Warning: Spoilers for Secret Invasion to follow.
As much as we all daydream about being superheroes from time to time, we can probably all agree that being a major character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the worst in-universe gigs you could possibly have. Indeed, if you’re not getting your bones and organs shattered by dangerous enemies, then you’re probably watching your loved ones perish knowing you probably could have done more to save them.
And while quite a few of Earth-199999’s champions could be standouts in the trauma department, Nick Fury gets an extra-special mention today, given that all his baggage seems to have caught up with him in the form of one, big, traumatic capstone.
Through the pressure of assembling and directing the Avengers, through what was no doubt a difficult time in the United States Army, through making and breaking a promise to the Skrulls, through dealing with the fallout of the Blip by not dealing with the fallout of the Blip, and countless other obstacles, never have we seen Fury cut so visibly deep than the closing minutes of Secret Invasion episode four.
For those of you still wondering what caused Fury to show such colors, the above shot was the result of him watching Talos, his best friend, and last remaining steadfast confidant, get fatally stabbed in the chest by Gravik. There still may be time left for Fury to prevent global disaster courtesy of the Skrull rebellion, but as far as emotional recovery goes, the MCU icon just might have reached his point of no return.
Secret Invasion is now streaming on Disney Plus. New episodes will release every Wednesday until the series finale on July 26.