Secret Invasion used the same episode ending three times

For those hoping that a series like "Secret Invasion" might help the Marvel Cinematic Universe defeat the all-too-common claims of relying on a formula, well, that probably won't help. Of course, the MCU movies have had a much harder time juggling the needs of a shared universe, the expectations of four whole quadrants of moviegoers, and perfecting the blockbuster model that could lead to consistent box office success. But when Marvel President Kevin Feige first announced the production of multiple Disney+ Marvel shows, a common narrative sprouted that the streaming space would give the studio the ability to get creative and to deliver the kind of stories that audiences had truly never seen before.

Unfortunately, the results have been somewhat inconsistent on this front.

The rather mixed audience receptions for "Hawkeye", "Moon Knight" and "She-Hulk" largely speak for themselves, but the feeling of utter disinterest surrounding "Secret Invasion" only makes this recurring trend of uninspired cliffhanger endings stand out much more. Less is usually more when killing major characters, especially in comic book adaptations, but "Secret Invasion" has shown no signs of curbing that any time soon. Gravik may be emerging as one of the deadliest antagonists in the entire franchise, but a well-rounded villain is more than just a penchant for killing. And if the only trick this show has up its sleeve is to fool viewers with unsatisfactory explanations or rely on the "Game of Thrones" strategy of shock tactics, well, it's hard to imagine. that "Secret Invasion" makes it feel somewhat useful in having its own red wedding, at the very least.

With only two episodes left to change the narrative, "Secret Invasion" certainly has its work cut out for it.