The End of an Era: Conquest's Final Stand in "Invincible"
It seems the dust has finally settled on one of "Invincible's" most brutal rivalries. The latest episode, "You Look Horrible," delivered a definitive conclusion to the saga of Conquest, a Viltrumite whose sheer ferocity and unwavering commitment to his species' brutal agenda made him a terrifying antagonist. Personally, I found the way his arc was resolved to be both fitting and, in a way, deeply tragic.
The confrontation between Mark Grayson, our titular Invincible, and Conquest was, to put it mildly, a bloodbath. This wasn't just a fight; it was a desperate struggle for survival that pushed Mark to his absolute breaking point. The imagery of Mark strangling Conquest while simultaneously being impaled by his opponent's punches is visceral and haunting. What makes this particularly fascinating is the subtle nod to Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Steven Yeun's past roles on "The Walking Dead," a meta-commentary that adds another layer of grim satisfaction for long-time fans. It’s a stark reminder of the brutal nature of the "Invincible" universe, where even a hero’s victory often comes at a terrible cost.
A Grave and a Question Mark
Following the brutal fight, the episode dedicates a significant portion to Nolan and Oliver tending to a recovering Mark. Nolan's act of creating a grave for Conquest, stating that even he deserves such a finality, struck me as a profound moment. It speaks volumes about Nolan's own complex journey and his growing understanding of mortality, even for beings as seemingly immortal as Viltrumites. This gesture, however, was immediately followed by a post-credits scene that played on our audience's ingrained suspicion that such a formidable foe might have survived. But as the scene unfolds, it becomes clear: Conquest is truly gone. In my opinion, this was a masterful piece of misdirection, designed to subvert expectations and underscore the finality of his defeat.
The Ghost of Conquest's Past
What many people don't realize is how much the showrunners have subtly layered Conquest's character beyond just pure villainy. In the season 3 finale, a moment of unexpected vulnerability emerged as Conquest confessed his profound loneliness and the fear he inspired even among his own kind. He saw himself as a victim of his own success, a tool of the Viltrumite empire, devoid of even a personal name. This confession, I believe, was crucial. While it might seem like a prelude to a redemption arc, the show's decision to adhere to the comics and kill him off suggests a different interpretation. From my perspective, it highlights that even the most monstrous individuals within the Viltrumite hierarchy are products of their oppressive culture, yearning for something more, even if they never achieve it.
Beyond the Battlefield: The Viltrumite Question
This brings me to a deeper point: the nature of Viltrumite "deprogramming." Nolan's own transformation, from a ruthless conqueror to a remorseful exile, serves as the prime example. The comics suggest that with exposure to other cultures and the formation of personal bonds, Viltrumites can indeed change. Conquest, tragically, doesn't live to see this potential future. However, his season 3 monologue, revealing his inner turmoil, plants the seed that this capacity for change isn't exclusive to Nolan. It implies that perhaps, under different circumstances, even Conquest might have found a path away from his destructive destiny. This raises a deeper question about free will versus destiny within the context of a rigidly hierarchical society.
Echoes in the Universe
While Conquest's journey in the animated series has concluded, his presence isn't entirely erased. The "Invincible" comic artist, Ryan Ottley, hinted at Conquest's potential reappearance in the prequel comic, "Invincible Universe: Battle Beast." This is a brilliant move, allowing the character to continue influencing the narrative without diminishing the impact of his death in the main timeline. It’s a testament to the richness of the "Invincible" universe that even characters who meet a definitive end can continue to exist and evolve in spin-off stories. It shows that the creative team understands the value of their characters and isn't afraid to explore their pasts to enrich the present.
Ultimately, the death of Conquest marks a significant turning point. It solidifies Mark's growth as a hero and underscores the brutal realities of the Viltrumite threat. Yet, his final moments, tinged with a hint of his own suffering, leave us with a lingering thought: what might have been? It’s a somber reflection on the cyclical nature of violence and the devastating impact of a culture built on conquest.
