Sunday Service

Good guys finish last

This week, two animated shows tackled the good guy trope differently. While one’s ego prevented what was best for the greater good, another found his path of good intentions detouring to unknown territory.

Prime Video’s Invincible returned for its third season Thursday releasing three episodes in the dead of night. After season two placed Mark to the point of no return after murdering an enemy, he battles everything to rise above that admonished, but logical choice. So, as desperate times call for desperate measures — for the greater good — Invincible’s high horse and Cecil’s methods clash, for some incredible scenes.

The three-episode arc questions if people are redeemable and if so, who decides who’s worthy. Mark killed a man in defense of his family; should he be placed in jail? Does the result justify the means? Will Mark ever forgive his father? We saw him perpetually fight to change Nolan’s mind in season one. And in season two, his heart still held a special place for him. Cecil’s rehabilitation of villains as a way of restitution sounds more productive than locking them in solitary confinement (we saw how that worked out with Dr. Seismic). And let’s not forget why some people commit crimes, as illustrated so beautifully in the first 15 minutes of episode three. Criminality doesn’t appear in a vacuum; it’s reciprocal in this capitalistic system. All I’m saying is while Mark had a point, Cecil was right.

In the same vein, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man is pivoting to turn a shining knight into a crippled villain of circumstance. Eugene Byrd’s terrific performance as Lonnie Lincoln is a highlight in the series. He’s turned every stereotype of the star athlete in Spider-Man’s world on its head. He’s smart and cares about others, to a terrible fault. He cares so much that he puts his life on the line to save a loved one. This choice will ultimately find Lonnie taking on the moniker of Tombstone, one of Spidey’s many nemesis in the comics.

This type of good, too good for this world, leaves our champ vulnerable. This noble purity doesn’t fit in a world of gray. And Mark’s square peg of good and evil won’t fit the circle of truth Cecil is trying to explain. You’re either the good guy or the guy who saves the world. With great power…you know the rest.

Speaking of sacrifices…

Both Mark and Lonnie could take a lesson from Irving B. The emotionally high-strung company man turned rebel stood on business in Severance’s fourth episode, “Woe’s Hollow.” A trippy entry that found our innies “outside,” proving the vast power Lumon has on their realities, saw the growing division amongst the four come to a head. The theories were right. And while it wasn’t a surprise, the reveal was worth it.

John Turturro’s performance was chilling. Everyone is good and has their moments, and episode four was his as the embattled innie, who suffered a great loss experiencing the outside world last season, refueled those feelings of loneliness to protect and defend the family he had.

Besides the powerful last 15 minutes, this episode reached a new level of creepiness. The myth of Keir has always tinged with cult sensibilities, but it’s become more horrific with every page turn. The corpse bride. A familial murder. That thing in the water. An attempted murder. The best show on TV is firing on all cylinders.

Coming Attractions

• 2/14 Showtime’s Yellowjackets returns for its third season. After what felt like a rushed sophomore effort, I hope things are back on track for the junior season.

• 2/14 Sam Wilson reboots the MCU’s theatrical cycle with Captain America: Brave New World. Here’s hoping they stick the landing for what’s to come this July.

• Yes, I know it’s a few months away, but goddamn this trailer was sooo good. Pedro is the real Thanos, collecting franchise like Pokemon. TLOU and Mandalorian are still yet to come.