Samuel L. Jackson’s role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a unique and enriching experience. While other headliners may come and go, Jackson’s portrayal of the indefatigable Avengers ringmaster has been a constant presence, bringing his talent and star persona to bear in the franchise. However, despite his integral role, he has never emerged into the spotlight. This is what makes “Secret Invasion,” Disney+’s new Marvel series, particularly potent for fans. Jackson excels when given the chance to lead a project, and in the show’s first two episodes, he is part of a series that establishes itself as compelling television.
In “Secret Invasion,” Jackson’s Fury becomes embroiled in a drama involving the Skrulls, an alien race introduced in the 2019 film “Captain Marvel,” who attempt to infiltrate Earth by impersonating human beings. With the help of a Skrull ally (played by Ben Mendelsohn), Fury endeavors to hold together a seemingly impossible cause where the villains look just like us.
While viewers who missed “Captain Marvel” may find themselves playing catch-up, the show does its best to situate viewers and bring them up to speed. Additionally, the visual spectacle typically associated with Marvel films seems to be reserved for the silver screen, but the first two episodes of “Secret Invasion” offer moments of sparky energy that set it apart from the movies in a positive way. The casting of Emilia Clarke as a character with conflicting impulses towards her own rise to power adds intensity to the series. Clarke’s previous role on “Game of Thrones” and her potential franchise-starter in “Solo” make her a suitable choice for Marvel. Similarly, Olivia Colman’s portrayal of MI6 agent Sonya Falsworth showcases her signature acting style, which intriguingly coexists with her character’s moral ambiguity.
“Secret Invasion” stands out for its willingness to explore new territory while maintaining a subtlety that distinguishes it from previous Marvel projects. Unlike the segmented feature film approach of previous Disney+ Marvel series, these episodes embrace the medium of television. Since “WandaVision,” which initially had an episodic premise but eventually abandoned it for a more traditional climax, Marvel’s TV shows have struggled to establish themselves as distinct entities.
In contrast, the first two episodes of “Secret Invasion” successfully establish a unique identity for the series. The second episode surprises viewers by delving into the unsettling nature of a “Body Snatchers” scenario. The show takes its time to tease out its themes and ideas, allowing for a more deliberate pace than a typical Marvel film. The exploration of Fury’s race becomes a persistent commentary throughout the series, with Colman’s character humorously comparing him to Paul Robeson and suggesting he sings “Ol’ Man River.” Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes outright declares that he owes nothing to the Black man who considered himself Rhodes’ mentor and refers to him as “mediocre.” These moments depend on contextual nuances and offer opportunities to delve deeper into the characters and their dynamics.
The conversation between Cheadle and Jackson’s characters opens up new avenues for exploration, as it gives Jackson’s Fury the opportunity to showcase different aspects of his character. For years, Jackson has been asked to bring out the best in the heroes around him, but this conversation reveals his morose disappointment, momentarily veering into rage. It promises to unveil more layers of this legendary actor’s toolkit as the series progresses.
The first two episodes of “Secret Invasion” also make the promise that key characters will not be killed off only to be revived later, which has been a recurring trope in the Marvel franchise. The show sets itself apart as a genuine serial story within the vast Marvel apparatus, raising questions about whether it will reveal its true
form over time. Its humanity and ability to tell a compelling story within the Marvel universe make it a noteworthy addition to the franchise.
In summary, “Secret Invasion” showcases Samuel L. Jackson’s talent as a lead actor and offers a welcome surprise as a television series within the Marvel universe. It introduces intriguing new characters portrayed by Emilia Clarke and Olivia Colman, explores social commentary through the lens of Fury’s race, and takes a deliberate and nuanced approach to storytelling. With promising early episodes, “Secret Invasion” has the potential to establish itself as a unique and compelling addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.