Last week, Invincible engaged in a violent battle against Conquest. He was able to take him down, but not before sustaining serious injuries. “You Look Horrible” finds Nolan and Oliver picking up the pieces and dealing with both the aftermath of the fight but also with their own personal issues.
The episode represents Nolan’s final major stop on his redemption tour. He has already had conversations with both Mark and Debbie with varying success, and now he must face the son he didn’t bother seeing on Earth. This interaction hits differently because of Oliver’s younger age, but it’s a nice gradual build to their reconciliation. Omni-Man’s dialog is earnest and heartfelt, and you continue to feel he’s on the right path.
The pair grow closer due to their shared concern for Invincible. Oliver is also able to teach his father more compassion and empathy. It’s interesting the story uses bugs as a part of that lesson considering Oliver’s Thraxan side. Overall, it’s some feel good bonding though it can border corniness with their fishing scene together.
The other main storyline is the Viltrumite War, particularly the battle in Talescria. You can really feel the scale of the fight providing an epic feel. Some of the generic fight scenes with the no name foot soldiers look lackluster, but whenever a known character appears, the animation picks up with smooth and exciting action and picturesque moments worthy of any splash page.
Through the war, Invincible creates interesting contrasts in leadership. Lee Pace’s voice acting makes Grand Regent Thragg not only fearsome but also a little unhinged. His constant conversations with the skull of former Emperor Argall is so unnerving. Though it is peculiar for such an important battle, you don’t see Thragg engage the enemy.
Someone who isn’t above the fray is Thaedus. Since he has the appearance of an old man with the sagacious voice of Peter Cullen and is the original renegade from Viltrum, you would think he was different. Nope. He’s just as vicious on the battle field with the ease he dispatches his people. The vision of his blood soaked hands only enhances his brutality.
However, is the series foreshadowing his fall? Thaedus has some disagreements with Allen, and it seems he’s so narrow-minded with his goal of exterminating the Viltrumites, he will do so at any cost. Now, he’s ready to launch a counter attack in order to strike the deathblow, but he of all people should know the threat they still are.
“You Look Horrible” delivers some sweet father son moments, but it’s the Viltrumite War that makes the lasting impression and lives up to the hype so far.
New episodes of Invincible release Wednesdays on Prime Video.
