“Invincible” has consistently offered a fresh and unique perspective on superheroes, a quality that has resonated with Prime Video viewers. While the first season explored the fundamental concept of heroism, the second season challenged Mark (Steven Yeun) and others to confront his potential to inherit his father’s nature. “Invincible” season 3, however, delves into the complex realm of superhero morality, posing critical questions about ethics and the responsibilities inherent in wielding power.

Invincible’s Season 3 Moral Dilemas

In the first episode, “You’re Not Laughing Now,” Doc Seismic (Chris Diamantopoulos) devises a plan to capture all the superheroes, except for Atom Eve (Gillian Jacobs) and Invincible. Doc also unleashes terrifying underground monsters. Cecil (Walton Goggins) dispatches Darkwing (Cleveland Berto) and his eerie zombie robots to rescue the captured heroes. While the other heroes are willing to trust Cecil’s judgment, Invincible immediately confronts him about using a murderer as an agent.

The second episode, “A Deal With The Devil,” delves into Cecil’s backstory, revealing how he acquired his scars, his experiences as a field agent, and his reactions to morally ambiguous choices. His moral journey closely parallels Mark’s, showcasing two distinct perspectives on the same ethical dilemma, despite their vastly different circumstances.

In episode three, “You Want A Real Costume, Right?” the Maulers (Kevin Michael Richardson) return, expressing their indignation at the diminished Guardians’ ability to thwart their plans. When the Guardians prove insufficient, Invincible intervenes. Oliver (Christian Convery) follows, experiencing his first real battle as Mark deflects a missile. Oliver, displaying a concerning resemblance to Omni-Man, kills the Maulers and chillingly asks Mark, “Did you ever think that maybe Dad was right?” This moment further escalates the season’s moral stakes.

The Gray Areas of Heroism

“In episode 4, ‘You Were My Hero,’ Mark encounters the children he stopped from stealing the Declaration of Independence. They transport him to a future where Immortal (Ross Marquand) rules Earth with violence and oppression. Immortal blames Mark for abandoning him.

This episode presents another stark moral dilemma. Left to protect Earth in Invincible’s absence, Immortal wages war, establishes work camps, and murders civilians. His ultimate goal is to bring Mark back so he can be killed, believing Mark is the only one capable.

Mark struggles with the act of killing. Despite his immense power, he strives to restrain his strength. He ultimately kills this future version of Immortal, leaving him to grapple with profound moral questions. Immediately after Immortal’s death, Mark questions whether any reason justifies killing and whether the accumulation of bad actions can ever negate the good someone has accomplished.”

This brings us to “I Thought This Would Be Easy,” episode 5, which further explores Paul (Simu Liu) and Kate’s relationship. They find themselves on opposing sides of a fundamental moral dilemma: Paul aligns with The Order, this world’s league of supervillains, while Kate is a Guardian.

Another major ethical dilemma in this episode involves Titan (Mahershala Ali) and Invincible. Titan, despite being a villain, has significantly improved the city and is determined to maintain that progress. However, to do so, he requires Invincible’s assistance in breaking Multi-Paul out of prison—a task that the principled Mark strongly opposes. This situation raises the question: do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few?

Ethical Dilemas Expolored

In episode 6, “All I Can Say Is I’m Sorry,” we are confronted with the ethical implications of superhero battles. Superheroes are not held to the same standards or laws as civilians, and their conflicts often result in significant collateral damage. Those left behind after such events must grapple with the disparity in treatment, often leading to unresolved anger and grief. This is exemplified by Powerplex (Aaron Paul), who, consumed by his pain, ultimately becomes the very thing he despises, tragically causing the deaths of his wife and child.

While “Invincible” typically features straightforward villains, season 3 shifts its focus. Although Mark faces conventional adversaries, the true antagonist emerges as the moral and ethical dilemmas inherent in superhero existence. Mark’s past decisions and his own ethical struggles directly contribute to the creation of the season’s antagonists.

“Invincible” season 3 delves into philosophical territory rarely explored in superhero media. It examines profound themes of ethics, morality, and the inherent responsibilities of superpowered beings. Last season, we witnessed Mark’s struggle with his father’s actions. This season, we see Oliver contend with similar issues. However, Oliver’s youthful innocence allows him to maintain a perspective of love and compassion towards his father.