5 Things About ‘Secret Invasion’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

Marvel’s ‘Secret Invasion’ (2023) promised a gripping spy thriller with shape-shifting Skrulls and Nick Fury at the helm. I was excited for a fresh take on the MCU, blending espionage with superhero stakes, but the series left me with mixed feelings. Some moments delivered the tension and character depth I hoped for, while others felt like missed opportunities or outright head-scratchers. Let’s dive into five things that didn’t add up and five that worked perfectly, exploring what made this show both frustrating and engaging.

From Samuel L. Jackson’s commanding presence to the show’s bold attempt at a darker tone, there’s plenty to unpack. I’ll break down what fell flat and what hit the mark, alternating between the two to give a balanced look at this ambitious but uneven addition to the MCU.

Made Zero Sense: Nick Fury’s Solo Mission

Why would Nick Fury, the mastermind behind the Avengers, tackle a global Skrull invasion alone? The show portrays him as a lone wolf, refusing to call in heavy hitters like Captain Marvel or Spider-Man, despite the world-ending stakes. His excuse of it being ‘personal’ feels flimsy when entire nations are at risk. In a universe brimming with superheroes, this choice seems forced and undermines Fury’s strategic genius, making the threat feel oddly contained.

It’s not just the absence of heroes that baffles me. Fury’s reliance on a standard pistol against shape-shifting aliens with advanced tech and powers feels absurd. The show wants us to believe he’s out of his depth post-Blip, but his decision to go it alone stretches believability, especially when he’s faced threats like Thanos before.

Made Perfect Sense: Samuel L. Jackson’s Performance

Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury carries the show with his trademark intensity and charisma. He brings a weary, vulnerable edge to Fury, showing the toll of years spent fighting cosmic battles. His performance grounds the series, making every scene he’s in compelling, whether he’s outsmarting enemies or grappling with personal loss. Jackson’s ability to balance grit and heart makes Fury the emotional core of the story.

The show dives into Fury’s post-Blip struggles, and Jackson nails this weathered version of the character. His chemistry with allies like Talos and his moments of quiet reflection add depth to a man who’s always been one step ahead. It’s a standout performance that elevates even the weaker episodes.

Made Zero Sense: The Super Skrull Serum’s Instant Power-Up

The creation of the Super Skrull serum, granting powers from every MCU hero and villain, feels like a lazy plot device. G’iah and Gravik gain abilities from Thanos to Captain Marvel in seconds, with no side effects or training needed. This contrasts sharply with past MCU depictions, like the painful Extremis process in ‘Iron Man 3’ (2013), where power came with a cost. The ease of this transformation cheapens the stakes.

What’s more, a Skrull scientist, working in secret, somehow perfects this serum without explanation. It’s a massive leap to believe they could replicate and combine such complex powers flawlessly. This rushed concept feels like it was thrown in to create a big finale rather than to serve the story.

Made Perfect Sense: The Espionage Tone

The show’s shift to a gritty, spy-thriller vibe is a refreshing change for the MCU. Unlike the cosmic spectacle of ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019), ‘Secret Invasion’ (2023) leans into Cold War paranoia and covert operations. The early episodes, with their tense atmosphere and gritty visuals of Russian bombings, set a darker, more grounded tone that suits the Skrull infiltration plot.

This approach makes the threat feel real and urgent, at least initially. The focus on espionage over superhero brawls lets characters like Fury and Sonya Falsworth shine in strategic, high-stakes maneuvering. It’s a bold move that sets the series apart from the MCU’s usual flash.

Made Zero Sense: Maria Hill’s Early Death

Killing off Maria Hill, played by Cobie Smulders, in the first episode feels like a wasted opportunity. Hill has been a key player in the MCU since ‘The Avengers’ (2012), and her dynamic with Fury hinted at a deeper arc. Instead, her abrupt death at Gravik’s hands, disguised as Fury, serves as a cheap shock rather than a meaningful plot point. It doesn’t drive the story forward or impact Fury significantly.

This choice also undermines the emotional weight of her loss. The show doesn’t give her enough screen time to make her death resonate, and later fake-outs, like G’iah’s brief ‘death,’ dilute its impact further. It’s a baffling decision that squanders a beloved character.

Made Perfect Sense: Olivia Colman’s Scene-Stealing Sonya Falsworth

Olivia Colman’s portrayal of Sonya Falsworth is a highlight, bringing wit and menace to every scene. Her character, a ruthless MI6 operative, injects humor and unpredictability into the series. Colman’s ability to shift from charming to chilling makes Sonya a standout, stealing the spotlight even from seasoned MCU veterans. Her presence adds a spark that keeps the show engaging.

Sonya’s morally ambiguous nature fits the spy-thriller tone perfectly. She’s not a hero or a villain, but a pragmatic player who keeps you guessing. Colman’s performance elevates the weaker moments, making her scenes some of the most memorable in the series.

Made Zero Sense: Gravik’s Underdeveloped Motivation

Gravik, played by Kingsley Ben-Adir, is set up as a compelling villain leading the Skrull rebellion, but his reasons for wanting to wipe out humanity are vague. The show hints at his frustration with Fury’s broken promise to find the Skrulls a home, but it never dives deep into his personal stakes or backstory. His shift to genocidal plans feels sudden and unearned, lacking the depth needed for a complex antagonist.

This lack of clarity makes Gravik’s actions feel generic. Without a clear inciting event or emotional grounding, his plan to spark a global war comes off as a plot contrivance rather than a believable threat. A stronger focus on his perspective could have made his arc more compelling.

Made Perfect Sense: The Skrull Refugee Backstory

The show builds on the Skrulls’ history from ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019), portraying them as refugees betrayed by Fury’s unfulfilled promise of a new home. This backstory adds a layer of tragedy to their rebellion, making their desperation relatable. It grounds the conflict in real human issues like displacement and broken trust, giving the story emotional weight.

This context also makes the Skrulls’ infiltration of Earth more nuanced. They’re not just villains but a people pushed to extremes. The show’s exploration of their plight, especially through Talos and G’iah, adds depth to the conflict and ties it to the MCU’s broader narrative.

Made Zero Sense: Predictable Skrull Reveals

The Skrull infiltration should have been the show’s biggest strength, creating paranoia about who’s human and who’s not. Instead, reveals like Rhodey being a Skrull are telegraphed early, with fans guessing it from his off behavior. This robs the show of suspense, as the mystery of who’s a Skrull loses its edge when the clues are too obvious.

The series also fails to capitalize on the paranoia factor. Major reveals happen too soon or lack impact, making the infiltration feel less threatening. A slower burn with more subtle hints could have kept me guessing and heightened the tension.

Made Perfect Sense: The Chemistry Between Fury and Talos

The dynamic between Nick Fury and Talos, played by Ben Mendelsohn, is a strong point. Their friendship, built on years of trust from ‘Captain Marvel’ (2019), feels authentic and anchors the emotional core of the series. Their banter and mutual respect shine, especially in scenes where they strategize against Gravik’s rebellion.

Talos’s loyalty to Fury, despite the Skrulls’ betrayal, adds complexity to his character. Their shared history and conflicting goals create compelling moments, making their partnership a highlight. It’s a reminder of why grounded character relationships are vital to the MCU’s success.

What’s your take on ‘Secret Invasion’—which moments left you confused, and which ones clicked? Drop