SECRET INVASION: Episode 103: “Betrayed”

In the third episode of Marvel Studios’ SECRET INVASION, Nick Fury and his alien friend, Talos, uncover Gravik’s, the alien terrorist, next step to human genocide and world domination. One of his alien Skrull agents, masquerading as a British commander, will soon order a submarine to open fire on a United Nations airplane. The heroes race to track down the impersonator before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Talos struggles to reconnect with his Skrull daughter, G’iah, who’s working as a double agent between him and Gravik. G’iah provides intel to Team Fury, but almost blows her cover. Can our heroes prevent the looming disaster?

The episode begins with Gravik, the leading alien terrorist, holding a meeting between his goons and his Skrull Council. His scientists are developing a Skrull super serum from human superhero blood samples, which will make their species invincible. While the research nears its completion, Gravik prepares the next step in his “human extinction” plan.

Flash back to New York City, 1998. Nick Fury meets with his future wife, Priscilla, one of his alien agents, to exchange crucial intel. Nick has an immediate attraction to her human identity. He reminds her that, as espionage colleagues, they aren’t supposed to fraternize, but Priscilla reminds him that she’s not really under his authority. Nick admits that’s true, and they share a quick smile together.

Fast forward to 2025, the year SECRET INVASION takes place. Nick visits Priscilla at their England safe house. Fury checks on his wife after he has decided to defy General Rhodey’s order

to end his own Skrull investigation. Priscilla laments not seeing her husband in years due to his various special missions. Moreover, she’s still shaken by Fury’s “blipped disappearance” in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. Fury comforts his wife and assures her he still values her love. He adds, however, that, although he may be “retired,” he still intends on saving humanity.

Back at secret Skrull headquarters in Russia, Gravik tells G’iah that he suspects there’s a spy within their ranks. Brogan, a Skrull informant, had revealed a secret Skrull hideout to British intelligence. G’iah, Talos’ stoic Skrull daughter, helped provide crucial intel to Team Fury in episodes one and two. G’iah doubts her father’s alliance with the humans, but desires to make the Skrulls fully accepted by Earth society. However, she’s on the verge of losing Gravik’s trust.

Later, Talos invites Gravik and G’iah to an art museum cafe. Both Skrulls don their human disguises. Talos warns Gravik that humans are an inventive species worth saving. If Gravik completes his plans, Talos promises to expose the Secret Invasion to the entire world. However, Gravik doesn’t buy the warning and smugly states that G’iah will stay by his side. Enraged, Talos stabs a knife in Gravik’s hand, warning him to keep his daughter’s name out of his mouth. Talos leaves the scene immediately, while Gravik’s hand heals itself automatically. This shows that Gravik has already taken a serum to transform himself into a “super” being.

Talos hits a local bar and grill to eat an English breakfast. Agent Fury suddenly enters and asks Talos for more help. Talos refuses, complaining that Fury is not a good team player. The agent begrudgingly agrees, adding, “I am useless without you.”

Fury then calls Sonya Falsworth, his British spy agency colleague, for more Gravik intel. Fury apologizes to her for planting a recording device in her office. Falsworth provides intel on Gravik’s next plan. One of Gravik’s Skrull agents impersonating a British naval officer will command a submarine to open fire on a United Nations airliner as it enters English airspace.

Later that night, Nick and Talos visit the home of the Skrull impersonator. Talos recounts the times his people helped SHIELD back in the day and demands that Nick gives his people the credit they deserve. It is another case of the writers calling their lead character a cranky, unthankful old man. The duo sneaks into the property, but accidentally blows their cover. With minutes before the missile attack on the U.N. transport, Nick tries to “coax” the abort code from the alien agent posing as a naval commander.

Can Nick stop the terrorist missile? Can Talos’ daughter maintain Gravik’s confidence?

“Betrayed,” the third episode of the Disney+ series, ratchets up the tension and excitement. It contains decent performances, a truncated runtime, and a father mending his strained relationship with his daughter. Agent Fury remains loyal to his wife and his friends. However, the “betrayals” are obvious from a mile away, and the series continues to “bad mouth” Nick Fury’s past legacy. The third episode of SECRET INVASION also contains some intense violence and brief foul language. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children.