SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for the Season 4 premiere of “Invincible,” now streaming on Prime Video.
The fourth season of “Invincible” opened with a groundbreaking episode, offering viewers a glimpse into Nolan’s (J.K. Simmons) past and the catastrophic virus that almost obliterated his home planet, Viltrum, a storyline never before explored in Robert Kirkman’s superhero comic series.
The premiere’s first episode provided a brief look at Nolan as he began his journey as Omni-Man, with Debbie (Sandra Oh) by his side during his initial costume fitting. Episode 2 delved deeper, showcasing a young Nolan as he introduced the violent Viltrumite culture to the planet’s youth. His parents soon tested his combat skills, leading to a shocking twist as a deadly virus struck the planet. The Scourge Virus wiped out 99.9% of Viltrumites, sparing only Nolan, Grand Regent Thragg (Lee Pace), and a few others. In a haunting scene, the survivors disposed of the dead, forming rings around their planet. The episode then shifted back to the present, following Nolan, Allen (Seth Rogen), Telia (Tatiana Maslany), and their crew as they searched the galaxy for means to eliminate the remaining Viltrumites.
On Earth, Mark (Steven Yeun) confronts a mix of new and familiar foes, including the T-Rex Dinosaurus (Matthew Rhys), Universa (Danai Gurira), and the alien Sequids. Mark takes decisive action against the Sequids by killing their leader, shocking his allies and causing tension with Cecil (Walton Goggins), who is also managing Conquest’s (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) escape. Additionally, an attack by the rapidly aging Flaxan aliens is thwarted by Mark and the Guardians of the Globe, though Monster Girl (Grey Griffin) and Rex/Robot (Zachary Quinto) end up trapped in the Flaxans’ dimension.
The third episode concludes with a significant revelation: Eve (Gillian Jacobs), whose powers are failing, discovers she is pregnant but chooses not to inform Mark. As the looming Viltrumite War approaches, this development adds a new dimension to Mark’s personal life.
In a conversation with Variety, co-showrunners Robert Kirkman and Simon Racioppa discuss the Season 4 premiere, the fresh flashbacks, and the implications of Eve’s pregnancy for the future of the series.
Let’s talk about the flashbacks in the premiere. Previous seasons and the comics rarely included flashbacks. What led to showing this moment from Debbie and Nolan’s past in Episode 1?
Simon Racioppa: We wanted to illustrate that Nolan still occupies a significant place in Debbie’s mind. She spent over 20 years with him, and even though it’s been a few years since they last saw each other, his influence remains. Despite dating someone else, he continues to play a major role in her thoughts. These memories gain new meanings, helping set up her future story arc and reminding the audience of Nolan’s continued impact on her life.
Robert Kirkman: By the fourth season, it’s an opportunity to surprise viewers with new insights into the characters. We reveal deeper layers of their personalities that were previously unexplored, offering a fresh sense of discovery.
Racioppa: Every relationship holds both good and bad memories. While Nolan committed terrible acts in Season 1, Debbie also cherishes positive moments they shared, which explains their long relationship.
Episode 2 begins with a flashback to young Nolan on Viltrum during the Scourge Virus outbreak. Why was this sequence included?
Kirkman: We considered making this sequence the opening episode but decided it fit better as the second. It’s crucial as we near the Viltrumite War to provide depth to the Viltrumites, moving them beyond an enigmatic space tyrant image. This episode reveals much about their history, thanks to Simon’s writing. For the first time, viewers might feel sympathy for them, setting the stage for the upcoming conflict.
Racioppa: Our goal was to portray the Viltrumites as complex and multifaceted characters. They represent half of Mark’s heritage, influencing his identity throughout the series. This depth wouldn’t resonate if they were merely portrayed as villains. By highlighting their societal structure and motivations, we illuminate why they act as they do and how it shapes Nolan and Mark.
How were Nolan and his parents’ appearances designed? Young Nolan resembles Mark, and his father looks like present-day Nolan.
Kirkman: These visual parallels were intentionally crafted to show Nolan at a stage akin to Mark’s at the series’ start. This reflects the Viltrumite upbringing and family dynamics. By showcasing the life cycle and cultural norms of Viltrumites, we aim to provide a clearer understanding of Nolan’s actions, without necessarily justifying them.
Racioppa: The portrayal is rooted in the comics. We expand on the details found between the panels to bring audiences into the moment of the Scourge Virus. Animation allows us to visually depict events in real-time, an option that might not be feasible in live-action without a substantial budget.
Robert, were these ideas in the comics, or were they created for the show?
Kirkman: These concepts were specifically developed for the show. While I had ideas about Viltrumite life during the comics’ creation, many details didn’t make it to print. In the writers’ room, I’m able to share these visions, fleshing them out with the team. Sometimes, we explore aspects I hadn’t considered, and in real-time, I piece together how they might fit into the larger narrative. It’s a chance to refresh and expand on a universe I’ve been building for 20 years.
Racioppa: Having Robert involved is invaluable. There are unwritten pages in his mind that we can draw upon to enrich the show. These insights might not have appeared in the comics but can be integrated into the series, adding depth and backstory.
Why did Nolan survive the Scourge Virus when most Viltrumites didn’t?
Kirkman: The reason remains unknown for now, though it might be explored in future episodes. Viruses can affect individuals differently, and there could be more to Nolan’s story that will be unveiled as the series progresses.
Eve is pregnant at the end of Episode 3. What impact will this have on Mark?
Kirkman: We aim to maintain high stakes. While Mark is sent into space for war, significant events continue on Earth. Leaving viewers with this revelation adds an undercurrent of suspense about what might happen. Balancing real-life relationships with extraordinary circumstances keeps the narrative grounded and compelling.
Racioppa: The world doesn’t revolve solely around Mark. Events continue in his absence. Eve, as an individual, has her own path, and her experiences will unfold regardless of Mark’s presence. It’s crucial that every character has their own journey and story to tell.
In Episode 3, Robot and Monster Girl enter the Flaxan world, a significant comic storyline. Will they return this season?
Kirkman: You’ll have to watch the rest of the season to find out. This storyline is a major part of the comics, and while it’s tempting to include it in Season 4, we’ll have to see how it unfolds.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
