Invasion Season 1 Episode 9 review: A fantastic pay-off after eight episodes of steady buildup

3.5/5

Story:

The Americans decide to ‘nuke’ the aliens after Mitsuki may have inadvertently discovered their base while searching for Hinata. Trevante, Casper, and Jamila visit a hospital to have Casper experience an induced seizure, as by doing so he’s able to link with the? alien central intelligence.

Review:

The ninth episode of the season is arguably the best of the season so far. The narrative’s methodical pacing and slow character development have finally given the viewers the pay-off they have been clamouring for since the first episodes. There is a well-balanced narrative aided with excellent cinematography and sound design.

Aneesha and her family’s storyline appears to have gone a little bit off the pace in recent episodes, but episode nine all but confirms they have a big part to play in the finale and beyond. It would’ve been ideal if the conflict between the army and the armed civilians was introduced to the storyline in the previous episode as would’ve given the series the perfect launchpad to explore the fall of civilisation in a post-apocalyptic world.

There is a flashback scene that further delves into Mitsuki and Hinata’s relationship. This is yet another scene that would’ve worked better for the overarching narrative. Nevertheless, it is well written and elevates the quality of the episode. Mitsuki’s irrational crusade to save Hinata is pivotal in the people of Earth mounting an unprecedented attack against the extraterrestrial invaders.

Back in the UK, Casper’s connection with aliens has become a lot easier to appreciate. The hospital scene with the aliens is nerve-racking and is one of the best sequences in the entire series. It remains to be seen what lies in store for them, even though the cliffhanger at the end appears to suggest otherwise. The performances of all three actors deserve praise, especially Billy Barratt who plays Casper.

The most significant payoff of the series is for the character development of certain characters such as Ahmed (Firas Nassar), Aneesha’s unfaithful husband. His redemption arc is complete and it remains to be seen how the family’s story will develop in the finale. If there is a season two for the series, they could be crucial in how the story unfolds.

Verdict:

There is an air of finality in the ninth episode of Invasion, but considering there is a grand finale yet to be aired it is likely that there is more to the story.