(Warning: Spoilers Ahead For Ep-1)
One of the most exciting projects of Marvel’s fifth phase is finally here. Indeed, from the first scene of the show, it is made clear to the audience that this invasion already has its claws deep in Earth 6-1-6. Then along with new threats of an invasion, we are also given a host of new actors who have now become intertwined with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As well as an entire roster of beloved Marvel comic characters finally, coming to light.
Olivia Colman may be new to Earth 6-1-6, but her character Sonya Flasworth is not. Sonya had a Howling Commando as one of her ancestors and is also an MI 6 agent, who may have had a somewhat intimate relationship with Nick Fury in the past. Now, however, from the first episode, we can ascertain that there is some serious friction between the two, which will be interesting to see as the show moves along. That combined with the fact that Flasworth is being portrayed by an actress of Olivia Colman’s prestige, makes it certain she will be playing a vital role in the series. It was also refreshing to see Nick Fury finally trying to deal with his justification from the mad titan’s snap. It was quite a short but insightful glance into him trying to grapple with how it affected him mentally and how he may not be the same man he once was. This new version of Nick Fury, the bearded, somewhat tattered, and even beaten one. The one Falsworth chose to call “The New Old Fury” was as she pointed out, not the same. This further fueled and fed the seeds of uncertainty into his already doubt-enshrouded mind. Soon after this another moment of confrontation with the bitter truth occurs when a fairly similar argument is presented to him by his second-in-command, Maria Hill. Fury enters a Russian bar and avoids an infinitesimal taunt from a native, then proceeds to buy two drinks and makes his way toward the table where Hill is sitting. With a chessboard before her, she questions her commander about forsaking Earth.
Maria Hill to Nick Fury:
“You going to tell me why you abandoned Earth?”
Fury to Hill:
“Well, building out Saber.”
Hill to Fury:
“Traditionally, we tell the truth during our chess games. Maybe that has changed too though. I don’t know”
Fury to Hill:
“Okay, let’s just say I had a crisis of faith.”
Hill to Fury:
“Are you going to move?”
Fury to Hill:
“I haven’t decided.”
Hill to Fury:
“See that’s what I’m worried about. The Fury I knew was always three steps ahead.”
Fury to Hill:
“If I remember correctly, you called me.”
Hill to Fury:
“On Talos’s request. Your lack of contact the past few years sent a pretty clear message.”
Fury to Hill:
“Meaning?”
Hill to Fury:
“You’re not ready for this, Fury. There’s a very real threat out there. You were never the same after the blip. You always told me there’s no shame in walking away when the steps are uncertain. So check your footing. Otherwise, someone’s going to get hurt”
However, hints of the old Nick still remained strong and entertaining as always. A good example was the two classic “Fury Banter” scenes that occurred, this time with Talos. First at the house in front of Agent Maria Hill and then when they’re going to visit a “man” at the art gallery in town.
Nick Fury to Talos:
“Not bad for a hundred and thirty-six years old.”
Talos to Fury:
“Well you know I’m not even forty in human years. I haven’t even gone on my midlife crisis shopping spree yet. Hey, what did you get for yours?”
Fury to Talos:
“The Avengers.”
This line very amusingly reminds us of who he is and very clearly tells us that the old Nick Fury is very much still alive.
Similarly, it is immensely entertaining to watch Emila Clarke portraying Talos’s daughter G’iah. She brings depth, emotion, and tragedy to a character new in the cinematic universe, right in the first episode. It is quite certain she will continue to dazzle as each episode is released. The same is true for Kingsley Ben-Adir who embodies the complexities of Gravik’s charm and malice with brilliance as well as accuracy. As you move along and the episode keeps you glued to the screen, you are also given a glimpse into how far the Skrulls have grown in terms of creating a society of their own on Earth. Especially since 30-something years have passed since the Captain Marvel storyline.
See that’s the interesting thing with Marvel. Box office projects like say, Captain Marvel, Avenger: End-Game and even the recent GOTG 3 are all well and good. They all play an integral part. However, when it comes to their television Marvel Studios has a special penchant for creating intricate storylines. A good example is, the plots in their shows which always have rather large rippling effects that play out in cinemas months or sometimes even years later. It’s story-telling like this which musters hordes of fans towards Marvel content. Not only that but just from the art standpoint as well as an expression of visual arts.
Prime examples of this art form, are title sequences from shows like Dare Devil, the cinematography of Wakanda Forever, and of course, the iconic red and white logo within which all is shown. Exactly like that, the title sequence of this show too is an amalgamation of story-telling and art. The textured green constantly merging and getting undone seems like something out of a psychedelic trip and the images shown within that “Skrull green” tickle the curiosity at the story to come. As a fan of Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios, as well as being a cinephile, I cannot wait to see how this incredible roster of actors brings their intricate characters to life. That being said, this first episode leaves the viewers with a sense of melancholy and curiosity along with a shocking reminder of how high the stakes still are.
