The third episode of Invincible's second season, in which Mark begins college, Debbie confronts her grief, and Allen the Alien heads home to a fresh danger. Mark's decision to answer a stranger's plea sends him toward a life-changing reunion.
Summary
This Missive, This Machination! is the third entry in the second season and the eleventh overall, airing November 17, 2023, written by Adria Lang and directed by Tanner Johnson. As Mark settles into the start of college, Debbie wrestles with lingering trauma, and Allen the Alien carries word of his findings back to the Coalition of Planets. The installment splits its attention across these threads before steering Mark toward a shapeshifting visitor whose request will upend everything.
Key Events
Allen briefs the Coalition on his mission to seek out beings capable of matching the Viltrumites, recounting Mark's defiance and Nolan's abandonment of Earth. Coalition leader Thaedus backs his conclusions and privately tasks him with rooting out a suspected mole, but Allen is then ambushed and savagely beaten by three Viltrumites, after which Thaedus quietly sabotages his recovery. On Earth, Debbie joins a support group for the widowed spouses of fallen heroes, only to reveal herself as Omni-Man's ex-wife and leave in shame.
Notes
Mark encounters Nuolzot, a shapeshifting insect-like alien from the distant world of Thraxa, who warns that his people face annihilation and begs for help. Defying Cecil's explicit orders, Mark travels to Thraxa and unexpectedly comes face to face with his father, now serving as the Thraxans' ruler. The episode title references the card that reintroduces Allen the Alien in the twenty-third issue of the comic, a phrase the Narrator also speaks aloud during the episode.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does This Missive, This Machination mean?
The title This Missive, This Machination! references the card that reintroduces Allen the Alien in the twenty-third issue of the Invincible comic, a phrase the Narrator also speaks aloud during the episode.
What happens when Mark travels to Thraxa in this episode?
Defying Cecil's orders, Mark travels to Thraxa after Nuolzot's plea for help and unexpectedly comes face to face with his estranged father Nolan, now serving as the Thraxans' ruler.
Why does Debbie leave the support group in shame?
Debbie joins a support group for the widowed spouses of fallen heroes, but leaves in shame after revealing herself as Omni-Man's ex-wife.
What happens to Allen the Alien in This Missive, This Machination?
After briefing the Coalition of Planets on his mission and being tasked with rooting out a suspected mole, Allen the Alien is ambushed and savagely beaten by three Viltrumites, and Coalition leader Thaedus then quietly sabotages his recovery.
Who is Nuolzot in This Missive, This Machination?
Nuolzot is a shapeshifting insect-like alien from the distant world of Thraxa who warns Mark that his people face annihilation and begs him for help, drawing Mark to Thraxa in this episode.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on This Missive, This Machination!? The Invincible Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Anime based on the Invincible anime series, manga, and official materials. Invincible was created by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley, published by Image Comics / Skybound, and animated by Skybound Animation. All rights to Invincible and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byRobert Kirkman, Cory Walker and Ryan Ottley
- Published byImage Comics / Skybound
- Animated bySkybound Animation
All rights belong to their respective owners.
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