I’ve never actually read a comic book featuring the shapeshifting alien Skrulls.  The story concept always seemed too campy for me.  (And it still does.)  But I still had loads of fun with the first episode of Marvel’s “Secret Invasion” (2023).  I’d cheerfully rate this new limited series an 8 out of 10.

There are two clear reasons here.  The first is that I love comic book stories in which ordinary, non-powered characters are working with (or against) superpowered characters — it makes the story and action feel more grounded in reality, and the juxtaposition is always fun to explore.

The second is that the Marvel Cinematic Universe just happens to be good at the cloak-and-dagger stuff.  It’s a little surprising, if you think about it.  Here we have a fictional universe known for linchpinned by story conceits derived from science fiction or magic.  Yet the MCU’s stories about spies, governments and politics remain fan favorites.  (Look at the broad-based appeal of 2014’s excellent “Captain America: Winter Soldier,” for example.)  As I’d hoped, I really enjoyed the twists and surprises of the first episode.

Samuel L. Jackson, Martin Freeman, Emilia Clarke are always a pleasure to watch.  And I’m starting to understand that Ben Mendelsohn is really terrific too.

This looks to be one of the better MCU outings.  I recommend it.