Invasion Season 2 Episode 1 Review: Returns with More Humanity and Tries To Correct The Missteps
Stars: Golshifteh Farahani, Shamier Anderson, Shioli Kutsuna
Director: Alik Sakharov
Streaming Platform: Apple TV+
Filmyhype.com Ratings: 3/5 (three stars) [yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Invasion Season 2 Episode 1, titled “Something’s Changed”, picks up where the first season left off, with the world in chaos as an alien invasion unfolds. The episode follows several different characters as they try to survive and make sense of what is happening. The episode wastes no time in reestablishing the stakes of the alien invasion. The atmosphere is tense, and the world is in disarray as humanity grapples with the aftermath of the extraterrestrial arrival. This season opener balances intimate character moments with the broader global impact, showcasing the human experience on both macro and micro levels. It feels strange to find yourself writing the review of the first episode of Invasion Season 2, the Apple TV+ human science fiction series, a few weeks after saying goodbye to Secret Invasion on Disney+.
If the Marvel series has tried to transpose the respective comic run to tell us what would happen if the Skrulls were among us, the return of the serial born from the mind of Simon Kimberg (who had had dealings with Marvel through the X-Men and Deadpool and with aliens through The Martian) and David Weil (Hunters and Citadel on Prime Video) wants to try to tell the consequences of an invasion by an unknown and mysterious species throughout the globe. A broader point of view and not geolocated to the United States, as often happens in this type of production, but at the same time during the inaugural cycle, after a compelling and original premise, ended up getting lost in its too many storylines and characters, not having a clear development and evolution to give to each of them. Will she succeed in the first episode of the second season? Let’s find out together in our review.
Invasion Season 2 Episode 1 Review: The Story Plot
It’s now been four months since the events of the Invasion Season 1 finale and the alien invaders are officially among us. The storylines of each of the protagonists are resumed, advanced from where we left them, but they all seem to share a theme: incommunicability. We have Aneesha (Golshifteh Farahani) on the run with her children Luke and Sarah after the death of her faithless husband, she encounters many obstacles on their way, constantly on the move, for which the eldest son feels ever greater suffering and hatred towards his mother. Mitsuki Yamato (Shioli Kutsuna) from an aspiring monk who has become a sort of urban vigilante who wants to stop the invaders at all costs – a pretext for some action scenes, not particularly relevant – but at the same time she is the only one who has managed to get in touch with them in space. The young woman therefore represents both sides of the coin in this incredible and still too full of questions alien invasion of the title.
The episode opens with Mitsuki Yamato (Shioli Kutsuna), a Japanese scientist who was the first to make contact with the aliens. She is now being held in a government facility, where she is being subjected to psychological tests to determine if she is fit to help them communicate with the aliens again. Meanwhile, Aneesha Malik (Golshifteh Farahani) and her children are on the run from the aliens. They are traveling through British Columbia, trying to find a safe place to hide. Aneesha is struggling to keep her family together as they are constantly under threat. Elsewhere, Casper Morrow (Billy Barratt) is still in the hospital, recovering from his injuries. He is visited by his father, Trev (Sam Neill), who is trying to come to terms with what has happened. The episode ends with a major cliffhanger, as the aliens launch a coordinated attack on several cities around the world.
Invasion Season 2 Episode 1 Review and Analysis
Apple TV+ continues to focus on the sci-fi genre but if the Foundation’s science fiction was based on literature and “Purer”, with Invasion we are faced with something much more human and “earthly”, paradoxically, and with an original imprint, though inevitably influenced by everything that has come before her in the genre and the careers of the two creators. One of the key themes of the series and in particular of this second season, at least from the first episode seen in the preview, seems to be the fight for the survival of humanity in a forced coexistence that seems far from feasible. At the same time, however, perhaps we shouldn’t fear those who come from outside, but our fellow humans who at the first opportunity show a little propensity for empathy and collaboration (as happened in reality during the pandemic).
