IR TV Review: SECRET INVASION - EPISODE 5 [Marvel/Disney+]

The progression of time,in short, has to do with a reckoning of choice. With a very specific death emblazoned upon Nick Fury in the previous episode, a sense of loss should be more palpable. However, with Episode 5, leading into the season finale (which is likely the series finale), this event doesn't feel as diabilitating or affecting as it should be. Finding his power in loss likely is what helps Fury deal with the mistakes he has made. The coda in many ways, states that no matter who the character is, it is about survival. That said, certain aspects of tone hit right while others seem a little left field. Olivia Colman doing her humor-built offlay has a great moment which shows a lot of ice but is almost too flittingly gone. However it hits it stride in a quiet moment in the final scene.

G'aia (Emilia Clark) also must come to terms with loss but again the depth of grief is not felt. However, when the grips of survival take hold in a close quarters action sequence soon after, that is when the story feels real. "Secret Invasion" is sort of an odd duck, part thriller and part comic book but with a changing tone inbetween that seesaws. While it is an interesting swing with some interesting scenes peppered throughout, it hasn't really hit its exact stride (save for the couple's showoff scene at the table in the last episode). The ending builds for an essence of retribution but also of ego in the final episode. Fury addresses the fact that no superheroes are there to help him but that is part of what this series is about...standing on your own two feet, despite mistakes and fear, in the midst of adversity. C+

By Tim Wassberg