Invincible Season 3 Episode 8 Review: I Thought You’d Never Shut Up

Invincible Season 3 Episode 8, “I Thought You’d Never Shut Up,” is a jaw-dropping, pulse-pounding finale that sets the stage for what’s to come. Just when you think this series can’t possibly top itself regarding its battle sequences, “I Thought You’d Never Shut Up” barrels into view to prove you wrong. It effectively kicks the narrative into high gear, building on what’s established on last week’s episode. 

Invincible versus Conquest 

Animation is a brilliant medium. The possibilities are truly endless. As is evidenced by the Season 3 finale, you can crank the gore and ultraviolence up to an 11 without relying on makeup and special effects. Our titular superhero fights Conquest, the second most powerful Viltrumite (behind Thragg), and doesn’t walk away unscathed. 

It’s brutal and visceral, which is tough to strike with animation. However, there’s something tangibly painful about watching Conquest beat the snot out of Mark Grayson. That said, the show mines the depths of its creativity to showcase new ways of combat, particularly in the punching department. 

“I Thought You’d Never Shut Up” is not for the squeamish. Everything from the sight of gushing blood to the sound of bones crunching is employed for an immersive viewing experience. Conquest pushes Invincible to his limits, especially when Oliver and Atom Eve get involved. 

It’s enough for Mark to change his perspective on how he treats villains. His moral struggles with killing are seemingly out the window now, as he declares to Oliver that anyone who messes with his family will meet their end. It’s a defining moment for Mark and a wonderful button on a well-executed, fleshed-out narrative throughline. 

Atom Eve Is the Ace Up Mark’s Sleeve

Perhaps the most surprising element of “I Thought You’d Never Shut Up” is Eve’s powers. She finds creative ways to implement them in her battle with Conquest, from changing the air density to thwacking him with a plexiglass-like mallet. Her death is shocking, but her revival is a triumph. If anything, though, it proves how powerful she really is. Eve gets a moment to shine, which is wonderful. 

Gillian Jacobs gives her best vocal performance in the Season 3 finale. You can hear the multitude of colors and timbres in her voice. She’s quite versatile. You can also feel Eve’s rage before she flies out of the hospital to help Mark, thanks to Jacobs’ work. She also boasts great chemistry with Steven Yeun, and that’s challenging to capture with just voices. 

I Am So Lonely 

Jeffrey Dean Morgan knocks it out of the park as Conquest. He infuses the imposing, formidable Viltrumite with malice and venom. Sure, Conquest beats Invincible to a pulp, but he’s at his most terrifying when he’s whispering in Mark’s ear. The “I am so lonely” monologue sends chills down the spine, and Morgan delivers an understated performance here. 

The Mark/Conquest storyline moves at a breakneck pace and doesn’t lose momentum at any point. When we get a moment to breathe, the seasonal narrative seamlessly introduces new plot threads for Season 4. Angstrom and the Technicians. The return of the Sequids. Battle Beast is alive. Cecil keeps Conquest to interrogate instead of burning him per Mark’s demand. Oh, and Darkblood is back. 

That’s not even including the overarching plot of the inevitable clash with the Viltrum Empire and Omni-Man’s return, which will undoubtedly shake Mark to his core. After all, he thinks his father is dead. 

“I Thought You’d Never Shut Up” is a damn fine example of what a comic book adaptation can be. It’s a nonstop thrill ride, complete with impactful vocal performances, evocative storytelling, blood, blood, and more blood. 

As for Season 4, bring it on. It’ll be interesting to see how Invincible tops this episode.

Stray Observations: 

• That moment when you punch someone so hard the surrounding buildings explode … we’ve all been there, right? 
• I, too, enjoy turning the blood bubbles I blow in space into hearts. Mark was just taken aback by how cute this Conquest move was. 
• The poor citizens of the DC metro area are probably tired of seeing aliens hurtling from the sky to attack Mark and wreak so much destruction. The budget for scaffolding alone must be through the roof. 
• Conquest trying to slowly break Oliver in half, complete with the sounds, made me squirm. Ick. 
• Rae crying alone at Rex’s funeral broke me. Ugh. Also, I hate how final his death feels. 
• All the bodies breaking as Conquest sends Mark flying through them will undoubtedly give the latter something to feel remorseful about later. 

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Invincible Seasons 1 through 3 are now streaming on Prime Video. 

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