Marvel’s Secret Invasion Season 1 Episode 4 Review

Warning: Secret Invasion spoilers ahead!

We’re nearing the endgame of Marvel’s Secret Invasion, and the excrement is hitting the fan. Season 1 episode 4, “Beloved,” is easily the best episode of the miniseries thus far. I love how the writers pulled the title from a Raymond Carver poem, one that befits Nick Fury’s inner struggles as he gets introspective regarding his legacy. It also epitomizes his marriage to Priscilla.

At face value, this series is about a clandestine Skrull invasion; but at its core, it’s about Fury’s life. It zeroes in on his choices, mistakes, and the mark he’ll leave behind. We know from Talos that the Skrulls contributed more to his legacy and career than we realized.

I love the scenes with Fury and Priscilla. Samuel L. Jackson and Charlayne Woodard fully embody these roles. They boast an easygoing, natural onscreen chemistry. It’s fun examining their complex relationship through the lens of this invasion. Of course, Rhodey being a Skrull is an exciting plot twist. How long has he been a Skrull? When was the last time we saw the real James Rhodes? Here’s hoping the series answers this question.

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Super Skrull G’iah and Raymond Carver

We open where we left off, with G’iah on the ground and looking like a goner. Thankfully, before her ostensibly fateful encounter with Gravik, G’iah underwent the Super Skrull process. She injects herself with Extremis, first introduced in Iron Man 3, granting her enhanced abilities like Gravik. I’m so relieved!

Then, we flashback to Paris 2012 to a diner with Nick Fury and Priscilla. They discuss the Battle of New York, which just occurred (that also means Loki is now with the TVA). Priscilla wonders aloud if she knows the person responsible for assembling the Avengers. Priscilla believes whoever’s behind the heroics is someone of integrity and strength of character. Maybe they could find the Skrulls a new home! Anyway…

Priscilla tells Fury about her new hobby — reading Raymond Carver’s poetry. She recites her favorite poem, “Late Fragment,” from which the episode gets its title, “Beloved.” It’s a short piece that packs an emotional punch. The poem resonates with Fury.

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St. James Church 

Later, in the present, we see Priscilla meet with Rhodey (a Skrull!) at St. James Church. Rhodey admits to firing Fury and wants Priscilla to kill her husband. We see Fury eavesdropping on the conversation via a listening device. Priscilla isn’t a fan of murdering Fury. She tries to persuade Skrudey (Skrull Rhodey, for your information) to leave Fury alone. He’s older and weaker, especially after returning from The Blip. Let him fade into obscurity. Skrudey insists that if she doesn’t pull the trigger, he will.

Meanwhile, Gravik informs Pagon about G’iah being the mole and how he “took care of her.” We see they’re boarding a plane. Why? Because the U.S. president will arrive soon in London to negotiate with Russia following the Moscow attacks. Gravik thrives on being messy, so he wants to cause more chaos.

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Clashing Perspectives

Next, G’iah reunites with Talos in a serene park. Talos apologizes for dragging G’iah into the madness. G’iah claims she decided to help him of her own volition. She knew the risks. She reveals she knows her place is with him. However, Gravik has a game plan for obtaining a homeworld for the Skrulls that’s poised for success. How will Talos find the Skrulls a new home?

Talos reassures G’iah that if they can eradicate the Gravik problem, who seems hellbent on bringing about World War III, Earth will see that the Skrulls only want peace. Then, they can appeal to the U.S. president, who can assist with finding them a place to call home.

G’iah doesn’t see her dad’s vision, though. She wants to walk around in her own skin, but Talos believes they must keep up appearances because they’re guests on this planet. G’iah departs.

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Shoot to Kill

Meanwhile, Fury and Priscilla put it all on the table at home. He asks her about how she obtained her human identity. Dr. Priscilla Davis had a congenital heart condition she kept secret from her loved ones. Priscilla, who was Varra then, visited Dr. Davis daily while the latter was in the hospital. She was okay with Varra taking her identity as long as she fulfilled three things: 1). Varra remains a good daughter to Dr. Davis’ parents 2). She buries Dr. Davis at sea 3). She would never hurt Fury.

