Invincible: I’m Not Going Anywhere review S2 E7
I’m Not Going Anywhere was a fantastic episode of Invincible. It showed the complexities of a superhero relationship that Mark can’t let go and his insistence on fighting an opponent he can’t possibly defeat.
At this point in the series, Mark is more Invincible than unstoppable. It’s an interesting approach as normally it’s the hero who comes out ahead against all odds. This episode was nothing but one costly defeat after another for him.
Mark and Amber are at a Comic Con, which allows the animated series creators to poke fun at their animation shortcuts and the demand for more episodes at a faster clip. While this is clearly Mark’s scene, Amber is fine so long as they’re together.
That immediately gets tested when Eve asks Mark to help out Rex. He’s trying to get back into fighting shape and struggling to defeat the monstrous Octoboss. Mark provides enough backup to let Rex get back in the game and experiment with his new arm cannon attachment. Not that he regrets helping out his pal, but Mark does feel bad about constantly ditching Amber.
This leads to a conversation with Debbie, who isn’t sure if being in a relationship with Nolan was worth it if it weren’t for Mark and Oliver. This is another instance where the show’s mature writing is invaluable. Mark can have a grown-up conversation with Debbie that legitimately forces her to consider a life without Nolan. ” Is it really a relationship if you’re always alone?”
Inspired and hoping to make a change from his father, Mark recommits to Amber. He’s not going anywhere and tells Cecil he has to have two days off a week. No superheroics. That’s his time with Amber. And getting his studies back on track. Mark and Amber enjoy a fun, globe-trotting date showing the upside of a hero having powers that doesn’t involve fighting bad guys.
It’s a nice moment so of course it can’t last. Anissa (Shantel VanSanten), a Viltrumite, arrives and immediately threatens Amber. She just wants to talk to Mark, who gets dressed as Invincible. Anissa tells Mark he’s failing the planet by refusing to lord over it in true Viltrumite fashion.
Cecil interrupts to tell Mark that a kaiju is about to destroy a cruise ship. Anissa goes to watch Invincible. Mark still isn’t an any means necessary type of hero forcing Anissa to destroy it to save the passengers. Anissa still insists Mark join the cause to prevent these kinds of incidents and loss of life to the same humans he’s trying to protect. Mark won’t back down and quickly gets pummeled by Anissa.
Invincible is no match for Anissa, who Cecil records is even faster than Nolan. She backs off and warns Mark that another is coming who will destroy Earth if he doesn’t accept his destiny. Looks like those night offs are officially cancelled.
Mark returns to a shellshocked Amber. Rightfully, she’s terrified. This is the moment that’s been building all season and the writes handle it beautifully. Amber states that Mark’s life is important because of all the lives he saves, but her life matters too. Except it doesn’t when she’s with him. And worse, her life can be a weapon when someone wants to hurt him. Amber and Mark both say what they couldn’t admit — it’s not fair to her to live in Mark’s world.
As Invincible, Mark has done some fantastic things. Saved the planet a handful of times. Made some new friends. Lost a father. Gained a half-brother and teamed with a one-eyed alien. But maintaining a regular relationship is something even he can’t do…at least right now.
This was a great payoff to the Mark and Amber arc where neither party is the bad guy. It just doesn’t work out and that’s OK.
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In the supporting character spotlight, Robot is preoccupied with fixing Monster Girl, who never asked for his help. This is going to come to a head soon. Bulletproof hilariously sizes up his fellow Guardians of the Globe to Samson, who can’t argue with most of his commentary. Immortal needs a mental health break from the team, so Robot is back in charge of the team.
Rick is having nightmares about Sinclair operating on him as is starting to get suicidal. With no other options, William calls Donald for help. Donald confronted Cecil and learned that he’s died multiple times — 39 times to be exact. And Donald was the one who wanted his memory wiped to avoid the trauma of so many deaths. This gives him invaluable perspective to share with Rick, who truly needed someone who could relate.
The series is doing an outstanding job with William and Rick’s relationship. They’re not treated as special characters because they’re gay. No one makes a deal of it at all and it’s refreshing to just enjoy two characters dealing with some serious issues together.
As he’s reflecting on the breakup with Amber, Mark gets a call from Debbie. Except it’s not his mother. It’s Angstrom, who’s holding Debbie and Oliver hostage.
Of course there’s more in the post credit. Anissa reports to Krieg that Mark is poisoned just like his father. Just outside her ship is Allen, who’s now strong enough to go toe to toe with a Viltrumite. He actually makes her bleed. This shows how far Mark still has to go with his training. While his body parts aren’t floating into space this time, Allen decides to feign being defeated so Anissa can take him to her prison. And maybe team-up with Nolan…?
I’m Not Going Anywhere was a heavy emotional episode showing the tough realities for a young superhero, those impacted by heroes and another impressive new villain. This was a stellar penultimate episode of a season that’s been emotional and exhilarating in different ways from the debut season while retaining every bit of the same high-quality storytelling.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Photo Credit: Amazon