The Death of Conquest: A Symbolic End or a Missed Opportunity?
When I first watched the latest episode of Invincible, titled You Look Horrible, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of satisfaction and unease. Mark Grayson finally defeated Conquest, a villain whose brutality had become almost emblematic of the show’s darker themes. But as the dust settled—literally, on Conquest’s grave—I found myself questioning: was this the right move?
The Brutality of Closure
One thing that immediately stands out is the sheer brutality of Conquest’s demise. Mark doesn’t just defeat him; he strangles him while his own stomach is punched open. It’s visceral, raw, and undeniably satisfying—especially for fans who’ve been waiting for Mark to assert himself. But what makes this particularly fascinating is the meta-layer of Steven Yeun and Jeffrey Dean Morgan reprising their Walking Dead dynamic, with Glenn’s revenge on Negan playing out in a completely different universe. It’s a clever nod to their history, but it also raises a deeper question: does this kind of closure truly satisfy, or does it leave us wanting more?
Conquest’s Monologue: A Missed Redemption Arc?
In my opinion, the most intriguing aspect of Conquest’s character was his season 3 monologue. Here was a villain, a Viltrumite programmed for conquest, admitting to his own misery and loneliness. “I am a victim of my own success,” he confessed. What many people don’t realize is that this moment humanized him in a way that felt almost tragic. Personally, I think this could have set the stage for a redemption arc—a Viltrumite learning to break free from their conditioning, much like Nolan. But the show chose a different path, sticking closely to the comics where Conquest meets his end.
From my perspective, this feels like a missed opportunity. While Nolan’s journey has shown that Viltrumites can change, Conquest’s death closes the door on exploring that transformation in a character who seemed ripe for it. If you take a step back and think about it, his monologue wasn’t just a plot device; it was a critique of the Viltrumite culture itself. By killing him off, the show loses a chance to delve deeper into that critique.
The Stinger: A Reverse Jump Scare
The post-credits scene at Conquest’s grave is a masterclass in audience manipulation. We’re conditioned to expect a twist—a hand bursting from the soil, a faint heartbeat—but nothing happens. It’s a reverse jump scare, playing on our suspicions and then subverting them. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this mirrors the show’s broader theme of subverting superhero tropes. Invincible has never been afraid to get dark, but this moment feels almost playful, as if the writers are reminding us: not every death needs a resurrection.
What This Really Suggests About *Invincible*
What this really suggests is that Invincible is committed to its narrative choices, even when they’re unpopular. The show isn’t afraid to kill off characters, even ones with untapped potential. But it also raises questions about the future of the Viltrumite storyline. With Conquest gone, who will challenge Mark next? And will the show continue to explore the moral complexities of its villains, or will it revert to more straightforward hero-vs-villain dynamics?
Looking Ahead: The Prequel Comic and Beyond
If you’re like me and still crave more of Conquest, there’s good news: he’ll be appearing in the Invincible Universe: Battle Beast prequel comic. This feels like a consolation prize, a way to keep the character alive in some form. But it also highlights a broader trend in modern storytelling: characters may die in one medium, but they rarely stay dead forever.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Conquest’s death, I’m left with a mix of emotions. On one hand, it’s a fitting end to a character who embodied the worst of the Viltrumite ethos. On the other, it feels like a missed opportunity to explore redemption and change. Personally, I think Invincible could have taken a bolder path, but I also respect its commitment to the source material.
What this really suggests is that storytelling is always a balance between satisfying audiences and staying true to the narrative. Conquest’s death may not be the ending I wanted, but it’s the one we got—and it’s left me thinking about the show in ways I hadn’t before. And isn’t that what great storytelling is all about?
