Summary
Secret Invasion received mixed reviews but still fared better than Inhumans, which is considered the worst-received MCU series.
Secret Invasion received a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, revealing a comparatively unfavorable response to the film. In contrast, Inhumans only garnered an 11% rating, indicating an even more negative reception.
Secret Invasion faced various criticisms, primarily focused on its intricate plot and the depiction of Nick Fury. On the other hand, Inhumans received harsh criticism across multiple areas, encompassing storytelling, spectacle, and visual style.
Secret Invasion, Marvel's highly anticipated series based on the iconic Marvel Comics story of the Skrulls infiltrating Earth, unfortunately fell short of expectations. However, it still fared much better than Inhumans, the worst disaster in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Released on Disney+ in the summer of 2023, Secret Invasion received a mixed response, which was especially disheartening considering the significance and popularity of the original comic storyline.
Despite facing criticism from both Rotten Tomatoes and general audiences, Secret Invasion outperformed Inhumans, Marvel's ABC series, by a significant margin. In 2017, Inhumans became the first Marvel show to screen its first two episodes in theaters (even in IMAX) before airing on ABC. Unfortunately, Inhumans remains the lowest-rated MCU movie or TV series, resulting in the cancellation of its planned second season. Examining the contrasting reception of Secret Invasion and Inhumans reveals some factors that contributed to Secret Invasion avoiding the negative reception faced by Inhumans.
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Secret Invasion Has Higher Rotten Tomatoes Scores Than Inhumans
Secret Invasion did not receive the same level of positive reception as Phase Two or Three movies or shows. However, its rating of 54% on Rotten Tomatoes from 195 reviews shows that it was not considered truly terrible. Critics acknowledged that the series showcased Samuel L. Jackson and took the MCU in a darker and more mature direction, which helped it maintain a steady quality after a slow start. Overall, Secret Invasion received a mixed response with a slight inclination towards positivity.
In contrast, Inhumans had a much worse reception. It holds an 11% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 47 reviews and was criticized for its unimaginative narrative, dull design work, weak characters, and disengaging melodrama. Despite Inhumans having fewer reviews than Secret Invasion, the overall tone of the response was significantly more negative. This contextualizes why each series received the reception they did.
What Went Wrong With Secret Invasion And Inhumans
The criticisms surrounding Secret Invasion primarily stem from the perception of its convoluted plot, which some argue fails to capture the expansive nature of the renowned Marvel Comics story. Additional grievances include the portrayal of Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury, which is seen as a downgrade from his previous roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, as well as the unexpected twist ending. Notably, the incorporation of Emilia Clarke's character, Gi'ah, absorbing various powers from different MCU characters received significant backlash due to underwhelming visual effects and the potential sidelining of other Marvel heroes in future narratives.
Meanwhile, every aspect of Inhumans received severe criticism for its poor reflection of the storytelling, spectacle, and visual style of the MCU. In contrast, Secret Invasion faced criticism in more specific areas of the show. However, Inhumans was a disastrous combination of multiple failures, all evident on screen. Ultimately, this failure is evident in the final products of both Secret Invasion and Inhumans.
Why Inhumans Is Worse Than Secret Invasion
Secret Invasion succeeded where Inhumans failed due to its stronger start. Despite facing some criticism before its disappointing finale, Secret Invasion effectively introduced the Skrulls as formidable foes in the MCU, building on their introduction in Captain Marvel. Moreover, the inclusion of Nick Fury, an established character, in a leading role provided an intriguing angle for the show. It may have deviated from his previous appearances, but it added depth to the storyline. Notably, Secret Invasion's ending followed the typical MCU pattern of teasing future possibilities, leaving viewers excited for what lies ahead.
Contrary to expectations, Inhumans appeared to be of poor quality, with disappointing effects and unexciting action sequences throughout. The show also offered very little for viewers to connect with in terms of an inconsistent storyline that failed to establish the endearing appeal of the Inhumans, similar to the beloved Avengers or Guardians of the Galaxy. While Secret Invasion may have faced a mixed reception following Avengers: Endgame, it still falls far short of being considered as the lowest point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a title that firmly belongs to Inhumans.
