Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Secret Invasion episode 5. Marvel fans are highlighting an issue with the return of a familiar Marvel Cinematic Universe character in Disney+'s Secret Invasion. Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury finds himself facing a challenging task in the series, as the Avengers are absent, leaving the former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. to stop the Skrull invasion on Earth alone. Led by Kingsley Ben-Adir's Gravik, the shape-shifting Skrulls are determined to make Earth their new home.
Despite the absence of the Avengers, Secret Invasion includes several returning MCU characters to support Fury on his mission. The most recent character appearance is O-T Fagbenle's Rick Mason, who previously aided Scarlet Johansson's Natasha Romanoff in Black Widow (2021) before making his debut in Secret Invasion. However, there is an issue with his inclusion in the series. As observed by Marvel fans, Mason is not widely known, and Secret Invasion introduces the character without any explanation, expecting the audience to be familiar with him. Below are various reactions to this cameo.
@blurayangel raises the point the most Marvels fans don't know who Mason is.
@MellyParadigm says they did not remember who Mason was at first.
@stevenrogered was surprised at Marvel bringing back Mason for Secret Invasion.
@sandeep_sanmeyo is direct, saying Mason is "The Cameo we didn't need but we got."
@Flea_Breeland was not fond of the cameo, calling it "stupid garbage."
@scarwitchy was shocked to realized that it was indeed Mason in Secret Invasion.
@Dang124Tweets questioned why Mason was the one helping Fury in the series.
Why Secret Invasion Brought Back Rick Mason
To assist Fury in the Secret Invasion, Fagbenle takes on the role of Rick Mason. This character proves invaluable in helping the seasoned MCU veteran, portrayed by Jackson, reach Finland by arranging a private jet. Filling a similar role as before, Mason's debut in Black Widow showcases his resourcefulness and his value as a dependable ally.
In the movie, Mason appears at various times to assist Natasha in remaining concealed or navigating safely. Mason possesses a range of abilities, including creating counterfeit passports, piloting jets, establishing secure hideouts, and accessing the extensive resources of the MCU. These qualifications justify Secret Invasion's decision to bring him back, as his expertise aligns with the assistance Fury requires for the show.
As the series lacks the presence of the Avengers and with Fury's most trusted allies, Maria Hill and Talos, deceased, Jackson's character has limited support for his mission. Additionally, Mason might be eventually revealed as a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, given his reference to the Helicarrier in the episode. This backstory could establish a shared history between the two characters, offering an explanation for why Fury sought help from an unexpected figure in the MCU during Secret Invasion.
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