Invincible Had Its Best Fight, And Not A Single Punch Was Thrown

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Invincible season 4, episode 5.

Invincible just had its best fight, and nary a physical blow was landed. Invincible season 4, episode 5 was a huge turning point for the series, with Mark going off to finally take the fight to the Viltrumites. The most powerful members of Invincible‘s Coalition of Planets came together, from the titular hero and his brother Oliver to Omni-Man, Allen, and a new character, Tech Jacket.

These important players in Invincible‘s cast of characters were the focus of season 4, episode 5, as Omni-Man and Allen returned to Earth to recruit the others in the fight against Viltrum. Although this led to a huge clash in the latter half of the episode, featuring the returning Conquest and other Viltrumites intent on ending the Coalition’s plans early, the most intriguing fight in Invincible came before that.

After speaking with Mark, Omni-Man spoke to his former wife, Debbie, for the first time since the ending of Invincible season 1.

Omni-Man’s Confrontation With Debbie Is Invincible’s Most Emotional & Suspenseful Fight Yet

The reunion between Omni-Man and Debbie has been teased since Invincible season 2, with a great deal of build-up. Debbie was arguably more affected than anyone else by Omni-Man’s betrayal, at least emotionally. With Omni-Man’s greater sense of repentance and Debbie finally moving on, their meeting in Invincible season 4, episode 5 became the most anticipated in the show.

Due to this build-up, the actual confrontation was incredibly suspenseful. Like Nolan, audiences were not overly certain of how Debbie would react to his apology. This made the suspense, especially in the first few moments when Debbie opens the door and refuses to look at Nolan, palpable.

Then, the emotion hits. Nolan apologizes, and Debbie lashes out in anger, as is expected. The voice acting in this scene was stellar, from J.K. Simmons but particularly from Sandra Oh. Oh perfectly embodied the anger, trauma, and betrayal that Debbie felt in that moment, making the scene one of the most dramatic, from an emotional standpoint, in Invincible‘s entire run.

Omni-Man Vs. Debbie: Who Wins?

With this fight being such a major part of Invincible season 4, episode 5’s first half, the question of who wins is an important one. Based on the balance of things, Debbie came out of the argument on top. Debbie’s immense anger at Nolan is justified, with almost everyone agreeing that she has every right to be furious with him.

Therefore, many hoped that Debbie would not outright forgive Nolan just because he says he has changed. As Mark keeps pointing out to his father, it will take a lot more time and effort on Nolan’s part to actually prove to his family that he is different now. As a result, Debbie angrily kicking Nolan out of the house and refusing to accept his apology was warranted, “winning” her the fight.

It can be argued, though, that Debbie has “lost the war,” to use that idiom. After all, Debbie’s life was completely ruined by Omni-Man. Yes, so too was Mark’s life, not to mention the countless people who either died or lost loved ones during Omni-Man’s attack. Emotionally, though, Nolan’s use of Debbie, dubbing her a “pet,” and fleeing Earth without saying a word to her impacted her like no other.

While she began to rebuild her life, her emotions during the argument proved how much it still deeply affected her. Sadly, despite Debbie doing the right thing in rebuking Nolan, the latter’s impact on her life will likely never cease.

Is There Any Hope For Omni-Man & Debbie Getting Back Together?

Image via Prime Video

After Invincible season 4, episode 5’s big fight, the question now becomes whether there is any hope of Nolan and Debbie reconciling and rebuilding their relationship. If Omni-Man had his way, this would be the desired outcome, but Debbie reacted differently to how he assumed she would. As such, Nolan is probably asking himself this very question.

Based on how the Invincible show has changed Debbie’s comic story for the better, it is hard to imagine her taking Nolan back. In the comics, though, this does eventually happen. After Nolan returns from the Viltrumite War, having fought on the side of the Coalition of Planets, Debbie tries to forgive him.

Eventually, she succeeds, and they rekindle their relationship. Whether this happens in the Prime Video adaptation remains to be seen, but it is admittedly unlikely. Invincible seasons 2 and 3 placed a much bigger focus on Debbie after Omni-Man’s betrayal than the comics ever did, showing her going to therapy, meeting Paul, and finding new happiness.

Related

Omni-Man’s Confrontation With Debbie In Invincible Season 4 Teased By Sandra Oh

Exclusive: Sandra Oh discusses a possible, long-awaited confrontation between Debbie and Omni-Man, suggesting it’s not only inevitable but essential.

All of this would seem pointless were Debbie to immediately take Nolan back after the Viltrumite War, cheapening how strong her character arc has been. Moreover, Paul was not even a character in the Invincible comics. It is unlikely he would be created for the show to give Debbie a new chance at a peaceful life, just to supersede him once Nolan returns.

Therefore, I’d argue the show will change the Invincible comics. The narrative that Prime Video’s Invincible has crafted simply means it would be illogical for Debbie and Nolan to get back together. At most, Debbie could forgive Nolan and agree to be his friend while living her life happily with Paul.

Omni-Man Vs. Debbie Proves Invincible Is More Than A Superhero Action Series

Although several scenes have proven as much before, Debbie and Nolan’s argument epitomizes how Invincible is more than just a typical superhero action show. Omni-Man and Mark’s confrontation in season 1 proved this, as have the other emotional moments in the show. However, none have felt as humanly realistic as Debbie and Nolan’s confrontation.

Despite Debbie pointing out that Nolan isn’t a human, merely a bad photocopy of one, in the scene, the human emotion on display is excellent. Nolan feels genuinely remorseful, and Debbie comes across as rightfully scorned. The scene was so emotional and tension-fueled that it was somewhat difficult to watch, in the best way.

This all proves that Invincible has a lot more going for it than superhero grudge matches with extra gore. The story has a lot to say about interpersonal relationships, and the characters at the core of this translate that beautifully.

Release Date

March 26, 2021

Network

Amazon Prime Video

•