4 THINGS SECRET WARS IS DOING RIGHT
4 THINGS SECRET WARS IS DOING RIGHT
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
Audiences are once again impressed by Marvel Studios. Secret Invasion, the newest miniseries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is an exciting and suspenseful adaptation of the same-named comicbook story. The series follows Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Talos (Ben Mendelsohn), a shapeshifting alien Skrull, as they uncover a conspiracy by a group of renegade Skrulls to conquer Earth by posing as different humans around the world.
The first two episodes of the series have set the tone and the stakes for the rest of the season, and have delivered some of the best moments in MCU history. Here are some of the highlights and reasons why you should watch Secret Invasion:
TOP TIER ACTORS
Samuel L. Jackson’s acting ability, as well as some of the other leads, is top tier. Jackson is no stranger to the role of Nick Fury, having played the former S.H.I.E.L.D. director in multiple MCU films and series since 2008. In Secret Invasion, though, he gets to portray a another side of Fury; one that is more vulnerable, tired, and conflicted. Jackson plays the role with charisma, intensity, and humor, but he also demonstrates his range and complexity as an actor. He depicts Fury’s feelings and objectives with depth and nuance, making him a compelling and relatable protagonist. Jackson is one of Hollywood’s biggest names, having garnered countless honors and nominations for his work.
Other outstanding performers, including Don Cheadle and Ben Mendelsohn, play his close companions and antagonists, respectively. Cheadle has won an Emmy and a Grammy, and he has been nominated for an Oscar, a BAFTA, and six Golden Globes for his diverse and spectacular cinematic roles. Mendelsohn, an Emmy winner, has been honored for his captivating and versatile performances with nominations for two AACTA Awards, a Film Critics Circle of Australia Award, a Caméra Award, an IF Award, and a BIFA Award.
They both bring their skills and charisma to their roles as Rhodey/War Machine and Talos respectively, creating memorable and complex characters.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Kingsley Ben-Adir‘s portrayal of Gravik, the commander of the rebel Skrulls who ambition to conquer Earth, is an additional strength of Secret Invasion. A rising talent, Ben-Adir has received accolades for his performances in movies and television shows like Peaky Blinders.
He gives Gravik a scary and intriguing demeanor, making him a formidable complex enemy. He also has fantastic chemistry with Samuel L. Jackson, particularly in their conflict scenes. Olivia Colman, who plays Sonya Falsworth, a senior official in MI6 who is committed to stopping the Skrull invasion. Colman is an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy winner known for her work in films such as The Favourite and The Father.
She brings her talent and versatility to Falsworth, who is a ruthless and pragmatic spy who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. She also has some of the best lines and moments in the show, such as when she tortures a Skrull prisoner with glee. Colman and Ben-Adir are both excellent additions to the MCU.
IMPRESSIVE COSTUMES/MAKEUP
The Skrulls are a race of alien shapeshifters who can take on any appearance they want. They were first introduced in the MCU in Captain Marvel (2019), where they were shown as refugees fleeing from the oppressive Kree Empire. In Secret Invasion, however, we see a different faction of Skrulls, who are more militant, ruthless, and ambitious. They have infiltrated various positions of power and influence on Earth, from politicians to celebrities to superheroes. The costuming for the Skrulls is impressive, with much attention to detail, showing their distinctive green skin, pointy ears, ridged chins, and reptilian eyes. The makeup department really delivered a product that’s a noticeable step-up from the wonky CGI in some of the other recent MCU offerings.
WELL WRITTEN DIALOGUE
One of the most intriguing and myterious aspects of Secret Invasion is the role of Rhodey in the plot. He seems to be working with Fury to stop the invasion, but he also acts suspiciously at times. Some fans have speculated that he might be a Skrull impostor, who has been sabotaging Fury’s efforts and feeding him false information. In episode two, Fury confronts Rhodey, where they engage in a tense and heated conversation. The dialogue between them is well-written and captivating, revealing their motivations, histories, and perspectives. Fury questions Rhodey’s loyalty and honesty, while Rhodey defends his actions as necessary and justified. They also reference events from previous MCU films and shows, creating a sense of continuity and connection. The dialogue also showcases the acting skills of Jackson and Cheadle, who deliver their lines with passion and conviction.
SPY THRILLER VIBE
Secret Invasion is not your typical superhero show. It is more of a spy thriller, with elements of mystery, intrigue, espionage, action, and drama. The series draws inspiration from classic spy films and shows such as The Bourne Identity and the Third Man (1949). The series has a dark and gritty tone, with realistic violence and consequences. It also has twists and turns that keep the audience guessing who is who and what is going on. The show also features some pretty great action sequences, such as the chase scene near the beginning of the first episode. Secret Invasion is a thrilling and engaging ride that so far has the viewer on the edge of their seat.
MINOR GRIPES
Of course, the series is not perfect, and it has some flaws and drawbacks. For instance, some fans may be disappointed that the series does not feature any heroes like the source material, where the Skrulls impersonated several Avengers and other superheroes. The series also kills off Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), Fury’s loyal ally and friend, in episode one, in a rather cheap and anticlimactic way. She is shot in the stomach and dies in the street. This seems like a waste of a character who has been part of the MCU since 2012, and who could have played a bigger role in the series. The series also has some pacing and editing issues, such as jumping from one scene to another without much transition or explanation
IN CONCLUSION
The flaws do not overshadow the strengths and merits of the series (so far), which is one of the best offerings from Marvel Studios in awhile. Secret Invasion is a must-watch for MCU fans as it tries something new and refreshing from the usual formula. The series also sets up the stage for future MCU projects, such as Avengers: Secret Wars. Secret Invasion is available to stream on Disney+ , with new episodes releasing every Wednesday. Don’t miss it!
