tv review: 'secret invasion'

​By @nadreviews

Samuel L. Jackson in "Secret Invasion" (2023)

​Over the past seven years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has expanded some of its iconic characters and storylines into several Disney+ limited series. MCU phase four kicked off with the stellar “WandaVision,” which went on to receive 23 Emmy nominations and marked the studio’s first major recognition by the Television Academy. The Emmy love continued with such shows as “Moon Knight,” “What If…?”, “Loki,” and “Hawkeye.” By this time next year, the MCU could see more awards love with their new slate of shows. Phase five kicks off with the star-studded “Secret Invasion,” a Nick Fury spinoff from showrunner Kyle Bradstreet. Set in the present day, the plot follows Samuel L. Jackson’s Fury as he learns of an invasion by the shapeshifting Skrulls that were featured in the 2019 film “Captain Marvel.” Facing imminent destruction of Earth, Fury and his ally group band together to save humanity.
 
The conflicts between Marvel’s heroes and the rogue Skrulls are given time to percolate in the first two episodes. The viewer gets a strong sense of the key players, first and foremost. Familiar faces from the Marvel universe return, including Ben Mendelsohn as the Skrull Talos, Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross, Don Cheadle as Rhodey, and Cobie Smulders as Fury’s right hand Maria Hill. Plus, promising new additions to the cast are scattered throughout. Olivia Colman makes a deliciously joyful appearance as Sonya Falsworth, an MI6 agent who works separate from Fury to thwart the Skrull invasion. While Fury knows the nature of the Skrulls threat, Falsworth believes that Fury as a partner is pointless, and wants him to go back to his space station. The witty banter between Colman and Jackson is among the highlights of the series. Each and every word takes on a form of weaponry, and both actors make the sparring fun. Their scenes in the first episode add to a foundation of compelling character work across the board.
 
Rounding out the new cast are Emilia Clarke as the mysterious Skrull operative G’iah, and Kingsley Ben-Adir as Skrull force leader Gravik. In particular, Ben-Adir makes a no-nonsense appearance in the surprising, high-stakes conclusion of episode one. His character is given more backstory in episode two, which travels momentarily to 1997 for a glimpse at Gravik as a child. Episode two shifts its focus onto Gravik’s intentions and how the council votes him into the role of general. Seeking revenge for Fury casting the alien species aside, breaking a promise to create a home for them, Gravik ignites war. This also comes at a time of the Cold War between Russia and the U.S. By incorporating the shapeshifting Skrulls into such context, the story maximizes the earthly threats that Fury faces. The alien infiltration on humans adds an entertaining and grounded angle to the series, especially when it comes to shapeshifting into influential figures to ignite governmental change.
 
While there is a refreshingly grounded quality to “Secret Invasion,” the show stumbles in perhaps being a little too grounded for its own good sometimes. The exploration of the espionage plot feels tiresome, and the direction lacks urgency. The sprawling material creates an unfocused narrative that tends to drag its plot points. Thankfully, consistent writing and performances carry the story along, especially in portraying the evolving dynamics between characters. Plus, the visual language of the series stands out, from the neat opening titles to the establishing set designs.
 
The always-terrific Samuel L. Jackson gets the opportunity to flesh out Nick Fury for new and returning Marvel fans alike. Facing the threat of the Skrulls, and the tragic aftermath of the Moscow attack, Jackson balances entertainment value with poignancy to convey new layers of a familiar character in the Marvel universe. Additionally, he establishes an interesting tension with Mendelsohn; the conflict of interest between the two of them regarding the planet’s tolerance for Skrulls makes for an emotionally compelling dynamic. They share such endearing chemistry, you long for more material that unites them.
 
Of the new cast, Olivia Colman rises highest to the occasion with a deliriously wicked performance that colors outside the lines. Her instant likability and charm are a perfect match for the many shades of Sonya Falsworth. Her development throughout the series has great potential of interconnectivity in the Marvel universe beyond the small screen. Also rising to the occasion is Ben-Adir’s memorable performance as the series villain Gravik. The writing of his character can be a little too surface-level, especially for Ben-Adir’s remarkable range. However, the actor brings an engaging persuasiveness to the role that makes no mistake of how ruthless Gravik is as a threat to Fury.
 
The secret weapons of “Secret Invasion” are the talented ensemble of actors. Without their commitment, especially Jackson and Ben-Adir representing the classic hero vs. villain narrative, the series would fall into the deep end of forgettable storylines. With a shifted attention towards strong character development, particularly in a vast and expansive universe full of new and returning faces, “Secret Invasion” puts phase five of the MCU off to a decent start.
 
“Secret Invasion” premieres on Disney+ on June 21.