Unveiling the Epic Marvel Secret Invasion
Marvel's Secret Invasion delivers a gripping and thrilling storyline that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats With its masterful execution and expertly crafted plot twists, this series is a must-watch for any Marvel fan
Disney Plus subscribers may have missed the release date for Marvel's latest series, Secret Invasion, which is set to premiere on June 21st. Compared to previous efforts, Disney's marketing campaign for this show has been relatively subdued. After viewing the first two episodes, it appears that there may be a reason for the quieter approach. Despite being marketed as a spy thriller, Secret Invasion does not quite deliver on the high stakes and tense atmosphere that the genre promises. While the show is a decent effort to adapt one of Marvel's most famous comic book storylines, which spanned numerous titles and developed its narrative over a prolonged period, it ultimately falls short of expectations.
The show's reliance on a longer timeline for the comic books may be the reason why it feels rushed, as evidenced by the first two episodes reviewed. The initial scenes are burdened with exposition that is delivered clumsily and lacks any sense of urgency or style. To add insult to injury, the lackluster chase scene in the streets of Moscow culminates in the show's predictable first reveal.
In Secret Invasion, Samuel L. Jackson and Cobie Smulders reprise their roles as Nick Fury and Maria Hill, respectively, to go up against a growing faction of shapeshifting aliens known as the Skrulls who are plotting a takeover of Earth. While fans may be happy to see Jackson as Fury again, his portrayal of the character feels lacking as he struggles to inject the same level of personality into the role. Additionally, Fury seems haunted by a secret trauma that is only hinted at in the opening episodes, but Jackson fails to carry the weight of this in most of his scenes. The new additions to the MCU, including Kingsley Ben-Adir and Emilia Clarke as Skrulls, are a highlight, with Ben-Adir's performance as the villainous Gravik being particularly noteworthy. However, Gravik's motivations for his mission to rid the world of humans and make it a new Skrull homeworld come off as too plainly evil for someone who seemingly wants what is best for his people.
Clarke's portrayal of G'iah, a soldier in Gravik's army, is nuanced and complex. Her character is marked by internal conflict, which adds depth to her performance. However, in the first two episodes, Clarke's talent is not fully utilized as she is not given any truly challenging material to work with.
Olivia Colman's Sonya and Don Cheadle's James Rhodes are standout characters, despite having less screen time than others. Colman's bubbly energy brings a delightful charm to her scenes, whether they are friendly conversations or intense interrogations. Meanwhile, Cheadle's Rhodey maintains his signature weary attitude towards most situations.
However, despite the talented actors and beloved source material, Secret Invasion fails to truly take off in its first two hours. While there are moments of sharp writing, such as a conversation between Fury and Rhodey addressing the challenges of being a Black man in elite society, the majority of the show feels more like Marvel dabbling in the spy genre rather than creating something with substance. Fans hoping for another Andor may be disappointed.
Compared to Marvel's other Disney Plus shows, Secret Invasion lacks the visually stunning style that viewers have come to expect. It is more akin to Falcon and the Winter Soldier than Loki, with most of the action occurring in nondescript locations that are meant to represent various international cities. The climactic scene set in Moscow appears to have been filmed in the same location as Falcon and the Winter Soldier's infamous murder-by-shield scene. While director Ali Selim has experience with television spy thrillers, having worked on productions like The Looming Tower and Condor, the tension in Secret Invasion falls flat in comparison.
The introduction to Secret Invasion may leave fans wanting more, as the small easter eggs and lack of standout elements make it feel similar to other Marvel projects. While there is potential for surprises and unexpected turns in future episodes, the current state of the show is competent but flat. Viewers may find themselves hoping for a transformation of sorts as the story progresses, much like the Skrulls at the center of the plot. Secret Invasion will air on Disney Plus starting June 21st.