Of course, we know that Priscilla was placed in Fury’s path to trip him up. Fury admits that marrying her was his worst mistake. However, if given the chance to redo that period of his life, he’s not sure he wouldn’t make the same choice.

Fury starts reciting “Late Fragment,” which is such a cool callback to the Paris 2012 scene. Priscilla responds with lines from the poem, getting increasingly emotional as they recite the verses. Then, both train their weapons on each other and fire. Thankfully, they aimed to miss. Fury urges Priscilla to run because she failed to complete her mission. Before Fury departs, Priscilla asks if he would’ve loved her had she been her true self. He mulls it over briefly before admitting that they’ll never know.

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Skrudey and Bourbon

Later, we see Rhodey showering in Skrull form. After getting out, the Skrull shrugs on their Rhodey skin. Fury is waiting in the hotel room with a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon. He tries to get Rhodey to drink a glass of the liquor, but Rhodey believes Fury poisoned it. Fury addresses the fact that there are Skrulls in the echelons of the U.S. government. Rhodey pretends to be incredulous, but he knows Fury is right. In retaliation, Rhodey shows Fury the footage of Gravik (as Fury) killing Maria Hill after the Moscow attacks. Rhodey claims this evidence won’t favor Fury when he’s formally indicted. Oh, Skrudey’s playing dirty now.

After his chat with Skrudey, Fury reunites with Talos. We learn that Fury installed a tracker in the bourbon, which Rhodey inevitably drinks. Meanwhile, Rhodey greets President Ritson when he lands in the U.K. He imparts some wisdom to the president regarding the impending negotiations with Russia. Ritson smells the alcohol on Rhodey’s breath and orders one of his Secret Service agents to fetch Colonel Rhodes a large coffee. Ouch.

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An Attack on the Citadel

Fury and Talos follow the presidential motorcade for a spell before Gravik and his forces descend upon said motorcade via helicopter. Gravik launches a massive attack, sending Ritson’s vehicle flying. The president, whose codename is “Citadel,” is injured in the accident. His agents go on the defensive as the Skrulls incite a skirmish. Fury and Talos get involved in the proceedings as they try to protect Ritson. Talos tries to break the window on the passenger’s side.

Meanwhile, Gravik puts his new Super Skrull abilities to use. His arm transforms into one of Groot’s extremities, launching forward in the direction of one unfortunate U.S agent. At least he didn’t say, “I am Groot.”

Skrull Sacrifices

Unfortunately, Talos gets a bullet to the shoulder while attempting to save Ritson. He eventually gets the president out of the car, though. Fury grabs Ritson and throws him into his vehicle before returning for Talos. However, one of the president’s soldiers scoops up Talos instead. It seems innocent enough until Fury senses something’s amiss. He whips out his gun and orders the soldier to release Talos. Of course, at this point, Talos is in Skrull form due to his injury. Fury shoots at the soldier, who transforms into Gravik.

Suddenly, Gravik stabs Talos, delivering what appears to be a fatal blow. Talos collapses. Fury fires on Gravik again. The bullet strikes Gravik in the face, but he heals with lightning speed thanks to Extremis. Reinforcements arrive, meaning it’s time for Gravik and Pagon to depart. They flee on a motorcycle. Fury drives away with Ritson while the camera lingers on Talos, who’s (probably) no longer with us. 

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“Beloved” is a shorter installment that keeps the narrative momentum going and provides a thrilling mix of action and character development. Samuel L. Jackson is a driving force for this episode, and his performance alone makes it worth watching.

Is Talos really dead? If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this show, it’s to question everything. Never trust an onscreen “death” scene. Who knows? Maria Hill might even still be alive.

Regardless, Talos’ presumed death will undoubtedly catalyze G’iah’s revenge on Gravik. I’m excited to see a potential showdown between these two, especially in an arena where they can utilize their Super Skrull abilities. Fury’s heartbreaking expression at the episode’s end proves he’ll also work harder than ever to eliminate Gravik.

Do you think Talos is gone? Will Gravik try to take out Priscilla for failing to kill Fury? Join the conversation alongside other Marvel fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in the Let Your Spoiler Sideshow: MCU Phase Five Facebook Group, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!