The first episode of Marvel’s Secret Invasion, titled “Resurrection,” introduces a darker and grittier tone to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). With former SHIELD director Nick Fury at the forefront, the series explores themes of weariness and disillusionment. As the episode unfolds, it becomes apparent that the show aims to tackle complex issues, making it a departure from previous MCU projects.
A Wearied Nick Fury
“Resurrection” focuses on Nick Fury’s return to Earth after a long stay aboard the SABER space station. Nick, played by the ever-terrific Samuel L. Jackson, embodies an aged and jaded spy who reluctantly accepts his role in Earth’s ongoing struggles. This portrayal resonates with those who have found themselves disenchanted with recent MCU offerings. As the show progresses, Nick’s weary journey to address the escalating Skrull problem becomes a central focus.
Disillusioned Skrull Refugees
During the 1990s, Nick had aided a group of Skrull refugees who, over time, have grown disillusioned with their prospects. The promise of a new home planet, made by Nick and Carol Danvers in Captain Marvel, never materialized. Understandably resentful, the Skrull Talos (portrayed by the equally exhausted Ben Mendelsohn) remains Nick’s loyal ally, even after suffering the loss of his wife.
Enter the Rebel Skrulls
Among the disillusioned Skrulls is Talos’ daughter, G’iah, portrayed by Emilia Clarke from Game of Thrones. G’iah has joined a rebel group of Skrulls led by Gravik, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir. Their plan involves using subterfuge to ignite a war between Russia and America, setting the stage for ultimate Skrull dominance on Earth. The series premise suggests that these Skrulls have been posing as humans in influential geopolitical roles for some time, giving them a significant advantage and a well-crafted plan.
The Enigmatic Sonya Falsworth
The episode also introduces the wonderful Olivia Colman as Sonya Falsworth, a prominent MI6 agent and an old ally of Fury’s. Although their encounter is brief, it hints at their extensive history working behind the scenes on the world stage. While Sonya’s character doesn’t have a significant role yet, it remains to be seen how she will contribute to the overall plot as the series progresses.
Complexity for MCU Fans
Secret Invasion does not cater to MCU newcomers. It immediately reveals that Martin Freeman’s former CIA agent Everett K. Ross is actually a Skrull imposter, a revelation that holds weight if viewers are familiar with Captain America: Civil War and the Black Panther movies. The episode concludes with Cobie Smulders’ Maria Hill tragically gunned down, emphasizing the stakes of the situation. However, Maria’s death may not resonate as strongly with those who haven’t been invested in her character throughout the MCU films.
Flaws in Execution
The events between Everett’s unmasking and Maria’s death feel flat and poorly paced. Additionally, the underlying messaging regarding refugees, namely the idea that they will eventually steal jobs and become violent, raises questions and may be problematic. The show grapples with these thematic elements, attempting to balance a dark and gritty conspiracy thriller akin to Captain America: The Winter Soldier while struggling to escape the inherent silliness of actors wearing green masks. Captain Marvel’s approach of transforming traditionally antagonistic Marvel Comics villains into allies proved successful, making it difficult to view them as a genuine threat against the backdrop of Secret Invasion’s somber atmosphere.
Trust No One
Given Secret Invasion’s emphasis on the tagline “trust no one” in its marketing, viewers are led to question much of what they see in the series opener. However, there isn’t sufficient time to fully engage with the episode’s surprises and twists, preventing the development of a truly unsettling atmosphere. The show introduces the Skrull situation relatively late in the game, taking place over four years or more after the events of Captain Marvel. With only six episodes to build towards a climax, the series appears to be setting up a slow-burning narrative that may find its rhythm as viewers spend more time with both new and familiar MCU characters.
Conclusion
“Resurrection,” the first episode of Secret Invasion, sets the stage for a darker and grittier MCU series. With an aging and weary Nick Fury at its center, the show explores themes of disillusionment and weariness. The introduction of disillusioned Skrull refugees and their rebel counterparts adds complexity to the narrative. However, the execution of certain plot elements and pacing issues hinder the episode’s impact. The series caters to devoted MCU fans, relying on prior knowledge of characters and events. As Secret Invasion progresses, it remains to be seen how successfully it will navigate its intricate web of conspiracies and deliver a satisfying conclusion in its limited episode count.