The Invincible Character Who Changed The Most Over 3 Seasons Now Looks Certain To Die

The following contains spoilers for the first three episodes of Invincible season 3, as well as the Invincible comic series.Invincible has given one specific supporting character a huge character shift in the show’s first three seasons, which makes his likely death in an upcoming storyline all the more tragic. While Invincible is largely focused on the titular young man as he comes of age in a world of superheroes, the show has also explored the origins and growth of multiple other heroes. Invincible season 3 carries on that trend with a renewed focus on characters like Cecil, Oliver, the Immortal, and Rex Splode, all of whom get larger arcs in season 3 that make them foils to Mark’s development.

This character focus has allowed all three seasons of Invincible to approach themes of redemption and responsibility from multiple angles. The positive nature of this focus is best seen in a specific character, who has transformed from a one-note figure in season 1 to one of the more likable heroes of season 3. Given that the show is approaching the storyline from the comics where the character died in heroic fashion, this decision could make that death scene one of the saddest beats in the entire show.

Mark And Rex Have Become Close Friends In Invincible Season 3

Invincible Season 3 Spends A Lot Of Time Highlighting Rex’s Growth

Season 3 of Invincible highlights the character growth that’s made Rex Splode a better person, which makes his likely upcoming death all the more tragic. Rex was introduced in the first season of Invincible as a direct contrast to Mark. Whereas the soft-spoken and naturally heroic Mark was raised by a loving family, the sardonic and harsher Rex was sold to the government by his parents for the purpose of making him into a villain. Initially, Rex was portrayed as an insensitive jerk, whose relationship with Eve fell apart because of his own personal failings.

After almost dying in season 2, Rex went through a major change. He became more aware of his morality, and strove to be a more heroic figure. Rex has been more supportive of others, and has openly become friends with Mark. This has only grown by the time of season 3, with Mark and Rex working well together. When Cecil uses his forces to fight Mark, Rex is one of the first people to spring to Mark’s defense. Rex even leads the splintering of the Guardians of the Globe, spurred on by his anger over the attack on his friend.

Rex’s Character Development Is A Long Time Coming

Rex Has Changed A Massive Amount Season 1

Rex has been one of the most radical character developments in Invincible. When he was introduced, Rex was a one-note jerk who only cared about himself and was quick to insult any and every one who crossed his path. While the character remains crass in season 3, Rex has also genuinely become a better person. The influence of Mark and Eve on Rex, alongside his trauma over nearly dying, has pushed him to reconsider how he acts and treats others. It’s a more grounded approach to the show’s overall exploration of redemption, which many characters find themselves struggling with.

Whereas Mark and his father have much larger (and bloodier) versions of that arc, Rex has been shown wrestling with who he was and why he wants to change. Rex now refuses to simply be a weapon for someone else. Rex has been shown opening up to his friends, celebrating the return of Shrinking Rae and Multi-Kate (even while being frustrated by the secrecy surrounding her apparent death). Rex’s friendship with Mark especially showcases how much Invincible’s former rival in the Guardians has grown. Sadly, Rex’s growth seems to be a likely part of the build-up to his death.

Rex’s Growth Makes His Likely Death In Season 3 All The Sadder

Rex Doesn’t Last For Much Longer In The Original Image Comics

Invincible has so far been a fairly faithful adaptation of the original comics, tweaking certain elements but retaining much of the overarching character arcs and plotlines. Given the storylines in season 3, this suggests the show is approaching the “Invincible War” storyline. In the comics, it’s revealed that Angstrom Levy survived the beating Invincible gave him (which was seen in season 2). Assembling a team of deadly Invincible variants from across the multiverse, Angstrom unleashes them on Earth. They’re eventually defeated, but one of evil Invincibles is only stopped when Rex sacrifices himself to blow them both up.

Highlighting Rex’s character growth in season 3 and how much he values his status as a superhero adds a massive amount of tragedy to his prospective death fighting against the villainous variant of his friend. While the jerky brawler of season 1 might have died with little emotional fallout, a more heroic and kind Rex choosing to sacrifice himself to save others would be an inherently sadder turn of events. Rex becoming a better person underscores the overall thematic message of Invincible, and will make his likely death in the “Invincible War” storyline all the more tragic.

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Invincible

8/10

Release Date

March 26, 2021

Network

Amazon Prime Video

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