Even some positives can be taken from theMCU’s worst show, as it makes rewatching the bestCaptain Americamovie all the more satisfying.Captain America: The Winter Soldieris widely regarded asone of the best, if not the best, films that the MCU has ever put out. In this critically acclaimed project, Nick Fury finally got a chance to really step into the spotlight.
A decade after Fury’s supporting yet integral role inThe Winter Soldier,the character finally got his own solo project with the Disney+ series,Secret Invasion. Unfortunately,Secret Invasionwas far from a success, and it can even be argued that it did irreparable damage to Fury’s character. Still, there are some benefits to the show’s existence.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier’s Story Is Made All The Better By Secret Invasion
WhileCaptain America: The Winter Soldierstands entirely on its own,Secret Invasionoffers some additional context and a new perspective. Since Fury is just a supporting character in the 2014 film, we don’t get as much insight into the decisions that he makes.Secret Invasion’s story may not be perfect, but it still has its moments.
The biggest Fury moment inThe Winter Soldieris undoubtedly when he fakes his own death. It’s a shock to the audience, and it gives Steve further motivation to shut down HYDRA for good. We don’t see too much about Fury’s thought process behind it all, butSecret Invasionindirectly helps to flesh out his intentions by showing he’s willing to take huge gambles.
Up untilSecret Invasion, Fury had always been a mysterious presence. Despite his frequent appearances, we didn’t know much about him as a person.Secret Invasionprovided so much information about his life,such as his commitment to the Skrulls and the fact that he’s married, that greatly humanized him beyond being the head of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Even Secret Invasion’s Downsides Enhance Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Of course, some would argue that there are very few positives to take fromSecret Invasionand that it did more harm to Fury’s character than good. However, even the show’s downsides still manage to make an already amazing project inCaptain America: The Winter Soldierlook even better.
Both projects were on the more grounded side of the MCU,leaning heavily into the stylings of a spy thriller. It’s hard not to compare the two when they’re in the same genre, and, unfortunately, one is clearly stronger than the other. Still, there is a positive side toSecret Invasion’s weaknesses.
When putting the lazy storytelling andnumerous plotholes ofSecret Invasionside-by-side withThe Winter Soldier, all it does is highlight the film’s strengths. Fury’s first soloMCUproject may not have been what fans wanted it to be, but the context it provides about his life is still welcomed, especially when it can enhance a past project.
