Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Invincible season 3, episodes 1-6.After a mostly successful second season, Invincible season 3 has shown Mark's villainous side, and while the protagonist has ultimately remained true to himself while showing his mental resilience, some of his actions have been questionable.

He's far from the only character worth scrutinizing though, as Oliver killed the Mauler Twins, while Cecil's extreme actions towards Mark essentially started Invincible's own version of Marvel's Civil War in season 3. Despite this, there's no doubt all the franchise's main heroes are still trying to do good and save the world, but their methods are becoming increasingly ruthless, and there hasn't been much ability either. Season 3's latest villain has perfectly demonstrated how the lack of transparency has led to mistrust among some of the public, and despite Powerplex's crimes, I don't completely disagree with his message.

Invincible Season 3 Is Making A Good Point About The Problems With Superheroes

Superheroes Seldom Have To Answer For Their Actions In Invincible

An evil variant of Mark killing a police officer and Sinister Mark smiling in Invincible season 2 (2023-2024) either side of Mark grimacing in Invincible season 3 (2025)
Custom Image by Milica Djordjevic

Although Invincible's superheroes are honorable and noble, season 3 has made a great point about the problems they cause. Using their powers for the greater good is incredibly irable, especially when it comes to facing off against some of Invincible's most powerful characters, who are far stronger than Earth's best fighters. However, despite their bravery and sacrifices, these battles don't come without collateral damage, as buildings or vehicles often get destroyed, while some fights end in civilian casualties, as evidenced by the season 1 Chicago tragedy being brought up again in "All I Can Say Is I'm Sorry."

Powerplex mentioned how Mark Grayson never faced trial for his involvement, and while the audience knows he is innocent, Invincible's public does not. Instead, they have to take the word of a political figure or GDA agent, and when it comes to the latter, they're simply protecting their investments. Mark broke into the Pentagon, yet faced no repercussions for this, while some of the Guardians of the Globe have disobeyed Cecil and now refuse to work with him entirely, meaning they are operating without adhering to the law.

Mark's refusal to give Darkwing or D.A. Sinclair a second chance while fighting alongside his dad shows that, despite his best intentions, he has a personal bias.

Just as it could be argued that these heroes can do more good for the world without restrictions and regulations, it can be argued that the lack of ability is a serious problem. Mark's refusal to give Darkwing or D.A. Sinclair a second chance while fighting alongside his dad shows that, despite his best intentions, he has a personal bias. Season 3 has continuously highlighted that even the most moral heroes still have their own agendas and are far from perfect, making it hard to disagree with the concept of having them adhere to some sort of legal guidelines.

Powerplex's Story Shows How Heroes Can Accidentally CREATE Villains

Scott Duvall's Transformation Into Powerplex Was A Result Of Mark's Attempted Heroism

In their pursuit of doing good, heroes are also capable of unintentionally creating villains, as Aaron Paul's Powerplex proved in Invincible season 3. Despite having the ability to generate electricity, Scott Duvall was more than happy being a loving family man, staying away from both heroism and villainy. By all s, he appeared to be a good person, but his world turned completely upside down after Omni-Man and Invincible's fight in Chicago. Their battle caused plenty of casualties, and among the victims were Scott's sister and niece, resulting in the antagonist following a dark path to become Powerplex.

Scott initially tried to have Mark face justice legally by approaching the DA with petitions and evidence to pursue a trial. However, with Mark failing to issue any public apology or take ability for his involvement - despite the incident not being his fault - Scott took matters into his own hands after being frequently ignored. Stealing GDA equipment, he was able to enhance his powers and transform into Powerplex, battling with Shapesmith and Eve before finally getting his hands on Mark. Tragically, Scott tried to avoid public casualties but ended up taking the lives of his wife and son.

Related
Who The Other Invincibles Are In Invincible Season 3, Episode 6's Final Scene

Invincible season 3, episode 6 ends with a huge tease for the future by revealing a room full of alternate versions of Mark, assembled by an old foe.

Still, his sole reason for becoming a villain stems from Mark's attempted heroics. It's reasonable to assume Scott would still have resented Omni-Man, but seeing Invincible among the rubble of his deceased sister and niece undoubtedly flipped a switch that made him hold a grudge. Angstrom Levy's story is largely the same, and while his hatred once again isn't Mark's fault, the protagonist's heroism does play a factor in turning a decent man into a supervillain, proving that even while trying to do good, the show's heroes can accidentally turn regular people into criminals through their reckless actions.

Invincible's Moral Complexity Is One Reason Season 3 Is So Great

The Blend Of Characters Pursuing Justice In Opposing Ways Has Made Season 3 Incredibly Entertaining

Rather than being a one-dimensional story of good vs. evil, Invincible season 3 has questioned its main characters' morality, which has added to the drama. Ever since the first season, it has been clear Mark wants to do the right thing, but seeing him break through into government buildings, threaten Cecil, and even smaller things like demanding Rudy investigate the camera watching him proves he isn't as innocent as he used to be. Likewise, the division and break-up between the Guardians of the Globe stemmed from a complex dispute, showing the differing viewpoints among heroes.

Whereas the Immortal and his group are more committed to authority - regardless of what happened to Mark - Rex's team shows more loyalty to their allies, despite going against the GDA. Oliver's lack of remorse when it comes to killing the Maulers is also a sign that even the so-called good guys can do twisted things, once again raising moral questions. Even Allen and Nolan's jailbreak involved taking plenty of lives, highlighting how much of season 3 has focused on the imperfect nature of superheroes.

Invincible Season 3 Episodes

Release Date

Episode 1: "You're Not Laughing Now"

February 6, 2025

Episode 2: "A Deal With The Devil"

February 6, 2025

Episode 3: "You Want A Real Costume, Right?"

February 6, 2025

Episode 4: "You Were My Hero"

February 13, 2025

Episode 5: "This Was Supposed To Be Easy"

February 20, 2025

Episode 6: "All I Can Say Is I'm Sorry"

February 27, 2025

Episode 7: "What Have I Done?"

March 6, 2025

Episode 8: "I Thought You'd Never Shut Up"

March 13, 2025

Invincible's brutality and sense of realism are what help it stand out so much in the superhero subgenre, and season 3 has perhaps been the most interesting yet in that regard. I've also ired the way it has shown so many characters' perspectives on why they protect people and their motivations behind each action. It adds so many layers to stories like Mark vs. Cecil, as it's easy to understand both perspectives and root for both, creating an interesting narrative that has made Invincible's third season a blast to watch.

Invincible Season 3 Poster

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Invincible
Release Date
March 26, 2021
Network
Amazon Prime Video
Showrunner
Robert Kirkman, Simon Racioppa

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Writers
Robert Kirkman
Franchise(s)
Invincible
Creator(s)
Robert Kirkman, Simon Racioppa