Warning: There are spoilers ahead for Invincible season 3, episode 8, “I Thought You’d Never Shut Up.”
Invinciblecreator Robert Kirkman breaks down how the battle between Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun) and Conquest (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) in the season 3 finale is a rematch fromThe Walking Dead.Yeun played Glenn and Morgan played Negan in the AMC series, which sees Negan brutally killing Glenn. Meanwhile, theInvincibleseason 3 endinghas Mark and Conquest in a harrowing and even bloodier fight that ultimately ends with Mark defeating the formidable Viltrumite.
While speaking withVariety, Kirkman clarifies that while Mark defeating Conquest is"a nice bit of justice"for Glenn,The Walking Deadrematch is not the main reason Morgan was cast to voice Conquest. Kirkman knew that Morgan was the perfect actor to play Conquest, especially after seeing him make his debut inThe Boys. Instead of being distracting or even ruining the fight between Mark and Conquest, the aspect of a Glenn vs. Negan rematch only"enhances things and puts an extra level of stakes on it.“Check out the rest of Kirkman’s comments below:
I’m always trying to find roles for the actors that I know and love and want to work with again. I’m always trying to find something for Jeffrey. When he started showing up on “The Boys,” I couldn’t let Eric Kripke have all the fun. At some point, it became, “When we get to Conquest, Jeffrey Dean Morgan would be perfect for that.” I didn’t hesitate just because there is the meta of it all like, “Oh, it’s the rematch between Glenn and Negan, and now Glenn gets to win.” Something about it seemed fun and interesting. You worry about those kind of things taking people out of the show, but once you’re in it and you’re paying attention, it’s not necessarily something that occurs to you. I don’t think it ruins the episode or anything, but I think it enhances things and puts an extra level of stakes on it. For anybody who’s a longtime “Walking Dead” fan, it’s a nice bit of justice.
What This Means For Invincible
Morgan joining thecast ofInvincibleprimarily works because of his ability to make Conquest an intimidating and powerful character who has considerable presence.The Walking Deadreunion adds another fun and satisfying layer to Morgan’s casting, as does the outcome of the battle between Mark and Conquest, but it is not the main appeal. Morgan’s voice performance makes it easy to understand how much Conquest revels in killing innocent civilians, causing widespread destruction, and pushing Mark to his breaking point.
Invincible Season 3 Finale Review: I Can’t Believe How Good Conquest Is As Invincible’s Latest Villain & It Makes Me Excited For Season 4
Invincible season 3’s finale promised a clash between Mark and the Viltrumite, Conquest, with the ensuing showdown not disappointing by any stretch.
The tension is palpable and the stakes feel real, especially when Oliver Grayson (Christian Convery) and Atom Eve (Gillian Jacobs) join the fight, and it seems like one or both of them may die as well. All the tension and high stakes ensure thatthe story’s focus stays onInvincibleand is not overshadowed byThe Walking Deadrematch. Morgan excels at playing one ofInvincible’s most terrifying villains yet, but he also brings surprising depth to him when the Viltrumite admits to Mark about being lonely. Just as he did with Negan, Morgan can bring nuance to ruthless antagonists.
Conquest Works Well In Season 3 And Is Part Of The Show’s Promising Future
Image via Prime Video
As much as I like the idea of there being justice for Glenn’s death, I am more satisfied by the events in the season 3 finale, and how they set upInvincibleseason 4. I am relieved that neither Atom Eve nor Oliver died and that Mark and Atom Eve worked together to stop Conquest. Given how perfectly Morgan plays Conquest, it is also promising to know that, despite his defeat, he is not dead, and it is only a matter of time before he returns, and adds further tension toInvincible.
