Following an action-packed three-part premiere, Invincible Season 3 slows down slightly with “You Were My Hero.” While still a solid episode, it struggles with some of the show’s recurring issues—juggling multiple storylines and handling intimate moments with a bit too much irony. Nolan’s shocking revelation about the impending Viltrumite invasion pushes the plot forward, but at the cost of some emotional depth.
The story unfolds in three distinct segments, with the third feeling almost like a separate episode—but more on that later. The first two flow seamlessly together, starting with Rex and Ray’s grocery trip, where they reminisce about their younger years before a sudden villain attack pulls us back to Guardians HQ. Meanwhile, Mark investigates the explosive drone that nearly took out his family. While we know Angstrom Levy is behind it, Mark, driven by paranoia, suspects Cecil and the GDA. His frustration leads to a reckless, almost godlike display of power as he storms the GDA at the Pentagon—only to abruptly leave for his second attempt at a first date with Eve. Unfortunately, his luck doesn’t improve this time either.
The pacing feels a bit rushed as Mark is suddenly pulled into a dystopian future by the return of characters Dropkick and Fight Master. They plead with him to overthrow their tyrannical ruler, who is soon revealed to be a future version of Immortal. However, the real shock comes when Mark learns that Immortal was put in charge by none other than a future version of himself—echoing last season’s alternate Invincible, who embraced his father’s ideology and became a full-fledged dictator.
Credit: Prime Video
The confrontation itself feels underwhelming, even though it mirrors how Nolan nearly killed Immortal in the series premiere. Since Mark and Immortal don’t have a strong connection in the main timeline, taking down the aged hero lacks emotional weight. However, it does spark an existential crisis for Mark, leading him to ask Eve if she thinks he’s a good person. Unfortunately, the episode doesn’t let that moment breathe, immediately shifting into a lighthearted date montage instead. While Mark might be able to push aside his inner turmoil through his relationship with Eve, the audience isn’t given the chance to experience that struggle. This is further undercut by the show’s ongoing habit of cutting away from intimate moments—this time, using awkward narration to call attention to the joke. Invincible isn’t shy about graphic violence, but when it comes to sex, it still holds back.
The second half shifts entirely to space, bringing Nolan back into focus. The story finally moves forward with Allen the Alien aiding Nolan’s escape, thanks to some unexpected help from Battle Beast. While the action is intense, the sheer level of bloodshed borders on excessive, making it feel more numbing than impactful. The previous episode utilized violence to highlight major dilemmas for Mark and his younger brother, Olive, who has already begun killing his enemies. That moral conflict ties into Mark’s struggle with Immortal this week. However, Mark’s assertion that he doesn’t kill feels hollow when placed alongside yet another scene of over-the-top brutality. That said, watching Nolan and Allen simultaneously smash a Viltrumite’s head into pulp is undeniably a striking visual.
The episode concludes with an intriguing revelation from Nolan: the Viltrumites’ fixation on blood purity stems from the fact that pure-blooded Viltrumites are significantly stronger, while those of mixed heritage are more easily overpowered. With only about 50 pure Viltrumites remaining, this knowledge presents a real opportunity to challenge their rule. Adding to the momentum, Nolan is not only committed to the cause but also beginning to embrace Allen as a faithful ally.
Overall, episode four brings the show back to its core strengths, albeit with some drawbacks. While it once again struggles to juggle its many storylines, this imbalance doesn’t completely stall its momentum. The plot makes significant strides, including a brief but meaningful existential crisis for Mark and a much-needed return to the spotlight for the now-reformed Omni-Man.
‘Invincible’ Season 3 Episode 4 Review: “You Were My Hero”
Overall, episode four brings the show back to its core strengths, albeit with some drawbacks. While it once again struggles to juggle its many storylines, this imbalance doesn’t completely stall its momentum.
