Previously, Invincible and the rest of the heroes from the Coalition of Planets travelled to the Viltrumites’ home turf hoping to end the war. Thragg proved to be stronger than their forces combined. Mark and Nolan race back home to Earth fearing that will be where their enemies will strike next.
Mark has had an interesting journey this season. He began completely affected by the daily grind of a superhero to the point where he was losing control. The battle with Thragg has pushed him completely over the edge. He is a husk of his former self going through the motions. A soft spoken Steven Yuen gives the character vulnerability as Invincible can openly admit to others that he is not alright and he needs someone to talk about his trauma and feelings. It’s very humanizing for someone who has the power to help destroy an entire planet.
The episode captures and conveys Mark’s frame of mind with his various visions. He is currently mentally unstable thinking that Thragg can come back at any time. The dream sequences also keep the tension high. Though it does become excessive considering the violence and detailed gore involved each time. But it also paves the way and sets the stage for his eventual decision in the end. As much as he wants to continue to fight, he is tired as well. An unsteady truce is far from perfect but is enough to grant him some level of peace.
Additionally, the season four finale marks a change in Nolan’s redemptive arc. He hasn’t reverted back and continues to walk the path of good. However, he’s at a point where he sticks up for himself. Although he understands the hard work required to compensate for his sins of the past, he won’t stand there and be constantly scolded for his dark history. More importantly, he could serve as the best case scenario for the new arrangement with the Viltrumites. Time on Earth could make them more compassionate and empathetic.
“Don’t Leave Me Hanging Here” also manages to plant the seeds for where the series will go next. There is the loose thread of retrieving Robot and Monster Girl not to mention the reveal in the credits scene. It has the potential to severely impact the Viltrumites, but also cause tension with Mark and the people of Earth. Invincible might have come to an understanding with the enemy, but the Coalition of Planets haven’t.
It’s hard to follow up the crazy events of the previous episode. In that sense, the finale is a bit of a letdown. Yet it still manages to deliver a suitable end cap to both Mark and Nolan’s personal journeys this season while teasing what’s in store for the future.
Watch Invincible on Prime Video.
