Disney+ - Secret Invasion: A very promising series debut

By Mulder, 21 june 2023

Secret Invasion is a mini-series developed exclusively for the Disney+ streaming platform. It is based on the Marvel Comics series of the same name, and occupies ninth place on the list of TV series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Marvel Studios is responsible for its production, ensuring a seamless connection with the films in the franchise. The story revolves around the efforts of Nick Fury and his allies to thwart the Skrull invasion of Earth. Kyle Bradstreet is creator and head writer, while Ali Selim is director. Samuel L. Jackson returns as Nick Fury, and Ben Mendelsohn reprises his role as Talos. The talented cast also includes Kingsley Ben-Adir, Charlayne Woodard, Killian Scott, Samuel Adewunmi, Dermot Mulroney, Richard Dormer, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman and Don Cheadle. Development of the series began in September 2020, with Bradstreet and Jackson involved from the earliest stages. The title, plot and Mendelsohn's arrival were revealed in December. Additional cast members were announced between March and April 2021, and Selim was named director in May.

Secret Invasion, Marvel's new Disney+ series, brings a refreshing mix of spy thriller and alien invasion to the small screen. Led by the charismatic Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, the series explores the challenges he faces in maintaining world peace amidst a conspiracy of infiltrating aliens. Although some context is provided by the events of Captain Marvel, the series can be enjoyed independently.

The first episode of Secret Invasion introduces a complex web of characters and plots, setting the stage for the thrilling story to come. The rapid world-building and accumulation of information in this episode can be overwhelming, but the essential premise is clear. In the '90s, the Skrulls, a race of shapeshifting aliens, took refuge on Earth after a war with the Krees. Fury and Captain Marvel collaborated to help the Skrulls, with the aim of finding them a new home. The story is set in the present day, and a Skrull infiltration plot is revealed, threatening global security.

The series follows the tropes of the spy thriller, with Moscow serving as a classic backdrop for intrigue and espionage. The introduction of key characters such as Agent Everett Ross, Maria Hill and Talos adds depth to the story. The Skrulls' motivations remain unclear, but their acts of terrorism create tension and drive the plot forward. The stakes rise when Fury returns from his space adventures and reunites with Talos, revealing a history of collaboration between the Skrulls and Earth.The first episode focuses on the Skrulls' physiology and their hiding place in radioactive black sites in Russia. The Skrulls' ultimate plan comes to light: to cause enough chaos and nuclear war to render Earth uninhabitable for humans, while the Skrulls themselves remain unharmed. The complexity of the plot is heightened by the involvement of various factions, including the rebel Skrulls led by Gravik and MI6 agent Sonja Falsworth.

This episode sets the scene for a major mission to prevent a Skrull terrorist attack in Russia. Fury's team, including Talos and Hill, race against time to intercept the bombs while navigating the treacherous world of double agents. The unpredictability of the Skrulls, who can take on any form, creates an atmosphere of distrust and raises the question of who can be trusted. This unreliable narrator adds intrigue to the series, but also calls into question the audience's ability to invest in the characters. As the episode unfolds, tensions rise and the narrative gains momentum. The introduction of new characters such as G'iah and Gravik further increases the complexity of the story. Marvel's decision to ground the series and minimize fantastical elements is evident in the design of Skrull technology, which seems primitive and reclaimed rather than elegant and advanced.

While the first episode of Secret Invasion suffers from information overload and a balance between skepticism and confidence, it successfully lays the groundwork for a gripping, suspenseful series. Solid performances from the actors, especially Samuel L. Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn, give depth to their characters and draw the audience into the complex world of espionage and extraterrestrial intrigue.

Overall, this first episode of the Secret Invasion series is a promising start to a series that pushes the boundaries of the Marvel universe. With its blend of spy thriller elements and gripping plot, the series has the potential to deliver an exciting and unique viewing experience. Secret Invasion will comprise six episodes and is the first series in phase five of the MCU.

Synopsis:
Upon learning of a clandestine invasion of Earth by a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls, Nick Fury joins his allies - including Everett Ross, Maria Hill and the Skrull Talos, who has peacefully settled on Earth - in a race against time. They are driven by a single goal: to thwart this imminent invasion by any means necessary and save humanity.

Secret Invasion
Created by Kyle Bradstreet
Based on Marvel Comics
Directed by Ali Selim
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Killian Scott, Samuel Adewunmi, Dermot Mulroney, Richard Dormer, Emilia Clarke, Olivia Colman, Don Cheadle
Composer: Kris Bowers
Executive Producers: Kevin Feige, Louis D'Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Jonathan Schwartz, Samuel L. Jackson, Ali Selim, Kyle Bradstreet, Brian Tucker
Cinematography : Remi Adefarasin, Sylvaine Dufaux
Editors: James Stanger, Melissa Lawson Cheung, Pete Beaudreau, Drew Kilcoin
Production company: Marvel Studios
Original network: Disney+
Original release date: June 21, 2023 - today
Running time: 55 minutes