WARNING: This article has SPOILERS forSecret InvasionFrom the onset,Secret Invasionhas been a point of criticism. Its first episode received backlash when it was revealed that Marvel had usedAI to createSecret Invasion’stitle sequence– a clear affront to those working in the creative industry. The show had a promising set-up, and fans were initially excited to see howSecret Invasiondelivered. The show’s premise centered around Nick Fury’s discovery that shape-shifting Skrulls had been secretly taking over Earth. However,Secret Invasion’sfinale failed to deliver, and the show is currently receiving an onslaught of criticism.
At the time of writing, Secret Invasion’s final episode has become the worst rated MCU TV episode of all time. The show’s finale has currently receiveda score of 13% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is shockingly low – even in comparison toMarvel’srecent flops. Audiences are attributing the finale’s failure to its incredibly poor pacing, with fans arguing that the show feels overwhelming rushed - something which has reopened discourse concerning Marvel’s apparent dip in quality.
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Why did the series feel so rushed?
WhenSecret Invasionaired its first episode, fans were expecting 60-minute installments, with the show’s first two episodes seemingly setting this precedent.Secret Invasion’sfirst episode was 55 minutes long, and its second episode was 58 minutes. However, following the second episode, the episodes started getting shorter and shorter, resulting ina sudden drop in the show’s quality.
Secret Invasion’sfinale only had a mere 38-minute running time – something which fans have attributed to the finale’s flop. Since the finale was aired, fans have taken to social media to vocalize their frustrations at the finale’s running time, arguing that 38 minutes wasn’t enough time to wrap up the show. As a result, the finale has an incredibly rushed feel to it, leaving fans with an abundance of unanswered questions and gaping plot holes.
The show’s entire premise was building up to the fight against Gravik,the Skrull leader. However, due to the finale’s short-running time, this hugely anticipated fight scene only lasted around 6 minutes – something which greatly aggravated fans. Because of this rushed fight scene, audiences are arguing that the show’s payoff was non-existent. Ultimately, fans are frustrated that Secret Invasion wasn’t handled with more effort. The show’s finale failed to hold any significance, which emphasizes the show’s incredibly rushed narrative and poor pacing.
BeforeSecret Invasion’sfirst episode was released, fans were eagerly anticipating Nick Fury’s return to the screen. Because of the show’s initial hype, audiences were counting down the days until its release. Based on the esteemed 2008 Marvel Comics of the same name,Secret Invasionwas set to focus on hugely significant MCU characters, such as agent Maria Hill, and had a star-studded cast attached to it, includingEmilia Clarke, Olivia Coleman, and Kingsley Ben-Adir – what wasn’t to love? However, since the show’s finale was released, audiences agree that Secret Invasion wasted its fantastic cast due to the show’s rushed plot-lines and poor writing. From the outset,Secret Invasionpromptly failed a beloved MCU character, as seen viaMaria Hill’s sudden deathin the first episode.
Why are fans disappointed by Secret Invasion’s finale?
Fans are asserting that the show’s final episode didn’t feel like a finale at all, makingSecret Invasionseem like a colossal let-down. Audiences are critiquing the finale’s rushed feel, arguing that the show’s final installment failed to feel significant due to the episode’s rushed pace. Some audience members are even contending that the anticipated fight scene was boring and lacked depth.
The show’s focal twist was Rhodey’s Skrull reveal, but even thiswas met with criticism. Audiences are arguing that Rhodey’s Skrull reveal weakens his beloved character and ruins his past moments in the MCU, such as his involvement inAvengers: Infinity War, andAvengers: Endgame. Ultimately, audiences are contending that the show’s entire premise felt pointless and failed to add anything significant to the MCU.
Despite the finale’s brief 38-minute run time, there was no post-credit scene – something which further irked its audience. Fans believe thatSecret Invasion’spost-credit scene would’ve been an excellent opportunity to set up Marvel’s upcoming movie,The Marvels. However, the show failed to deliver on this front, heightening fans’ frustrations.Secret Invasion’spoorly received finale has also reopened discourse in relation to Marvel’s past controversies.
Marvel’s visual effects have once again been a point of criticism. Fans are arguing that the CGI during the finale’s fight scene was incredibly poor. This is greatly concerning seeing asSecret Invasionhad a staggering budget of$212 million– more thanOppenheimerandBarbie. As fans will know, this isn’t the first time that Marvel has come under fire for its visual effects. Last summer, evenThor: Love and Thunder’sown director, Taika Waititi, mocked Marvel’s poor CGI, claiming that Korg didn’t look real. This also relates to the ongoing controversy that Marvel has beenoverworking their VFX artists– evidencing the company’s rush to produce content.
Marvel’s abundance of rushed content has resulted in an onslaught of criticism and has actually turned fans away from the MCU – something whichSecret Invasionfurther evidences. However, the influx of MCU content isn’t expected to end anytime soon.LokiSeason 2is Marvel’s latest Disney+ series, which is expected to premiere in October 2023. However, due to the beloved reception of the show’s first season, fans are hoping thatLokiSeason 2 does not follow suit ofSecret Invasion.
Secret Invasionis available to stream on Disney+
