Warning: Spoilers for Invincible Season 3 are included in this article.
Insights from Ross Marquand on the Immortal’s Dark Transformation
In the latest season of Invincible, actor Ross Marquand sheds light on his character, the Immortal, during a panel at AwesomeCon, moderated by Joe Deckelmeier from ScreenRant. In Season 3, Episode 4, titled “You Were My Hero,”Mark Grayson (Voiced by Steven Yeun) finds himself in a dystopian future where the Immortal has morphed into a tortured tyrant after ruling Earth for centuries. Their encounter ends tragically, with Mark ultimately forced to kill the Immortal, who, in his desperation, requests release from his perpetual misery.
Marquand elaborates on the profound implications of the Immortal’s transformation, particularly reflecting on his lost love, Dupli-Kate (played by Malese Jow). The actor emphasized that the Immortal’s isolation and the eternal burden of living without his beloved contributed significantly to his psychological decline. He articulated that the Immortal likely struggles with the emotional scars left by decades of solitude and loss.
I think he did forget Kate, unfortunately. If you’ve been around for 10,000 years… You and I may think, “The loves of our lives, whether it’s 2 or 3 years or 50 years, how could you ever forget that?”Especially when he’s had children with her, and certainly he has their promise.
But I think when you zoom out enough and look at a lifetime that’s lasted for 10,000 years, it’s hard. Especially because he might be a little senile. He might have a little bit of dementia. It might have taken him several thousand years to get dementia, but I think that’s what happened.
I think he’s just such a broken man, and he literally tells Mark in this episode, “I begged you not to put me in charge.”All he wanted to do was be a father and live out his years with Kate for as long as she was able to. Obviously, she’s not immortal like him. And I think it broke him. I think he’s really broken after being in charge of the planet for that long, and that’s why he became a psycho killer.
That’s what I think – I don’t know if that’s true, you’d have to ask Robert [Kirkman] about that.
Exploring the Implications for the Invincible Narrative
The Immortal’s trajectory in this episode paints a poignant picture of a once-noble hero devolving into a figure of tyranny, showcasing the heavy toll of immortality. The narrative highlights the immense loneliness he faces as he witnesses the death of his loved ones over centuries. Mark’s reluctant act of killing the Immortal adds another layer of tragic conflict, intensifying the emotional stakes of the storyline.
Marquand’s insights unveil deeper themes regarding the Immortal’s psychological state and loss. Even though Kate does not appear in the future timeline, her impact resonates throughout the Immortal’s suffering. Losing a partner in eternal life not only heightens his despair but also emphasizes the challenges of enduring centuries while being burdened by memories of lost love. Marquand’s remarks significantly enhance our understanding of the Immortal, marking a pivotal moment in his character’s arc.
Our Perspective on Ross Marquand’s Revelations
Enhanced Appreciation for the Immortal and Dupli-Kate
As a result of Marquand’s reflections, my interest in the relationship between the Immortal and Dupli-Kate has increased significantly as we look towards Season 4 of Invincible. While I previously viewed their characters as peripheral, I now recognize the depth of their bond and the unique complexities presented by the Immortal’s existence. Understanding how much Kate signifies in the Immortal’s life invites intrigue about their future trajectories and potential developments.