Invincible’s third season closes on a high note, delivering an explosive finale that firmly cements its place as one of the best episodes of an already impressive season. While it may not quite surpass the jaw-dropping brilliance of episode seven, the finale masterfully introduces a formidable new villain, Conquest, whose brutal fight with Mark takes center stage. As the dust settles, the show hints at even larger threats ahead, leaving audiences eager for season four.
Conquest’s Debut Raises the Stakes for Mark and Earth
Throughout season three, Mark has struggled with increasingly difficult choices, trying to balance his Viltrumite heritage with his humanity. Conquest’s arrival forces him to confront these issues head-on. As a Viltrumite assigned to conquer Earth, Conquest wastes no time making his intentions clear — he is here for blood, and he wants a fight. What makes Conquest stand out from previous Viltrumite threats is how much he enjoys combat. Unlike Omni-Man or other Viltrumites, Conquest relishes violence in a disturbingly gleeful way, taunting Mark throughout their brutal battle.
His delight in destruction, paired with his terrifying strength, makes him one of Invincible’s most chilling antagonists. Yet, Conquest is more than just a brute. During a pause in their fight, he confesses to Mark that despite his power, he’s lonely and feared by other Viltrumites. This surprising admission adds an unexpected depth to his character. Although it doesn’t make him sympathetic, it reveals a vulnerability that makes him more complex than a one-dimensional villain. Conquest is a force of nature, but he is also tragically isolated.
A Brutal, Emotional Battle That Pushes Mark to His Limits
The showdown between Mark and Conquest delivers all the action and emotional weight fans could hope for. The episode strikes a fine balance between visceral, high-stakes combat and character-driven moments. Rather than devolving into a mindless brawl, the fight tells a story — one of Mark’s desperation to protect Earth and his struggle against a stronger opponent who forces him to confront how far he’s willing to go.
The pacing of the finale is relentless but thoughtful, allowing for quieter moments amidst the chaos. Conquest’s psychological taunts are as damaging as his physical blows, and Mark’s resolve is tested again and again. Even when Mark appears to gain the upper hand, Conquest’s sheer ferocity keeps the outcome uncertain. This tension carries through the entire episode, making the fight feel urgent and meaningful.
Voice Acting Elevates the Intensity of Every Scene
The emotional and dramatic weight of the finale would not hit as hard without the excellent voice performances that have defined Invincible from the beginning. Jeffrey Dean Morgan, voicing Conquest, is an incredible addition to the cast. Though some fans were skeptical when his casting was announced, Morgan proves himself in this episode, blending menace, arrogance, and a twisted sense of humor. His performance makes Conquest both terrifying and fascinating.
Steven Yeun continues to shine as Mark, bringing real emotion and vulnerability to his performance. His portrayal of Mark’s pain, rage, and determination makes the character’s journey all the more compelling. Yeun seamlessly transitions between Mark’s softer moments and his darker impulses, capturing the struggle at the heart of his character.
Alongside them, Gillian Jacobs as Atom Eve and Christian Convery as Oliver Grayson bring depth and heart to the story. Their voices add to the tension and emotion, reminding viewers of what’s at stake beyond just the physical fight. These performances ensure that Invincible’s characters remain grounded, even as the world around them teeters on the edge of collapse.
Visually Stunning Animation Delivers on Season-Long Expectations
One of the most impressive aspects of the finale is the animation, which finally reaches the peak fans have been waiting for. Earlier episodes in season three had some uneven visuals, leading many to speculate that the show was saving its animation budget for the final episodes — and it shows.
The battle between Mark and Conquest is beautifully animated, capturing every bone-crunching punch and devastating blow with stunning detail. From city-wide destruction to up-close hand-to-hand combat, the animators bring the fight to life with fluid, dynamic motion. The scale of the destruction makes it feel like a true end-of-season event, and the intensity of the action never overshadows the characters’ emotional journeys.
Additionally, Atom Eve’s powers are finally given the visual treatment they deserve. In earlier episodes, her abilities sometimes felt visually underwhelming. Here, she gets her moment to shine, using her powers in creative, visually impressive ways that showcase her strength and ingenuity. The animation team clearly went all out to ensure these final moments were as breathtaking as possible.
Lingering Questions and Teases for Season 4
While the finale hits nearly every mark, it isn’t without its minor flaws. One noticeable issue is the absence of other heroes during Mark’s battle with Conquest. After the chaotic events of episode seven, many heroes are either dead or missing, but the lack of reinforcements during such a critical fight feels odd. Characters like Tech Jacket, who proved formidable just an episode before, are nowhere to be seen. While Cecil eventually shows up with a team, their arrival only comes after the battle is decided.
However, this small narrative gap does little to diminish the impact of the episode, especially given the tantalizing hints at what’s to come. Although Omni-Man and Allen the Alien don’t play a significant role here, the finale does introduce a number of exciting setups for season four. Most notably, Battle Beast’s survival signals his eventual return, likely setting up another explosive confrontation down the line.
Moreover, the looming threat of the sequid invasion hints at a massive new storyline that will put Mark and Earth’s heroes to the test. Combined with Mark’s evolution — as he promises to protect his loved ones with lethal force if necessary — these elements ensure that Invincible’s story is far from over.
A Fitting End to a Thrilling Season
Invincible season three’s finale delivers an action-packed, emotional, and satisfying conclusion to a season filled with high-stakes drama and moral dilemmas. The introduction of Conquest as a terrifying new antagonist gives Mark a new challenge that pushes him to his limits, both physically and emotionally.
Though it doesn’t quite top the perfection of episode seven, the finale stands strong on its own, offering fans an unforgettable battle, powerful performances, and a promising setup for the next season. With its stunning animation, brilliant voice work, and complex character development, Invincible proves once again why it’s one of the best superhero shows around.
Our rating: 9.4/10
