The fifth episode of Invincible's second season, where Mark returns from Thraxa carrying a newborn brother and a shattered father's legacy. As the Grayson home adjusts, the Guardians face deadly threats in space and on Earth at once.
Summary
This Must Come as a Shock is the fifth entry in the second season and the thirteenth overall, airing March 14, 2024, written by Helen Leigh and directed by Haylee Herrick. In the wake of Nolan's capture by the Viltrumites, a badly wounded Mark is patched up by Andressa among the ruins of Thraxa. A dying Andressa entrusts him with Oliver, his fast-aging half-brother, urging him to raise the boy on Earth. Back home, Mark and Debbie work out how to care for the child, with Debbie volunteering to babysit so Mark can keep his own life on track.
Key Events
The Guardians learn that Shapesmith is a Martian just as a ship of Sequids, piloted by an infected host, bears down on the planet, prompting Cecil to send several heroes into space. While they are away, the Lizard League seizes a Wyoming nuclear facility, and the skeleton crew of Guardians pays a brutal price: Dupli-Kate is killed by Komodo Dragon, and Shrinking Rae dies trying to avenge her. A battered, one-handed Rex Splode kills Iguana and Komodo Dragon before the cowardly King Lizard steps out and levels a gun at his head.
Notes
In orbit, Bulletproof impulsively kills a Sequid and triggers the swarm's shared hive mind, overwhelming the heroes through sheer numbers. Meanwhile Allen the Alien awakens larger and stronger from his recovery chamber, and Thaedus reveals himself to be a Viltrumite, the first ever to rebel against the Empire and the hand behind Argall's downfall. Convinced Invincible could be the key to swiftly winning the war, Thaedus orders Allen to bring him in. The episode's title echoes a line spoken by Thaedus and opens the second half of the split season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in the Invincible episode "This Must Come as a Shock"?
"This Must Come as a Shock" is the fifth episode of Invincible's second season, in which a badly wounded Mark is patched up by Andressa on Thraxa and receives his dying stepmother's infant son Oliver to raise on Earth. While Mark and Debbie adjust to caring for the baby, the Guardians of the Globe suffer devastating losses fighting the Lizard League and an alien Sequid swarm.
Who is Oliver Grayson and how does Mark end up raising him?
Oliver Grayson is Mark's fast aging half brother, born to Andressa on the alien world Thraxa. In "This Must Come as a Shock," a dying Andressa hands Oliver to Mark and asks him to raise the boy on Earth, and Mark and Debbie agree to share caretaking duties.
What happens to Dupli-Kate and Shrinking Rae in "This Must Come as a Shock"?
In "This Must Come as a Shock," the Lizard League seizes a Wyoming nuclear facility while most of the Guardians are away in space. Dupli-Kate is killed by Komodo Dragon, and Shrinking Rae dies trying to avenge her, leaving Rex Splode to kill Iguana and Komodo Dragon before King Lizard holds him at gunpoint.
Who is Thaedus and what does he reveal in "This Must Come as a Shock"?
Thaedus is revealed in this episode to be a Viltrumite, the first ever to rebel against the Viltrum Empire and the one responsible for Emperor Argall's downfall. Believing Mark could help win the war quickly, Thaedus orders Allen the Alien to bring Invincible to him.
When did "This Must Come as a Shock" air and who made it?
"This Must Come as a Shock" is the fifth episode of Invincible's second season and the thirteenth overall. It aired March 14, 2024, written by Helen Leigh and directed by Haylee Herrick.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on This Must Come as a Shock? 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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