Invincible's Sweetest Season 3 Romance Quietly Sets Up A Major Hero Death

The following contains spoilers for Invincible season 3, episode 6 and the Invincible comic books.Invincible season 3 has set up a romance subplot that also quietly lays the thematic seeds for a major hero to die. Invincible is a clever riff on the superhero genre that explores a world where people in colorful costumes can still die pretty gruesome deaths. This is particularly clear in entries like Invincible season 3, episode 6, where innocent civilians are caught in the line of fire and suffer for it. However, amid the moral debate and brutal battles of season 3 is a surprisingly cute love story for two of the show's supporting characters.

In another show, this romantic turn would be a cute development for the characters. Even if the discovery of their potential compatibility as a couple is shaded by the bittersweet realization that they are on different paths, it's a very nice beat for both of them. However, given the events of the original Invincible comic, this romance between two of Invincible's more grounded superhero characters takes on a far more tragic element.

Why Rex And Rae Don't End Up Fighting Crime Together In Invincible

Rex And Rae's Romance Reaches A Bittersweet Turn In Invincible Season 3

"All I Can Do Is Say I'm Sorry" has Rae and Rex share a kiss just after Rae announces her retirement from the Guardians of the Globe, with her motivations foreshadowing Rex's likely death during the upcoming adaptation of the "Invincible War" storyline. While the male Shrinking Ray of the Invincible comics didn't survive his encounter with the Lizard League, Rae has become the focus of one of Invincible season 3's most surprisingly sweet subplots. Rae's romance with Rex has been really cute, highlighting his growth while giving Rae a spotlight.

While Rex and Rae clearly care for one another, their first kiss is given a bittersweet touch due to her fears and decision to retire.

Despite their growing feelings for one another, Rae fears for her life in the field and has decided to quit being a superhero, especially after they almost died in season 2. To her sadness, Rex refuses to follow suit. Although he acknowledges the danger, he doesn't believe there's anything to him besides his heroic identity. It's a somber portrayal of someone with great external confidence and little faith in himself. While Rex and Rae clearly care for one another, their first kiss is given a bittersweet touch due to her realistic fears.

Rae's Fears About Rex Might Come True Sooner Than Later

The "Invincible War" Storyline Just Got Sadder Because Of Rex And Rae's Romance

What makes Rae's concerns about her and Rex particularly tragic is the way that it seems to directly foreshadow Rex's fate in an upcoming storyline. Invincible's adaptation of the comic series of the same name has reached the "Invincible War" storyline, wherein Angstrom Levy recruits a multiversal group of evil Invincible variants to attack the world at large. One of the most notable heroic casualties in the story is Rex, who detonates his entire skeleton to kill one of the villainous versions of his friend during the conflict.

In the Invincible comics, Shrinking Ray was killed in Invincible #40 during their confrontation with the Lizard League. Rex was subsequently killed in Invincible #60 during the "Invincible War" storyline.

Although it's possible the show goes a different direction to keep Rex around, season 3's focus on Rex's personal growth would make his heroic sacrifice for his friends all the more potent. The animated series has made it even more emotionally resonant by giving Rex an out before the events of the conflict. However, Rex doesn't stay a hero out of tragic responsibility or noble intentions, but because he thinks it's the only way he can do anything worthwhile. Despite Rae making him reconsider his views on himself and the world, Rex can't escape Rex Splode.

Rae Has Helped Make Rex A Better Person Throughout Season 3

Rex Has Become A Better Person Because Of Rae

Rex Splode and Shrinking Rae kissing in front of the city backdrop in Invincible season 3

Rex has had one of the best character arcs in Prime Video's Invincible. While it's similar to the way the character grew in the original comics, Jason Mantzoukas' hilarious but surprisingly soulful performance has given the animated version of Rex a great emotional core. Season 3 has highlighted the character's potential beyond the ego-driven superhero he was introduced as, highlighting his quiet desire for stability and growing sense of personal morals. A genuine desire to make Rae happy has made Rex a more thoughtful person, but Rae's fears about their mortality is correct.

A collage of Cecil Steadman in Invincible.

Invincible Season 3 Cut A Major Comic Hero From Cecil's Origin Story

Invincible season 3 finally tells Cecil's origin story, but it manages to cut out one major Image Comics crossover character who is essential.

Posts

The sweet romance has been a grounded contrast to the rest of Invincible season 3's bombastic elements. The fact that Rex doesn't get the chance to continue growing into a greater hero and better person is one of the biggest tragedies of the Invincible War storyline in the comics. That tragedy has been seeded throughout season 3, and is especially potent after Rex almost had a happy escape with Rae. The Rex and Rae romance is an invention of the show that's been a great plot turn for both characters and makes Rex's likely death in Invincible more heartbreaking.

trendglee