Invincible Season 3: A Bloody Good Show, But at What Cost?
Invincible season three has concluded its eight-episode run on Prime Video, leaving fans both thrilled and contemplative. The explosive finale raises a critical question: can the series, with a potential five or six seasons remaining, continue to faithfully adapt Robert Kirkman’s monumental comic book while maintaining its current level of quality? The looming Viltrumite War casts a long shadow, and as Mark Grayson prepares for the battles ahead, it’s time to dissect the highs and lows of this latest season.
One of the season’s most significant triumphs lies in the remarkable transformation of Rex Splode. The writing team, coupled with Jason Mantzoukas’s stellar performance, masterfully turned the character from a quintessential arrogant and unlikeable superhero into one of the show’s most endearing figures. Rex’s journey is genuinely surprising and satisfying. He evolves from a frat-boy caricature who cheated on Atom Eve and constantly insulted his teammates into a considerate and genuinely helpful individual with a surprising interest in interior design. This radical shift is triggered by a near-death experience with the Lizard League, highlighting the show’s knack for utilizing traumatic events to instigate profound character development.
The writers cleverly used Rex’s redemption, his support of Mark and Samantha’s relationship, and his burgeoning romance with Shrinking Rae to heighten the emotional impact of his inevitable demise. While his death was a difficult pill to swallow, it was undeniably heroic and solidified his place as a fan favorite.
Invincible’s strength lies in its commitment to exploring the consequences of past events. Unlike many superhero narratives that superficially address traumatic events, Invincible dedicates significant screen time to examining the emotional and psychological toll these events take on its characters. Omni-Man’s destruction of Chicago, the ethical quandaries faced by reformed villains, the implications of a shattered multiverse, and the pervasive sense of distrust and inadequacy among superheroes are all carefully explored. The show excels at portraying how these characters grapple with these issues and strive to make the world a better place, even when their approaches clash. Powerplex’s vengeful pursuit of Mark, Cecil’s controversial alliances with villains, and Mark’s unwavering moral compass all contribute to the dramatic tension that sets Invincible apart.
Another defining characteristic of Invincible is the writers’ thoughtful approach to adaptation. They skillfully discern what to include from the comics, what to omit, and what to expand upon. In previous seasons, Debbie Grayson and Samantha Eve were given greater agency and depth, moving beyond their roles as satellites orbiting Mark’s narrative. This season, Cecil Stedman, the Director of the Global Defense Agency, is given more nuance and complexity, transcending his initial portrayal as a ruthless authoritarian.
The adaptation of Oliver Grayson’s character is particularly noteworthy. Instead of simply portraying him as a volatile and argumentative child who swings wildly between joy and sociopathic tendencies, the show delves into the subtle shades of gray between these extremes. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that Invincible’s cast is populated with dynamic, flawed, and thoroughly compelling characters.
Leading up to season three, the most iconic fights in Invincible were undoubtedly Omni-Man vs. the Guardians of the Globe, Omni-Man vs. Invincible, and Atom Eve’s battle against her siblings in her special episode. Season three raised the bar even higher with Mark’s first real encounter with the formidable Viltrumite, Conquest. Their extended battle in the season finale was a visual spectacle, enhanced by anime-inspired techniques like impact frames that amplified the animation’s impact and heightened the stakes for the upcoming Viltrumite war. Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s voice acting as Conquest was pitch-perfect, capturing both the character’s intimidating presence and his inner turmoil. His chilling confession to Mark, knowing he will not survive, was a standout moment. The fight also served as a cathartic reunion for Walking Dead fans, pitting Steven Yeun and Jeffrey Dean Morgan against each other once again.
However, the season also suffers from a significant drawback: the relentless escalation of violence. While Invincible initially made a strong impression with its brutal depiction of superpowered combat, season three crosses a line. The sheer volume of gruesome imagery becomes overwhelming, diminishing its emotional impact. Every fight feels like a contest to see who can be rendered into the most shredded pulp. The slightest impact leaves characters looking like they’ve been caught in a fireworks explosion. The constant barrage of violence, often showcasing both heroes and villains engaging in extreme brutality within the same episode, becomes tiresome. The series is trapped in a cycle where raising the stakes necessitates escalating the violence, but this approach is unsustainable. Skybound Animation needs to find a more balanced and nuanced approach to portraying violence in future seasons.
Atom Eve’s portrayal in season three is also a source of disappointment. Her special episode showcased the full extent of her incredible power to manipulate matter. She effortlessly navigated traffic, created and destroyed structures, and wielded a variety of energy-based weapons. Her abilities seemed limitless, putting her on par with some of the most powerful characters in the genre. However, in season three, her combat prowess seems to have regressed. She mostly resorts to creating generic pink walls and energy orbs, failing to utilize the full potential of her powers. Atom Eve’s abilities are limited only by the imagination of the animators, and season three falls short of capturing that potential.
In conclusion, Invincible season three delivers a compelling and action-packed continuation of the series, with impressive character development and emotionally resonant storytelling. The adaptation of the comic book material remains faithful, and the addition of anime-inspired visual techniques elevates the fight sequences. However, the excessive violence and the underutilization of Atom Eve’s powers are significant drawbacks. As the series progresses towards the Viltrumite War, it is crucial for Skybound Animation to find a better balance between spectacle and substance, ensuring that the violence serves the story rather than overwhelming it. While Invincible season three offers plenty to enjoy, it also raises concerns about the show’s long-term sustainability.
