Attention! Make sure to brace yourself for spoilers regarding Marvel's Secret Invasion episode 3.
Marvel's Secret Invasion has introduced a potential inconsistency concerning Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, there is an unfortunate explanation behind this discrepancy. Secret Invasion is the newest Disney+ series from Marvel Studios, featuring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. In the show, Fury, the former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself surrounded by an exceptional ensemble cast as he endeavors to prevent a Skrull invasion on Earth. Given the Skrulls' ability to impersonate other beings, the world is left uncertain about the true identities of its characters. In this predicament, Fury alone must navigate the situation without any assistance from the Avengers, who do not make an appearance in Secret Invasion.
Jackson's Nick Fury, who has been with Marvel Studios since the very beginning, is finally leading his own MCU project. He initially recruited Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) for the Avengers Initiative in 2008's Iron Man. Secret Invasion, the latest project, not only has the potential to cause significant damage to the broader MCU but also delves into Fury's personal story. The series explores his space mission and the 30-year-long journey to find a suitable home planet for the Skrulls, ultimately resulting in their invasion of Earth. Despite shedding light on Fury's character, the series appears to have created a plot hole.
Secret Invasion's "Nobody Calls Me Nick" Line Has Another Explanation
In episode 3 titled "Betrayed" of Secret Invasion, Fury humorously remarks, "Nobody refers to me as Nick, Bob." This remark is made when the character interestingly discovers the true identity of a Skrull enemy. Jackson's character realizes that it was not the actual Talos portrayed by Ben Mendelsohn who conversed with him, but a Skrull impersonator named Bob imitating his voice. Ever since this line was spoken, it has ignited extensive discussions among Marvel enthusiasts who use it as a way to detect Skrulls. They delve into previous Secret Invasion episodes, as well as past MCU movies and series, in hopes of uncovering hidden Skrulls based on which characters addressed Fury as "Nick" in the past.
Why Secret Invasion's "Nick" Plot Hole Explanation Is Way Sadder
: However, there is an issue with this use of Fury's line. Although Bob was indeed a Skrull posing as Talos in Secret Invasion episode 3, prominent characters such as Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Maria Hill, and others have previously referred to Fury as "Nick," and unless Marvel Studios intends to drastically alter the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it is unlikely that all of them are Skrulls. A more plausible explanation for Fury's statement that nobody calls him "Nick" is that he is referring to the fact that no one addresses him by casual names after his return from being snapped away by the Blip and his subsequent journey into space.The supposed plot hole in Secret Invasion surrounding "Nick" is actually a poignant reflection of Fury's profound loneliness. It serves as a powerful testament to the absence of those who used to affectionately refer to him by that name, either due to their demise or uncertain fate, like Steve Rogers in the current MCU. Rather than suggesting potential Skrull imposters, this line emphasizes the profound sadness that Fury experiences as he realizes he has lost most of the people who held him dear enough to call him "Nick." Hence, Secret Invasion's so-called "plot hole" is imbued with even greater melancholy.