Unveiling Hidden Revelations: Jaw-Dropping Easter Eggs & References in Secret Invasion Episode 4

Warning! This article contains spoilers for episode 4 of Secret Invasion. Episode 4 of Secret Invasion continued to incorporate the show's ties to the wider MCU in a more condensed yet impactful manner. Throughout Marvel Studios' TV series on Disney+, episode 4 has often delivered significant revelations. Examples include the introduction of the Time Keepers in Loki, the demise of a Flag Smasher by John Walker in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Marc Spector awakening in a psychiatric hospital in Moon Knight.

Secret Invasion episode 4 follows suit, advancing the storyline following the surprising reveal that Nick Fury's wife, Varra, is collaborating with Gravik. Following the twist involving Gravik shooting G'iah at the end of episode 3, the series wasted no time in delving further into the captivating narrative of the undercover Skrull invasion on Earth. Much like its preceding episodes, Secret Invasion episode 4 is replete with numerous allusions, hidden messages, and connections to the larger MCU.

9 Secret Invasion Featured De-Aged Nick Fury From 2012's The Avengers

8 Secret Invasion Episode 4 Features Another Avengers Reference

"In continuation with Secret Invasion episodes 2 and 3, episode 4 carried forward the task of unveiling Fury's backstory with the Skrulls. Secret Invasion episode 4 primarily delved into a flashback that occurred in 2012, shortly after the Battle of New York depicted in The Avengers. Much like the flashbacks in episodes 2 and 3 of Secret Invasion, where Samuel L. Jackson portrayed a younger version of Nick Fury from the 1990s, episode 4 displayed the character as he appeared in The Avengers; sporting a clean-shaven look, adorned with the iconic black trenchcoat and eyepatch. This portrayal of Fury faithfully recreated his appearance as the person who played a pivotal role in bringing the Avengers together for the first time."

In a flashback to 2012, Fury meets with Varra at a charming Parisian restaurant. Varra mentions having caught wind of "Those guys' heroic acts across the pond," as the camera shifts focus to a newspaper resting on the table. The headline reads "Les Avengers: La Bataille De New York," which translates to "The Avengers: Battle for New York". This subtle nod to the 2012 film serves as yet another Avengers Easter egg in Secret Invasion.

7 Secret Invasion Episode 4's Title Has Various Meanings

The title of episode 4 of Secret Invasion is "Beloved", which holds multiple implications within the context of the show. Firstly, the title alludes to a poem that Fury and Varra bond over. This poem revolves around one individual asking another about their desires in life, with the response being, "to call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the Earth."

Additionally, the title "Beloved" holds significance in relation to Fury and Varra's connection through the poem. The phrase is revisited later in the episode during a flashback scene. This moment emphasizes the love between Fury and Varra, indicating that both of them long to be regarded as beloved.

Another interpretation of the title and poem relates to the Skrulls. The phrase "to feel myself beloved on the Earth" is connected to the Skrulls' yearning for a sense of belonging, encompassing both Talos' faction and Gravik's faction. The Skrulls simply desire a home, and within the context of Secret Invasion, particularly Talos' perspective, there is much political intrigue surrounding the question of whether humans will accept another species on Earth. This notion aligns with the concept of feeling beloved on this planet. On the other hand, Gravik's faction takes this idea to an extreme by claiming ownership of Earth, enabling them to experience a sense of belovedness among their own kind without the presence of humans.

6 Varra & Fury's Home Has An X-Men And Inhuman Reference

A significant portion of Secret Invasion episode 4 unfolds within the residence of Varra and Fury. Here, a fascinating Easter egg alluding to the Inhumans and X-Men emerges. Adorning the wall of the house is a prominently displayed image that showcases a book authored by either Varra or her human host Priscilla. Entitled "Decoding the Superhuman Gene," the book cleverly alludes to the realm of either the Inhumans or X-Men.

Throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), superheroes have never been acknowledged to possess a superhuman gene until the introduction of Ms. Marvel. The recent show strongly suggests that Kamala Khan is a mutant, marking a significant departure from previous MCU heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, whose powers do not stem from a unique genetic code. This book serves as a notable reference to the distinct genetic structures of the Inhumans and X-Men, thereby laying the foundation for the potential inclusion of either one or both of these groups in future MCU projects.

5 Rhodes References Secret Invasion Episode 2

In the fourth episode of Secret Invasion, there is a confrontation between Fury and the Skrull impersonating Rhodey. Fury offers Rhodey a bottle of bourbon, and when Rhodey receives the glass, he jokingly asks if he should be concerned about poison. This is actually a clever nod to a previous scene in episode 2, where Rhodey is the one to offer Fury a drink and Fury inquires about the possibility of poison. By reversing this dynamic in episode 4, the show creates a compelling callback to one of the best moments in episode 2.

4 Fury References The MCU's Nanotech In Secret Invasion Episode 4

3 Secret Invasion Episode 4 References Fury's Best Avengers Action Sequence

In Secret Invasion episode 4, after Skrulls Rhodes raises questions about the poison, Fury playfully suggests that it actually contains nanotech. Since Avengers: Infinity War, nanotech has become an essential component of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It has been utilized in various superhero suits, weapons, and other practical applications throughout the MCU. Fury's witty remark cleverly alludes to this significant incorporation of nanotechnology, while still originating from the Easter egg referencing the poisonous element in Secret Invasion episode 2.

In the 2012 film The Avengers, Fury's role is limited to a few action scenes, mainly during Loki's invasion of the helicarrier. However, towards the end of the movie, he has a thrilling moment where he takes down a plane carrying a nuclear missile to New York using a rocket launcher. This iconic moment is referenced in episode 4 of the Secret Invasion TV series, where Fury once again utilizes a grenade launcher to bring down one of Gravik's helicopters during the intense battle sequence.

2 Secret Invasion Episode 4 Showcases Gravik's Groot Powers

1 Two Of Gravik's Super Skrull Powers Are Still To Be Used

In episode 3 of Secret Invasion, the Extremis powers of the Super Skrulls were revealed, and episode 4 continued to showcase power-based Easter eggs in the MCU with Gravik utilizing Groot's abilities. The climactic scene of episode 4 witnessed Gravik harnessing his newfound powers to seize a Secret Service agent and end their life. Employing the strength of Groot's tree roots, Gravik extended his grasp to capture the agent, ultimately crushing them to their demise.

After extensively utilizing Extremis and Groot's powers, it becomes an intriguing Easter egg that Gravik has not yet employed the remaining two Super Skrull abilities. In episode 2 of Secret Invasion, G'iah observed DNA samples being utilized for the creation of Super Skrulls, including Groot and Extremis. Additionally, samples from Cull Obsidian from Avengers: Infinity War and a Frost Beast from Thor: The Dark World were also present. However, these latter two samples have yet to be revealed in Secret Invasion. This hints at exciting revelations regarding Gravik's potential and what he can accomplish with his extraordinary powers, particularly in the final two episodes.

New episodes of Secret Invasion release every Wednesday on Disney+.