Invincible Season 2 intensifies the challenges faced by Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun), his companions, and his family, thrusting them into a variety of trials. From the looming threat of an alien invasion to the simple pursuit of a leisurely date, nothing unfolds smoothly for our protagonists. This hallmark feature distinguishes the show within the realm of superhero narratives, mirroring the essence that captivated audiences in the original comics penned by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. However, as with any adaptation, Invincible diverges from its source material, with some of the most notable alterations centering around Debbie Grayson (Sandra Oh).
Throughout the series, Debbie endures significant turmoil, particularly following the revelation of her husband Nolan’s (J.K. Simmons) allegiance to the Viltrumite Empire, which profoundly shakes her foundation. Not to mention, Nolan’s brutal assault on Mark, nearly claiming his life, and his degrading reference to Debbie as a “pet.” Season 2 of Invincible diverges significantly from the comics in its portrayal of Debbie’s response to Nolan’s deceit, granting her agency and sidestepping a controversial plot point.
Following Issue #13, Invincible began to carve out its identity as a blend of superhero saga and coming-of-age narrative. While Mark grappled with the dual responsibilities of college life and his superhero duties, Debbie found herself struggling to cope with her inner turmoil. Resorting to alcohol as a coping mechanism, she tearfully confronts Mark one day, lamenting, “Why did you have to drive him away, Mark?” Yet, Debbie’s anguish appears somewhat misplaced, as Mark didn’t actively push Nolan away; Nolan chose to depart after Mark expressed his desire to maintain their relationship. Compounding matters, Mark’s eventual visit to his mother, prompted by superhero tailor Art Rosenbaum, doesn’t cast him in the most favorable light in the comics.
Season 2 of Invincible rectifies this by empowering Debbie to seize control of her life. Immersing herself back into her real estate career, she even entertains the idea of a date with a coworker. Notably, she refrains from blaming Mark, reserving her well-founded anger for Nolan. Debbie endeavors to join a support group for partners and family of superheroes, but her attempt takes a sour turn upon discovering a member’s connection to the deceased Green Ghost, a casualty of Omni-Man’s brutality. However, the recent episode, “It’s Not That Simple,” aptly illustrates the positive evolution of Debbie’s character.
When Mark introduces his half-brother Oliver, Debbie takes on the responsibility of caring for him, despite Cecil Stedman’s suspicions. Rejecting numerous caregivers out of fear they may report to Cecil and the Global Defense Agency, she eventually hires April Howsam after a candid conversation. This alteration proves beneficial, as it demonstrates Debbie’s swift acceptance of Oliver, contrasting with her gradual adjustment in the comics. Invincible continues to demonstrate its ability to enhance various facets of the original comic, with ample opportunities for Debbie’s ongoing character development in the forthcoming third season.
You can catch Invincible on Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes releasing on Thursdays.
