For the past five years, the hit animated series “Invincible” has been one of the most consistently popular shows in the world. What began as a unique take on the superhero genre has transformed into a bona fide cultural icon.
Season four is the ultimate testament to the show’s sustained greatness, standing amongst its peers as a paragon of complex character writing and dramatic action.
The show stays true to its comic origins while also taking some bold yet necessary changes which elevate the show beyond the source material.
Arguably the most significant change involves Debbie Grayson, Invincible’s human mother. In the comics her arc was shallow and underdeveloped, but in the show she’s arguably the best character. Instead of hastily rushing her reconciliation with Nolan, the show takes its time with their incredibly complicated relationship.
Despite his efforts to change, Nolan has committed atrocious acts which are nigh impossible to come back from. The fourth season’s emphasized focus on him highlights the difficulty of redemption as a process without undermining its necessity.
Perhaps the biggest positive of this season is the increased focus on the Viltrumites, who are without a doubt the most compelling antagonists in the entire series. This season features an all out war against the terrifying aliens, a war which challenges the protagonists like never before and heightens the stakes to unprecedented levels.
The audience finally learns more about the lore of Viltrum, and after years of hype, Grand Regent Thragg, the empire’s leader, makes his debut. Thragg is an incredible new addition to the cast, as his calm disposition pairs excellently with his terrifying power and ruthlessness.
It wouldn’t be an “Invincible” review if Invincible himself, Mark Grayson, wasn’t mentioned. In this season Mark goes through physical and psychological trauma like never before. For the first time we see a seemingly unbreakable man make moral compromises and decisions in the face of horrifying danger. The series never fails to emphasize his heroic qualities, but this season takes a step back to examine how Mark’s youth and trauma have affected his psyche.
The show is by no means perfect. The animation is a bit spotty at times, and this is an unfortunate weakness for a show as action heavy as this one. Additionally, the season’s first half meanders a bit too much in its side plots, and episode 4 is in contention for the series’ weakest.
Despite its flaws, Invincible season 4 is a testament to the show’s longevity and excellence. From its character writing to its tense conflicts to its immense online presence, Invincible succeeds in a plethora of areas, and it is absolutely here to stay.