On the one hand, due to climate change, we do nothing but say in reality that we have only this planet left, remaining naturally fascinated by outer space but have failed to find another habitable one for our species. On the other hand, in the narrative fiction, the invaders seem anything but peaceful but if it were just a problem of incommunicability (the second central theme of the show and the new episodes)? Just like the one between mother and son for the Maliks and just like Yamato’s with the rest of the world. Or poor Caspar Morrow (Billy Barratt) in a coma but incredibly connected with an unknown species. Just like young Luke. Invasion continues its setting spread across the world, also using different languages spoken by the characters, just like in Lost (one of the first, if not the first series to use this device).
In doing so, he also presents some new entries that already appear interesting: the former Dollhouse Enver Gjokaj who here plays an affable but mysterious man at the head of the “Movement” who will cross his path with that of the Maliks, and Naian González Norvind as a behavioral scientist who will have the task of studying Yamato. Or the former Orange is the New Black Nedra Marie Taylor who already participates in the Foundation on the Apple platform in a mysterious role. Despite some not exceptionally adventurous action scenes, a representation of the aliens with not too much invective, and some somewhat pimping musical choices, we want to give confidence and a second chance to the story of Invasion Season 2. Just as you would give it to invaders who, perhaps, didn’t necessarily come to war.
Visually, “Invasion” maintains its high production standards. The alien technology and designs remain captivatingly enigmatic, leaving viewers intrigued by their origins and intentions. The show’s visual effects shine in both the quieter, character-driven moments and the heart-pounding action sequences. The cinematography and direction work seamlessly to immerse the audience in the ever-evolving narrative. The writing in this episode skillfully tackles themes of survival, resilience, and the complexity of human relationships under extreme circumstances. The characters’ moral dilemmas and choices are compelling, adding depth to the storyline and provoking thought-provoking discussions.
One of the standout elements of “Invasion” is its ability to weave an evocative musical score into the fabric of the storytelling. The score enhances the emotional beats and amplifies the tension, creating a captivating auditory experience that complements the visuals. While the premiere sets the stage for the rest of the season, it also leaves us with tantalizing questions. The mystery surrounding the aliens’ motives and the potential alliances that could form keep audiences eager for more. The episode manages to both satisfy existing fans and entice newcomers with its skillful blend of suspense and intrigue. “Invasion” Season 2 Episode 1 is a stellar return, reminding us why this series has garnered such a dedicated following. With its rich character development, captivating visuals, and expert storytelling, it continues to be a standout entry in the science fiction genre. As the season unfolds, one can only anticipate more twists, revelations, and edge-of-your-seat moments that make “Invasion” a must-watch on Apple TV+.
Invasion Season 2 Episode 1 Review: The Last Words
Overall, “Something’s Changed” is a promising start to Invasion Season 2. The episode is well-made and suspenseful, and it does a good job of setting the stage for what is to come. I am excited to see what the rest of the season has in store. At the end of the review of the first episode of Invasion Season 2, we can say that we feel optimistic, even if cautious, towards the new episodes after the tumble of the second half of the first season. The new entries seem interesting, the themes even if already seen in the genre could be explored in a captivating way and the story seems to be a little more closed and less dispersive, despite the lack of narrative tension and original action.
Invasion Season 2 Episode 1 Review: Returns with More Humanity and Tries To Correct The Missteps - Filmyhype
Director: Alik Sakharov
Date Created: 2023-08-23 19:16
3
Pros
- The episode was well-paced and suspenseful.
- The characters were well-developed.
- The episode did a good job of setting the stage for what is to come.
- It seems that the authors want to aim to limit the narrative pool.
- The new characters seem to bring something new to the story.
- The humanity of the story and the issues addressed of incommunicability and survival.
Cons
- The episode was a bit slow in the beginning.
- The episode didn't reveal much about the aliens.
- The depiction of the aliens leaves a bit to be desired.
- The real suspense is missing because this insistence on the emotional side is just around the corner.
- "Space Oddity" on the soundtrack is really a pimp choice.
