Invincible, the animated superhero series centering on Mark Grayson, son of the powerful Omni-Man, masterfully lures viewers into a familiar world of heroism before shattering expectations. Initially, the narrative paints Nolan Grayson, Omni-Man, as Earth’s benevolent protector, an alien sent to safeguard humanity. This perception, deeply ingrained in young Mark, is brutally upended when Nolan reveals a far more sinister agenda.
The very first episode of season one, “It’s About Time,” delivers one of the most shocking and violent twists in superhero television history. In a graphic and disturbing sequence, Omni-Man mercilessly annihilates the Guardians of the Globe, Earth’s premier superhero team – individuals he was supposedly allied with and considered friends. This act of extreme betrayal begs the crucial question: What drove Omni-Man to slaughter the very heroes he fought alongside? And what does this mean for Mark and his own burgeoning powers?
The Seeds of Doubt: Cracks in the Heroic Facade
When we are first introduced to the Grayson family, Mark is a typical teenager eagerly awaiting the arrival of his Viltrumite superpowers, yearning to emulate his celebrated father. However, subtle hints suggest Nolan’s detachment from this heroic ideal. His lukewarm reaction to Mark’s aspirations is palpable, requiring prompting from his wife, Debbie, to even feign enthusiasm for his son’s dreams.
As Mark’s powers manifest, triggered by an accidental launch of a trash bag into orbit, Nolan’s disappointment becomes increasingly evident. His demeanor shifts, casting a shadow over his interactions with both Mark and Debbie.
Steven Yeun (Mark Grayson) in Invincible season 2. Prime Video
Following a rigorous and emotionally distant training session with Mark, Nolan’s cold pragmatism surfaces in a conversation with Debbie. He confesses, “Mark got his powers so late, I wasn’t prepared for this. It changes things. I can’t help but think, maybe our lives would be better if he hadn’t gotten them at all.” This chilling statement reveals Nolan’s internal conflict and his growing unease with his carefully constructed Earthly existence.
Nolan’s seemingly idyllic life, complete with a loving family and the adoration of Earth as its greatest hero, was a carefully maintained facade. Mark’s late-blooming powers served as an unwelcome disruption, a catalyst that propelled Nolan back towards his true Viltrumite objectives, forcing him to confront the inherent conflict between his two lives.
Unveiling the Viltrumite Empire’s Sinister Plan
The season 1 finale, “Where I Really Come From,” pulls back the curtain completely, exposing the true nature of the Viltrumite Empire and the actual reason for Nolan’s presence on Earth. Mark’s developing powers inadvertently accelerated Nolan’s timeline, compelling him to revert to his original mission: to prepare Earth for Viltrumite conquest.
Eliminating the Guardians of the Globe was a calculated and necessary step in this grand scheme. As Earth’s most formidable protectors, they posed the most significant obstacle to a successful Viltrumite takeover. Their removal was not an act of personal malice, but a cold, strategic maneuver to weaken Earth’s defenses and pave the way for Viltrum’s dominion.
The Viltrumite Agenda: Conquest and Domination
The Viltrumites are revealed to be a powerful alien race driven by expansionist ambitions, essentially genocidal conquerors intent on imposing their tyrannical rule across the galaxy. Their society is built upon a foundation of brutal eugenics. Following a “great purge” on Viltrum, where those deemed weak were exterminated, the survivors became a society obsessed with strength and universal domination.
Faced with a diminished population after the purge, the Viltrumites adopted a strategy of infiltration and subversion. They dispatched lone warriors to planets throughout the universe, tasked with weakening planetary defenses from within. These agents often masqueraded as heroes or saviors, gaining trust and influence.
JK Simmons and Steven Yeun as Omni-Man and Mark Grayson in Invincible. Amazon
These Viltrumite agents were also instructed to procreate with the native populations, assessing whether their offspring inherited Viltrumite powers. These hybrid children would then serve to bolster the Viltrumite ranks and aid in future conquests. However, should a planet resist Viltrumite assimilation, the directive was clear: decimate the native species and, if necessary, destroy the planet itself.
Nolan’s carefully constructed persona as a devoted father, husband, and Earth’s beloved protector was the perfect cover for his true mission. His integration into Earth’s society, his collaborations with the Global Defense Agency, and his alliances with the Guardians of the Globe were all calculated steps to infiltrate and dismantle any resistance to the impending Viltrumite takeover.
Alternate Realities: A Glimpse into a Dark Future
The unsettling season two premiere, “A Lesson For Your Next Life,” offers a chilling glimpse into an alternate universe where Mark embraces his Viltrumite heritage and joins his father in the conquest of Earth. This dark reflection underscores the gravity of Nolan’s choices and the potential consequences of Mark following in his footsteps.
In a particularly disturbing scene within this alternate reality, Mark and Nolan hunt down the last remnants of the resistance – a new iteration of the Guardians of the Globe – and brutally eliminate them, along with countless innocent civilians. This grim depiction serves as a stark warning and raises the stakes for the prime universe Mark as he grapples with his father’s legacy and the looming Viltrumite threat.
Season 2 of Invincible promises to delve deeper into the complex father-son dynamic between Mark and Nolan, exploring whether their fate will mirror that of their multiversal counterparts. The question remains: will Mark succumb to his Viltrumite heritage, or will he forge his own path, defying his father’s dark legacy and the genocidal ambitions of the Viltrumite Empire?
Invincible season 2 part 1 continues weekly on Fridays on Prime Video. Check out more of our Sci-Fi and Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight.
Ad
Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who with a special issue of Radio Times. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
