Warning! This review contains spoilers for Invincible season 3, episode 5.
Invincibleseason 3, episode 5 may be described as “filler” by some, but the episode’s strong characters, continued moral complexity, and engaging action beg to differ. After the massive heights of last week that I praised in myreview forInvincibleseason 3, episode 4, I could not wait for the next installment of the show. Admittedly, season 3, episode 5 does not quite match these time-traveling, prison-breaking escapades, butInvincible’s cast of characterscontinues to grow in the best ways, all while keeping the story relatively engaging.
The episode takes somewhat of a step back regarding the stakes of the series. Gone isInvincible’s Battle Beastand his allies, Allen and Omni-Man; they’re replaced by a side character from season 1: Titan. The new crime boss whom Invincible helped create now needs the titular hero’s help once more, leading to an action-packed episode that, while light on the overarching story of the looming Viltrumite threat, features some strong character work and another storyline that serves as a vehicle to exploreInvincibleseason 3’s most compelling moral dilemmas.
Invincible’s Main & Supporting Characters Continue To Shine In Season 3, Episode 5
The Show Balances Even Its Minor Characters Well
While episode 5 does not tie itself into the overarching narrative of the show too much, it’s anything but a throwaway filler episode. I have always avoided the term, withInvincibleseason 3, episode 5 providing vindication in that. The return of characters like Titan, Machine Head, Isotope, Mr. Liu, and Multi-Paul pay off many previous episodes, nicely linking back to a season 1 episode that could also have been dubbed the same.
Titan is easily memorable, as are the likes of Machine Head and Isotope, with episode 5 building on their first appearances…
In bringing back some characters that have been absent for two seasons,Invincibleproves it has a good balance with its characters. Titan is easily memorable, as are the likes of Machine Head and Isotope, with episode 5 building on their first appearances by interestingly fleshing outInvincible’s criminal underworld. Then there are characters like Rex and Shrinking Rae, who appear in this episode only to have a nice meal together. The scene is not vital by any stretch, but it develops two strong characters in a way that is human and rewarding.
Going beyond the supporting characters,Invincible’s main players have a fun story this time around. The reveal that Oliver is sneaking out to skateboard with his friends is incredibly heartwarming, as are the humorous back-and-forth developments of Mark and Eve’s budding relationship. The backstory of Multi-Paul and Dupli-Kate was also provided here, something I admit I did not expect to hit me as hard as it did. With the final shot of the episode teasing more from them, I am excited to see howInvinciblewill continue to balance its massive cast as effectively as it already does.
Invincible’s Moral Arguments Continue Season 3’s Strongest Aspects
Titan & Mr. Liu Provide A Duality To Villainy
At the risk of sounding like a broken record after my previous reviews ofInvincibleseason 3, I still love the way the show is exploring the concept of morality. This continues in season 3, episode 5, “This Was Supposed To Be Easy,” only via different characters, just likeInvincible’s future King Immortaldid last week. This time around it was Titan who raised the question of morality to Mark, with the latter wishing to send the former to prison after becoming a crime boss in Chicago.
Invincible Season 3, Episodes 1-3 Review: The Prime Video Animation Has Found Its Sweet Spot With Its Exciting Moral Complexity
Invincible season 3 has finally released on Prime Video, complete with many of the elements its predecessors had to render it a strong start.
However,Titan shows Mark around the district he now controls, showcasing just how much better the quality of life has become under a “crime lord” who does not commit crime, instead funneling his wealth and power back into the community. This differs drastically from other criminals like Machine Head and Mr. Liu, who typify the dark side ofInvincible’s underworld via the mysterious Order. Showing Mark how someone who was once dubbed a criminal can make life better for people is fitting for Titan, and further questions Mark’s previous decisions with Cecil and the GDA.
Invincible Season 3, Episode 5 Has More Strong Action Scenes
The Superhero Fights Continue In Excellent Fashion
All the strong character development and moral ambiguity concludes in a great fight scene. Not only did this work to showcase how strong Mark and Eve have become as superheroes but also as a couple. The duo taking on Mr. Liu’s dragon form while attempting to keep prisoners like Multi-Paul contained was endlessly fun and dynamic, allowing for a fantastic showcase of Eve’s powers and Mark’s strength, durability, and speed.
At the same time, Mark and Eve’s tandem attacks highlighted their chemistry as partners. While, again, the fight scene did not feel as monumental as last week’s prison break given the less consequential narrative stakes, it still stood out and proved whatInvincibleis so good at. This culminated in a fascinating tease for the future concerning Mr. Liu, stoking my anticipation for the rest ofInvincibleseason 3 alongside the impending return of Angstrom Levy and the Viltrumite threat to Earth.
Invincible
Based on the comic book character by Robert Kirkman, Invincible follows Mark Grayson, a seventeen-year-old who leads a seemingly average life save for the fact that he lives behind the shadow of his superhero father, Omni-Man. Mark goes on to develop superhuman abilities, but he must also learn that his father’s legacy isn’t as glitzy and glamorous as he’s been led to believe.
