The latest episode of Amazon Prime Video’s “Invincible” delivered a brutal, long-awaited reckoning, one that resonated deeply with fans of creator Robert Kirkman’s other landmark series, “The Walking Dead.” In “Grant Us A Moment,” the fourth episode of season four, Mark Grayson, the titular Invincible (voiced by Steven Yeun), finally defeats Conquest (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), the Viltrumite warrior who nearly killed him in the season three finale. But this victory isn’t just a pivotal moment for the superhero narrative; it’s a pointed, and intentional, mirroring of one of the most shocking and controversial deaths in “The Walking Dead” history: the murder of Glenn Rhee.
The episode centers around a desperate attempt by Mark, his father Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons), brother Oliver (Christian Convery), and allies Allen the Alien (Seth Rogen) and Tech Jacket (Zoey Deutch) to leave Earth aboard the Coalition of Planets’ starship, the Venture – a clear homage to the USS Enterprise from “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” as noted by Slashfilm. Their escape is short-lived, however, as Conquest, having narrowly survived his previous encounter with Mark and been secretly held by Cecil Stedman (Walton Goggins), ambushes the ship with two other Viltrumites. The ensuing battle is a visceral, unflinching display of power, culminating in a rematch between Invincible and Conquest.
A Mirror Image of Loss and Revenge
The casting of Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Conquest was immediately recognized by fans as a deliberate nod to his role as Negan in “The Walking Dead.” Negan, wielding his barbed-wire-wrapped baseball bat Lucille, brutally murdered Glenn in season seven of the AMC series, a moment that remains one of the most discussed and debated in television history. Slashfilm details the graphic nature of Glenn’s death, a scene that sparked outrage and grief among viewers. Now, in “Invincible,” the tables have turned. Mark Grayson, in effect, avenges Glenn’s death, delivering a devastating and equally brutal defeat to Conquest.
The parallels are striking. In both scenarios, a beloved character is subjected to a horrific, prolonged assault. While Conquest initially underestimates Mark, believing him too weak to pose a real threat, Mark’s determination to finish what he started is unwavering. The fight isn’t a clean, heroic victory; it’s a desperate, agonizing struggle for survival. Mark’s initial attempt to defeat Conquest, in the season three finale, involved a relentless barrage of blows to the head, mirroring Negan’s method with Glenn. This time, however, the outcome is different.
A Brutal, Unflinching Finale
After pursuing Conquest to a desolate planet, Mark engages in a final, harrowing confrontation. He wraps his hands around Conquest’s throat, refusing to release his grip even as Conquest, still capable of flight, attempts to overpower him. Conquest lands blow after blow, even managing to punch through Mark’s torso, causing horrific internal injuries. Yet, Mark holds on, his resolve fueled by the memory of their previous encounter and the sheer brutality of Conquest’s actions. The violence, as described by Slashfilm, is the most graphic seen in “Invincible” to date, surpassing even the intensity of the battle with Omni-Man in season one.
The scene is a stark reminder of the show’s willingness to push boundaries and explore the consequences of unchecked power. It’s a far cry from the sanitized action often seen in superhero media, and it’s precisely this willingness to embrace darkness that has resonated with audiences. The final image – a critically wounded Mark lying beside Conquest’s lifeless body – is a powerful testament to the cost of victory.
Kirkman Acknowledges the Meta Connection
Robert Kirkman, the co-creator of both “Invincible” and “The Walking Dead,” has acknowledged the intentionality behind casting Morgan as Conquest. In a 2025 interview with Variety, Kirkman admitted to being aware of the “meta” aspect of the casting, recognizing that fans would inevitably draw parallels between the two characters and their respective fates. He stated that he found the potential for jokes and commentary worthwhile, ultimately deciding that the casting was worth the inevitable comparisons.
The similarities in the comic book source material are, according to Kirkman, coincidental. Mark’s initial defeat of Conquest occurred in “Invincible” #64, published in 2009, years before Negan’s infamous act in “The Walking Dead” #100, published in 2012. However, the timing and the casting of Morgan undeniably add another layer of meaning to the scene, transforming it into a cathartic moment for fans who still carry the emotional weight of Glenn’s death.
“Invincible” is currently streaming on Prime Video. The series continues to push the boundaries of the superhero genre, offering a complex and often brutal exploration of power, responsibility, and the enduring consequences of violence. The aftermath of this battle, and Mark’s recovery, will undoubtedly be a central focus as season four unfolds, setting the stage for even greater challenges to come.
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