Over the past fifteen years Marvel Studios has introduced audiences to all sorts of characters. From superheroes, villains, and gods to artificial intelligence, aliens, and shapeshifters, it seems we have seen almost everything and each new film offered another layer getting peeled away and exposing viewers to yet another dimension in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Then, just when we thought there couldn't possibly be any more, Disney+ treated us to a "limited series" made up of anywhere between six and twelve episodes. Starting things off, WandaVision offered a glimpse of what was to come. Next, we got Loki, Hawkeye, and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. This month, Secret Invasion, provides viewers with a look into a post-blip Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson; Pulp Fiction) and Skrulls - the shapeshifting aliens that were introduced in the movie Captain Marvel.
Once everyone returned from the "snap", Fury decided he can no longer live on Earth so he takes up residence on a space station. However, when a series of terrorist attacks occur around the world, Fury is contacted by Agent Hill (Cobie Smulders; How I Met Your Mother) and former Skull leader, Talos (Ben Mendelsohn; Ready Player One) requiring Fury to return to Earth. Once there Talos explains that even though S.H.I.E.L.D. thought the Skrulls were a small group of refugees, there were actually millions of Skrulls hiding on Earth, and some factions have decided to wage war against humans.
Jackson is an actor known for his "no holds barred" approach to characters and Fury is a perfect example of that as he is intelligent, unapologetic, demanding, etc. His stature and vocal range make his presence commanding giving him an authoritative quality. Mendelsohn does a very good job of balancing Talos' need to take action and his concern for both other Skrulls and humans. Olivia Colman (The Favourite) and Emilia Clark (Terminator Genisys) are very talented and they use their theatrical expertise to add depth to their characters.
The special effects are well done and don't distract from the plot. As the Skrulls shift into various human entities the transitions seem smooth and seamless rather than choppy and awkward. The explosions look realistic and sound equally impressive. The pacing is even throughout the first two episodes and sets up the storyline well for the rest of the series.
The makeup and costume designs are detailed and intricate, especially when the Skrulls take on their true, alien form. It is obvious Marvel spent a lot of time and money to make sure the production values are very good which gives the show added credibility. It would be surprising if Secret Invasion wasn't nominated for at least a few awards. It will be interesting to see over the next few weeks if future episodes can, at a minimum, maintain, if not exceed, the quality set in the first episode.
MCU purists may not enjoy the series as much as the layperson but there is enough of a plot and plenty of action to keep viewers entertained. Of course, as with every part of the MCU, one doesn't have to be completely familiar with the other stories but it helps. People will also be able to continue watching the movies without watching Secret Invasion, however they may miss subtle plot points or make the connection from one story to another.
Not every movie and limited series can be excellent but, even with its flaws, Secret Invasion is one of the better ones, definitely making it one show people should watch.
Grade: B
