the last few projects.
Another strong point of the show’s character-driven nature is its dedication to fleshing out the backstory of the series’ antagonists such as Kingsley Ben-Adir’s Gravik. Instead of making audiences wait, the audience is given some valuable insight into what drives the conflict between the Skrull faction and humanity from the first episodes. The introduction of an intriguing connection between Fury and the Skrulls creates an interesting dynamic that the show is bound to expand on as it continues.
Going into the series, it was clear that the plot would build off the introduction of the Skrulls in Captain Marvel. However, it is fascinating to the show expand on the existing character dynamics of that film. For example, a central dynamic of the show is the bond between Jackson’s Nick Fury and Talos, portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn. Given the large time span between the end of Captain Marvel and the beginning of Secret Invasion, it is interesting to see how their relationship has evolved. Whether the characters are reminiscing about old times or at odds with one another, the two actors have great chemistry that makes their relationship feel more real.
It is worth mentioning that the pacing of the show can feel a little slow at times. Many of the most effective scenes in these episodes are simple exchanges of dialogue. While this may be a turn-off for some viewers, it is clear this is all in service of laying the groundwork for the show’s central character relationships such as that between Ben Mendelsohn’s Talos and Emilia Clarke’s G’iah. It will be interesting to see these relationships continue to develop and pay off as the series progresses.
Despite the inclusion of shape-shifting aliens, Secret Invasion is shaping up to be Marvel’s most grounded project yet. Boasting a well-constructed plot structure, the show is dedicated to building conflict and delivering a character-driven story. In its first episodes, the series sets up an intriguing and surprisingly topical narrative about the dangers of power and influence in our modern society, promising something fresh and innovative for the Marvel universe.
Secret Invasion will debut on Disney+ on June 21, 2023.
Despite the inclusion of shape-shifting aliens, Secret Invasion is shaping up to be Marvel’s most grounded project yet. Boasting a well-constructed plot structure, the show is dedicated to building conflict and delivering a character-driven story.
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I’m Andrew! I love discussing movies and tv shows. My favorite genres include animation, musicals, and especially Superheroes.