Nick Fury has been a prominent figure from the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, providing the very first indication of connective tissue between the various superhero projects developing at Marvel Studios. Therefore, it only makes sense to put a spotlight on the character in his very own project. That took shape as Secret Invasion, the first show in Phase 5 of the MCU. Expectations for an adaptation of Secret Invasion, an iconic storyline from the comics, would be understandably high (even with the show taking a clearly different approach in scope). Unfortunately, this generic, barebones show is an utter disappointment that is only somewhat lifted by a few standout elements.

Secret Invasion follows Nick Fury as he returns to Earth only to discover that the Skrulls he and Carol Danvers had promised a home to have grown tired of waiting. He and a few allies have to prevent Skrull leader Gravik from turning all of the nations in the world on each other and save the human race from hostile takeover.

One of the somewhat redeeming elements of this show is the acting. While the returning cast members turn in solid but unexceptional performances, some of the new cast are absolute standouts. Olivia Colman’s performance as Sonya Falsworth has by far the most energy in the show and offers a much-needed respite from the standard spy elements when she appears. Charlayne Woodard portrays Varra, one of a handful of new Skrull characters entering the fray. I won’t go into too much detail on the specifics of the character for spoiler reasons, but her scenes with Nick Fury give the show a little bit of heart that was sorely needed. Alas, the two other major new characters, G’iah (Emilia Clarke) and Gravik (Kingsley Ben-Adir), aren’t nearly as interesting. Emilia Clarke certainly tries, but the material she’s given doesn’t offer her much to work with. Kingsley Ben-Adir suffers a similar fate, but is given a very weak villain role instead. The role of Gravik basically plays out like a less interesting version of Karli Morgenthau from The Falcon & The Winter Soldier. Ironically, the best way to describe Secret Invasion is a less interesting version of The Falcon & The Winter Soldier. 

A far more middling aspect of this show is its plot. The story is very standard most of the time save for the occasional fun sequence with Sonya and an interesting conversation between Talos and Fury. Like its superhero brethren, the show culminates in an ugly CGI spectacle. Beyond looking visually uninteresting, the finale also fails to bring the show to a satisfying end. The main plot threads of the show are largely left open to explore later, which is frustrating considering the upcoming slate of Marvel projects centers around completely different concepts. Because of this, the grand implications the show wants to be leaving behind are likely to be glossed over in the opening moments of another show or movie.

I was really hoping Secret Invasion would keep up the good will Marvel bought themselves with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which I had a few problems with but mostly enjoyed. Alas, Secret Invasion isn’t even half as good as that, which is a shame because there are both seeds of a great show here and a cast full of proven talent. Here’s to hoping The Marvels this November gets Phase 5 back on track.

4/10