Warning! This review contains spoilers for the thrilling finale of Invincible Season 3.
Invincible Season 3’s finale may not reach the extraordinary heights established by its predecessor, yet it undeniably stands out as one of the most remarkable episodes in a season full of high-stakes drama. Following the defeat or dimensional exile of the malevolent Mark Graysons from the previous week, the show expertly teases a looming new threat to Earth. This looming menace is Conquest, a formidable Viltrumite whose mission is to secure Earth for his empire by obliterating Mark and anyone who dares to resist him. Voiced by the talented Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Conquest adds a thrilling layer of danger to Invincible Season 3.
Reflecting on my review of Invincible Season 3, Episode 7, I had previously hailed that episode as the pinnacle of the series thus far. With its innovative three-day narrative structure, diverse combat scenes, and a pervasive sense of dread, coupled with the captivating villainy of the alternate Marks and Invincible‘s Angstrom Levy, it surpassed my expectations of what the series could achieve. The finale hints at even greater heights with the introduction of a Viltrumite, a character I recognized even with my limited comic knowledge. Thankfully, while Invincible Season 3’s finale is exhilarating, it does not quite reach the flawless heights of the penultimate episode.
Meet Conquest: The Thrilling New Viltrumite Menace in Invincible
Why Conquest Is an Anticipated and Captivating Viltrumite Villain
Within a season characterized by shifting moral landscapes for Mark, Conquest emerges as the definitive catalyst pushing Invincible‘s hero toward a more brutal perspective. After grappling with the dire consequences of Angstrom’s assault on Earth—a fallout stemming from his survival at Mark’s hands in the explosive ending of season 2—Conquest arrives with one singular goal: to engage in combat. What sets Conquest apart from previous Viltrumites is his joy in battle; he derives an exhilarating pleasure from inflicting pain on his adversaries, often taunting them to incite greater resistance.
I appreciated that Conquest’s personality shined through at different moments as the fight between him and Mark took a brief lull…
This instilled a breakneck pace in Invincible‘s Season 3 finale while maintaining essential character development amidst the frenetic action. The creators could have easily devoted the entire runtime to showcasing various combat sequences, but I appreciated how Conquest’s personality emerged in distinct moments as the confrontation with Mark momentarily paused. This approach enriched the finale, allowing it to feel like a significant chapter in the overarching narrative, filled with meaningful character interactions rather than a mere spectacle of violence devoid of emotional weight. In many respects, Conquest served as the emotional core of this thrilling conclusion.
One aspect I found particularly compelling about Conquest was his poignant final words to Mark. In a moment of perceived triumph, he confided in Mark about his loneliness; he lamented that his fellow Viltrumites fear him, and despite his immense power, no one would mourn his demise during one of his missions. This revelation adds an unexpected depth to the character, revealing a vulnerable aspect he only exposes to those he has thoroughly defeated, making him an even more fascinating antagonist.
The Stellar Voice Acting in Invincible Season 3 Elevates the Narrative
Spotlight on the Exceptional Performances of Steven Yeun & Jeffrey Dean Morgan
The effectiveness of the climactic battle in Invincible Season 3 is amplified by the remarkable performances of the voice actors. I was taken aback by some criticism surrounding Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s portrayal of Conquest after his brief appearance in the previous episode, but I firmly believe that Episode 8 will quell these concerns. Morgan is exceptionally well-suited for this role, infusing Conquest with a potent mix of malevolence, rage, and an unsettling delight in combat. His portrayal echoes his infamous Negan character from The Walking Dead, perfectly capturing Conquest’s sadistic enjoyment in engaging in glorious battles.
Gillian Jacobs and Christian Convery also deliver outstanding performances as Atom Eve and Oliver Grayson, respectively.
The character of Conquest and the voice acting of Morgan are only matched by Steven Yeun’s powerful portrayal of Mark. Yeun consistently showcases his ability to tap into the emotional and rage-filled facets of Mark’s journey—whether it’s during the climactic confrontation with Omni-Man at the end of Season 1 or through the multitude of challenges he faces thereafter. Once again, Yeun rises to the occasion, making Invincible Season 3, Episode 8 a compelling and dynamic exchange.
The Animation Quality of Invincible Season 3 Reaches New Heights
How the Animators Elevate the Action Without Holding Back
The animation in Invincible has consistently been a focal point of discussion since its inception. Many viewers speculated that the relatively mediocre animation quality in the first six episodes of Season 3 was a strategic decision to reserve resources for the climactic final episodes. This assumption proved accurate, as the animation quality during the fight scenes in these final episodes was nothing short of spectacular, ranging from the intimate, detailed exchanges between Mark and Conquest to the grand scale of city-wide destruction.
One of my significant critiques of the penultimate episode was the lack of dynamism in the depiction of Atom Eve’s matter-warping powers. Fortunately, this concern was addressed in the finale, where Eve had ample opportunities to showcase her formidable abilities against Conquest, with each moment animated with impressive detail. Knowing how visually stunning the last two episodes of Season 3 turned out has made me more than willing to forgive the earlier animation trade-offs in exchange for such epic visuals.
Anticipating Season 4 of Invincible: Exciting Teases Amidst Narrative Frustrations
Image via Prime Video
If I were to express a critique about Invincible Season 3, Episode 8, it would be the apparent absence of heroes following the events of Episode 7. While several heroes met their demise, Cecil’s appearance with a limited team of heroes to combat Conquest felt lacking, especially after Mark’s successful confrontation with the Viltrumite. Throughout the initial three-quarters of the episode, I found myself pondering the absence of characters like Tech Jacket, who had previously showcased the ability to defeat a variant of Mark with relative ease. Although this narrative convenience was a minor flaw, it did not overshadow the episode’s overall success, thanks to some tantalizing hints regarding the storyline for Invincible Season 4.
While I was left wanting more from Omni-Man and Allen the Alien, the survival of Battle Beast was an exhilarating revelation. Additionally, the impending invasion of Earth by the sequid promises another formidable challenge for Mark and the remaining heroes. These narrative threads, when combined with Mark’s fervent vow to eliminate anyone who threatens his loved ones, along with his newfound capability to defeat powerful Viltrumites like Conquest, set the stage for an exhilarating journey in Invincible Season 4.
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