In the second season of Invincible, we saw a lot more of the Viltrumites than before. Previously, they were this looming threat, but now, they have become more tangible, showing off their immense powers and distinct personalities, reminiscent of Saiyans.
The pivotal battle on planet Thraxa revealed their brutal fighting style: no holds barred, aiming to kill without hesitation.
As the season unfolded, we got a deeper understanding of who they are.
General Kregg, portrayed with authority by Clancy Brown, stood out as a commanding presence, directing Mark to take over Earth.
Meet the Viltrumites: Learning more about the tough Viltrumites in Season 2
Anissa, portrayed by Shantel VanSanten, brought a chilling demeanor as she monitored Mark’s progress on Earth.
And then there was a touching moment where soldiers guarding Nolan reminisced about idolizing him in their youth.
But perhaps the most intriguing addition to the Viltrumite roster this season was Oliver Grayson, Mark’s half-brother played by Lincoln Bodin.
While the show hasn’t fully explored his character yet, comic readers know he has a significant role to play in the Invincible universe.
Nolan had another son after leaving Earth:
The showdown between Mark and Nolan (J. K. Simmons) in Season 1’s finale left a lasting impact on everyone involved. It was a wake-up call for humanity, showing how powerless they are against cosmic threats.
For Debbie (Sandra Oh) and Mark, it shattered the facade of their once happy family. Despite being the cause of all the chaos, Nolan’s actions eventually weigh heavily on his conscience.
After leaving Earth, he drifts through space, grappling with regret. His path takes a turn when he rescues a spaceship from a black hole, saving its inhabitants from the planet Thraxa.
Thraxa is home to fragile insectoid beings with short lifespans. They see Nolan, a thousand-year-old Viltrumite, as a deity and ask him to lead them.
Future Legacy: Bonds and Responsibilities:
Nolan, now softened by remorse, accepts and even marries Andressa (Rhea Seehorn), fathering a child with her. However, peace is short-lived as the Viltrumites plan to punish Nolan for desertion.
To defend Thraxa, Nolan seeks Mark’s aid, but their efforts fail. Nolan is captured, and Mark is tasked with Nolan’s unfinished mission: conquering Earth.
Before Mark departs, Andressa urges him to take their son, Oliver, knowing she won’t live long. Mark agrees, feeling a bond with his half-brother.
Back on Earth, Debbie grapples with the news of Nolan’s other child but eventually embraces Oliver as her own. Cecil suggests raising Oliver in a government facility, but Debbie insists on raising him herself.
She hires a nanny experienced with superpowered children. Oliver’s accelerated learning rate intrigues them, possibly due to his Thaxan heritage causing him to age faster.
In the ‘Invincible’ comics, Oliver looks up to his father, Omni-Man:
In Season 2 of Invincible, Oliver doesn’t get much screen time since he’s still a baby. However, he’s poised to become a significant character in future seasons, especially if the show stays true to the comics.
In the comics, Oliver’s unique blend of DNA grants him extraordinary abilities, including an impeccable memory that even recalls events from his infancy.
Unlike Mark’s experience, the Nolan Oliver grew up with was a far cry from the ruthless figure witnessed by his older brother. This Nolan was a hero, a devoted spouse, and a caring father.
Growing up without Nolan’s presence allowed Oliver to build an idealized image of his father based on mythic tales and hearsay. However, as he learns more about Nolan’s dark side, particularly from Mark, a conflict arises within him.
Exploring the Complexities of Identity and Family Legacy:
Despite idolizing the father he knew, Oliver struggles with reconciling that image with the reality of Nolan’s actions.
Determined to restore his father’s tarnished legacy, Oliver takes on the mantle of Kid Omni-Man when he enters the superhero scene.
Oliver’s admiration for his father is also rooted in his own feelings of alienation on Earth. With his unique memories, appearance, and heritage, he sees Nolan as the only one who truly understands him.
This connection fuels his desire to redeem his father’s name and carve out his own path as a superhero.
Mark and Oliver in the comics have different ideas about how to deal with villains:
Oliver’s admiration for his father intertwines with his nihilistic outlook, setting him apart from his older brother, Mark. This contrast serves as a foil to Mark’s optimism and forgiving nature.
Initially, Oliver stands by Mark’s side as a dependable ally, aiding him in battles against formidable foes. However, as he matures, Oliver begins to forge his own beliefs about justice, ones that Mark finds increasingly troubling.
Unlike Mark’s belief in rehabilitation, Oliver advocates for a more extreme approach, arguing that villains should be eliminated to prevent further harm.
In a solo encounter with the Mauler Twins, Oliver’s lack of restraint leads to their brutal demise, even after they surrender. When Mark questions whether Oliver shares their father’s philosophy, Oliver admits to occasionally aligning with it.
Invincible Season 2 is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the US.
