One of the greatest genre-defining shows on television right now is back. “Invincible” season 4 is the next installment of the saga based on the self-proclaimed “greatest comic book in the universe” by Robert Kirkman. Following the destructive finale of season 3, the wait has been too long. This season focuses on Mark’s further commitment to his role as a hero and protecting his family, no matter the cost. In addition, the season will feature the “Viltrumite War” storyline, which is the culmination of longtime buildup throughout the show.
At the beginning, the season continues a problem that I had with the beginning of season 3: it’s simply not captivating enough. I’m not expecting big, bloody, over-the-top fight scenes like the ones that are usually found at the end of each season, but I just expect the stakes to be a bit higher. Though the events put to screen happen in a very similar way in the original comics, with the show, it just feels like these openings don’t translate as well. I also believe that Amazon’s decision to premiere season 4 (and season 3 before it) with a three-episode premiere prevented each episode from standing out. In this season, though, the problem extended past the premiere, with episode 4, titled “Hurm,” serving as a completely unnecessary “filler” story that was not in the comics nor adds much to the story save for select scenes at the end.
Though the beginning was a little rough, the remainder of the season makes up for it. The end of episode 4 marks the transition into the “Viltrumite War” storyline, which closes up some loose ends and begins to open new ones, such as the threat of Thragg, the leader of the Viltrumites, who is one of, if not the main antagonist of the story. Of course, with this transition into a major story, the stakes are instantly lifted way higher, and the story becomes truly captivating again. As this arc continues, we are shown so many scenes of emotional tension done fantastically well. In addition, there are a couple great moments of shock and surprise guaranteed to keep the viewer on their toes. As this storyline progresses, hype is built up for the climactic final showdown, which does not disappoint.
The look of the show definitely improved this season, namely the animation. Probably the biggest critique viewers have of “Invincible” is that the animation really isn’t the greatest, especially after season 1. Though it’s still flawed, it’s clear the animators have noticed these criticisms and addressed them, since the animation has gotten smoother and less clunky than the last season. In addition, the voice acting is once again stellar, especially given that the show has cast numerous celebrities (celebrities typically tend to not give the greatest vocal performances). Newcomer Lee Pace, who plays villain Thragg, shines, despite some fans’ hesitance over his casting. Though many expected a rageful, ruthless performance, Pace portrays the character in a much more fitting direction, with his approach expressing the noble and menacing leader that Thragg is supposed to be
Despite its flaws, overall, season 4 of “Invincible” is a solid continuation of the story, and will most definitely have you looking forward to more. If you’re a fan of the show, and haven’t seen the new season yet, watch all 8 episodes streaming on Prime Video.
