Secret Invasion Episode 1 Review - 7 Ups & 3 Downs

Phase Four acted as a new beginning of sorts for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, introducing a host of new heroes with the departure of the likes of Iron Man and Captain America. However, this did mean that certain characters were forced to take a step backwards.

More on Nick Fury's triumphant return later, as he wasn't the only returning familiar MCU face. Cobie Smulders' Maria Hill returned, though so fleetingly so it was almost made into a Down, as she could have brought so much more to the show. So did Martin Freeman as Everett Ross (although as a Skrull imposter), Ben Mendelsohn as Talos, and Don Cheadle as Rhodey.

These are all popular characters that, with the exception of Ross in Wakanda Forever - and a blink-and-you-'ll-miss-it cameo from Rhodey in Falcon and the Winter Soldier - hadn't appeared on MCU screens for years. Not only was it good seeing these old friends again, it felt like it set the scene for potentially more further down the line.

You can't rule out an appearance from the likes of Val, or even one of Fury's old acquaintances. How about Hawkeye, or even Captain America? Surely, if the survival of the entire human race is at stake, he's going to need reinforcements.