Within a Viltrumite prison ship, Nolan Grayson survives a pre-execution inspection overseen by General Kregg. Meanwhile, his son Mark Grayson returns home to find a supervillain named Angstrom Levy holding his mother Debbie and half-brother Oliver hostage. Mark initially fails to recognize Angstrom until the latter reminds him of their past encounter and the brain damage he suffered due to Mark's actions. Accusing Mark of ruining his ambitions, Angstrom uses his multiversal powers to strand him in an alternate dimension. Though Mark finds his way back to his Earth, Angstrom repeatedly sends him across the multiverse amidst episodes of PTSD brought on by memories of evil versions of Mark his variants faced.
Eventually, Mark tries to surrender in exchange for his family's lives, but Angstrom refuses. Debbie attacks Angstrom, but he foils her subsequent escape attempt and breaks her arm. Upon seeing this, an enraged Mark battles Angstrom across numerous dimensions until they reach a desolate Earth, where Mark seemingly kills Angstrom. Haunted by guilt and fearing that he is becoming akin to his father, a stranded Mark questions his actions before he is rescued by a future incarnation of the Guardians of the Globe. Amidst this, their version of Atom Eve urges Mark to confess his feelings for his version of her. Afterward, Mark visits a hospitalized Debbie, quits college to focus on self-discipline, and reconnects with Eve.
Production
Guest stars
Sterling K. Brown voices Angstrom Levy,[1][2] the primary antagonist of the episode, who previously appeared in the first and second episodes of the season. Levy is portrayed as a highly intelligent human with the ability to traverse dimensions and observe numerous realities within the multiverse.[3][4]Josh Keaton provides the voice for Agent Spider, a character Mark Grayson encounters during a multiverse sequence, with the role serving as a nod to Spider-Man.[5][6][7]Clancy Brown voices General Kregg, a Viltrumite leader tasked with overseeing Omni-Man's imprisonment and planned execution.[8]
Ella Purnell voices Jane, an explorer involved in uncovering Ka-Hor's tomb, contributing to the episode's central mystery. Chloe Bennet voices Riley, Jane's fellow explorer, who is also part of the storyline surrounding the ancient entity Ka-Hor.[9]
Reception
"I Thought You Were Stronger", the eighth and final episode of Invincible's second season, garnered widespread critical acclaim for its intense action sequences, deep character development, and exploration of complex moral dilemmas.[10] Critics and audiences alike praised the episode for its ability to balance high-stakes drama with emotional depth, solidifying the series' reputation as a standout in the superhero genre.[11]
Critical response
A scene where Invincible uses a Fortnite weapon to fight Angstrom
James Dowling at Multiverse of Color highlighted the episode's climactic confrontation between Mark Grayson (Invincible) and Angstrom Levy, noting the intense multiverse fight and major surprises that bring the season to a close. The review commended the show's storytelling and action sequences, emphasizing the anticipation for future seasons.[12] Mitchell Chapman of InReview gave the episode 9 out of 10 and lauded the episode as a great ending to perhaps the best superhero show airing, emphasizing how Invincible defies expectations and explores classic superhero tropes with a fresh perspective. The review praised the show's ability to delve into the psychological and emotional ramifications of violence, setting it apart from other series in the genre.[13] Writing for The Badger Online Jemimah Kayode focused on the harrowing experiences of Mark and his family, particularly highlighting the emotional weight of the episode. She noted the show's departure from mainstream superhero clichés, presenting genuine threats to loved ones and showcasing the protagonist's moral struggles.[14]
IGN's review commended the episode for its compelling narrative and character arcs, highlighting the intense confrontation between Mark Grayson (Invincible) and Angstrom Levy. The review praised the show's ability to delve into the psychological and emotional ramifications of violence, setting it apart from other series in the genre. Overall, "I Thought You Were Stronger" serves as a powerful conclusion to Invincible's second season, blending action, emotion, and complex character arcs.[15] Siddhant Adlakha of IGN praised "I Thought You Were Stronger" as a solid episode with relentless pacing, bringing Mark Grayson to a profound point of self-doubt about his (dual role) as a hero and human. Adlakha highlighted Steven Yeun's performance, particularly in portraying Mark's growing tension as Levy endangers his family. While noting the episode's unevenness and fleeting subplots, he commended its emotional intensity and effective setup for Season 3.[16]
"I Thought You Were Stronger" premiered on Prime Video in the United States on April 4, 2024. It was released at the same time around the world, in more than 40 countries and territories.[18]
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