By the end of the first episode of Secret Invasion, the tone is set for a grittier, more grounded (literally), outing for Marvel.
Samuel L Jackson is on top form as fan-favourite Nick Fury, albeit a bit more worn down. He's still grappling with the long-term impact of being snapped away for five years, and his outlook on life has become a bit more cynical – and can you really blame him with everything he's seen?
Much like Loki and Wanda before him, Fury is the perfect choice to centre a show on – he's long been an important part of the MCU, but the nature of the storytelling so far has limited the potential to delve deeper into his character beyond what it means for the powered-up people around him.
What to Read Next
Secret Invasion has promised to deliver on this front, although we've only been given access to two episodes so far. Without going into specific plot detail, we've been treated to some flashbacks of a younger Fury, as well as some anecdotes about his pre-world-saving life with his mother, which touched on his experience as a Black man in America for the very first time.
For Emilia Clarke and Olivia Colman, Secret Invasion is their highly-anticipated introduction to the world of Marvel – and they each shine, albeit in decidedly different ways.
Clarke plays an older, more complex, G'iah, a Skrull who fans have briefly met previously. Her portrayal is nuanced and in line with the writing of this version of the character.
As for Colman, who portrays Special Agent Sonya Falsworth, she brings all of the charisma you'd expect, ensuring that you're fixed on her in every scene. Her verbal duels with Jackson's Fury are gold, and we only hope that her character gets even more to do in later episodes.
Kingsley Ben-Adir is also a notable standout as the conflicting Rebel Skrull leader Gravik. While he's positioned as the 'baddie' to all intents and purposes, Secret Invasion at least attempts to acknowledge the complexity and nuance of his character.
Secret Invasion is, first and foremost, a spy show that's heavy on espionage. This is a genre that can typically have a contentious relationship with the political landscape, and some might feel that this doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel (there is also one plot point in particular that we have some reservations about).
The series has the potential to do something interesting, particularly with the clear allegory of the Skrulls' displacement backstory, but whether the series can get there remains to be seen.
That being said, in a world where some audiences might be feeling Marvel fatigue (Guardians 3 not included, we're talking telly right now), this new release has the potential to succeed in injecting some much-needed energy.
Many of the MCU shows that have come before have been criticised for pacing, but Secret Invasion is fast-moving and punchy right from the jump. It also sits at a neat six episodes, which feels like a much more achievable investment at a time where TV has been pushing its limits when it comes to runtimes.
While Secret Invasion doesn't hit the heights and creativity that was set from the off with WandaVision, it's one of the better Marvel television shows that have since followed with a strong potential to reinvigorate a disillusioned audience.
Secret Invasion will be released on June 21, streaming on Disney+.
TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
