Apple TV+ ‘Invasion’ Season 2 Episode 7 Review - It’s Coming Together

In the labyrinthine narrative of 'Invasion,' Episode 7, aptly titled 'Down the Rabbit Hole,' promises revelations and depth but occasionally stumbles into familiar territory. The episode paints a picture of intrigue and connection while occasionally testing the patience of its viewers.

The episode opens with Rose and Trevante embarking on a quest to decipher the enigmatic drawings left by Casper. Their discoveries lead them to Ben's farm, a location that seemingly holds the key to the mysterious disappearances. The revelation that the disappearances form a spiral, matching another of Casper's drawings, adds an eerie layer to the unfolding mystery. The episode takes a tense turn as they stumble upon a covert military operation at the farm, centered around a mysterious well emitting an eerie blue light, mirroring yet another of Casper's sketches. Their near-capture adds a thrilling dimension to the storyline.

However, 'Down the Rabbit Hole' falters when the truth about Billy emerges. The revelation that Billy was Rose's husband, someone she nearly divorced before his disappearance, feels like an attempt to add emotional depth but ends up feeling forced. Rose and Trevante's relocation to Ben's big sister's hideout feels somewhat formulaic, a trope frequently seen in similar narratives.

The narrative shifts to the teenage gang in Paris, where their pursuit of the truth about the kids connected to the aliens gains momentum. Casper's ability to hear the voices of these children, as he did in his dreams, sets the group on a quest to find them. The tension heightens as their pursuit inadvertently leads them straight into the clutches of the aliens, resulting in a narrow escape. Monty's concerns about Casper's connection with these kids add depth to the storyline, but the repetitive chase sequences involving the aliens begin to feel like a predictable formula used to inject action into the episode.

Aneesha's storyline sees her finally connecting with the group, revealing her true self as a desperate mother on a quest to find her daughter, Sarah. This moment of vulnerability and humanity strengthens the group's resolve to assist her in her mission. However, their infiltration of the army camp reveals a grim truth: Sarah has been moved to Oklahoma as part of 'Project Idabel,' a foreboding name that sends shivers down their spines. The warning that Sarah may already be lost because of this project foreshadows dire consequences.

The episode's conclusion finds Trevante attempting to infiltrate the military base again, only to discover Sarah's presence along with a mysterious alien substance. The revelation that the base at Ben's farm is 'Project Idabel' opens a Pandora's box of questions and suspense.

While 'Down the Rabbit Hole' adds layers of complexity to the overarching narrative of 'Invasion' and successfully connects various plot threads, it falls into a trap of repetitive, drawn-out dialogues that hinder the pacing. The recurring pattern of introducing chase sequences with the aliens feels like a formulaic attempt to maintain action and excitement, detracting from the episode's overall impact.

As 'Invasion' continues to peel back the layers of its mysteries, Episode 7 maintains a sense of intrigue but occasionally tests the patience of its viewers with pacing issues and forced emotional reveals. Despite its missteps, the episode keeps the audience engaged, eager to uncover the secrets lurking in the shadows of 'Project Idabel.'

Final Score- [6.5/10]