‘Secret Invasion’ Episode 1 Review - Resurrection: Fury’s Mission and Earth’s Peril

Warning: Contains Heavy Spoilers for Secret Invasion Episode 1

Episode 1 of 'Secret Invasion,' titled 'Resurrection,' had me on the edge of my seat, living up to all the anticipation I had for this Marvel show. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

The episode wastes no time and dives right into the heart of the story. A detective reveals the severity of the Skrull invasion to Everett Ross, who, unbeknownst to the detective, is actually a Skrull himself. To ensure the detective's silence, the Skrull kills him in cold blood. This opening scene sets the tone for the high-stakes and treacherous world of 'Secret Invasion.'

We then move swiftly, and in the next scene, the legendary Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) makes his grand return to Earth. It turns out he has been overseeing a groundbreaking U.S. government project called S.A.B.E.R., which promises to be the most advanced aerospace defense system ever known. However, Fury's sudden disappearance without informing anyone leads to Rhodey (Don Cheadle) and the President declaring him and Maria Hill (Cobey Smoulders) AWOL.

Let's not forget that Fury isn't in his prime physical condition anymore. Yes, even badasses like him have their vulnerabilities. It's refreshing to see his character explored on a deeper level, beyond the tough-as-nails Avenger boss we're used to.

Speaking of characters, we meet Sonya Falsworth (Olivia Coleman). She's an old acquaintance of Fury's and has a fierce hatred for Skrulls. She doesn't discriminate between innocent or rebel Skrulls—they're all targets. But not everyone shares her perspective.

Enter Tolas (Ben Mendelsohn). He's a Skrull with a conscience, working alongside Fury and Maria Hill to thwart the plans of the rogue Skrulls. Tolas isn't keen on unnecessary bloodshed and is rightly upset when Fury takes down the Skrull with a dangerous bomb. He values innocent lives, and that's something to admire.

We also meet G'iah (Emilia Clarke), a character working for Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir). Gravik offers refuge to Skrulls on Earth, seemingly a noble act. However, Gravik's motives aren't as noble as they appear. He kidnaps humans, using their skin to infiltrate and manipulate Earth. It's a twisted plot, and it's about to take a dark turn.

Now, the episode concludes with a shocking twist. Gravik detonates the bomb, causing chaos and destruction. To make matters worse, a Skrull disguised as Fury fatally shoots Maria Hill. The chilling final shot depicts Maria lying lifeless, surrounded by her own blood—a haunting end to an intense episode.

Within an intricate web of alliances and betrayals, we witness the emotional bonds between various characters. The strained relationship between Fury and Gravik, the complex connection between G'iah and Talos, and the tragic fate of Maria Hill all tug at our heartstrings and add an emotional depth to the narrative.

I have to applaud the absence of forced humor in 'Secret Invasion.' This show embraces a serious tone, and it works wonders. Ali Salem's direction, combined with the powerful musical score by Michael Giacchino and Kris Bowers, heightens the tension and keeps us on the edge of our seats. It's a symphony of thrills and anticipation.

What could have been better? Well, there were a couple of cliched dialogues that could have been avoided. And for those not familiar with the Skrull lore from 'Captain Marvel,' some of the Skrulls' names might be confusing. Oh, and there were a few instances where an information overload made certain sequences a bit challenging to follow. But overall, these are minor hiccups in an otherwise gripping episode.

In conclusion, 'Resurrection' is a thrilling start to the 'Secret Invasion' series, delivering on all fronts. It had me hooked from the get-go, and I couldn't have asked for more. The absence of forced humor, Ali Salem's impeccable direction, and the mesmerizing musical score created an immersive experience that had me on the edge of my seat. Exploring the vulnerabilities and emotional connections of the characters added depth to the story. I'm eagerly awaiting what comes next, and I know you will be too. Get ready for chaos, my friends!

Final Score - [8/10]