Marvel’s Inhumans - S1E8 - … And Finally: Black Bolt!

Previously on Marvel’s Inhumans, “Havoc in the Hidden Land”

Inhumans, most likely, isn’t coming back, and it’s somewhat of a shame. If they changed showrunners, spent real time on developing the characters beyond flashbacks, got better fight choreography, and tightened up the dialogue, this concept is worthy of, at least, another 10 episodes. However, nothing ABC has done to promote this show suggests that they have any interest in doing that, so we’ve most likely seen the last of the Inhumans on our TV screens… aside from the ones currently on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

As it stands, the first season limped across the finish line in a finale that dragged and dragged for no other reason than it had an hour to fill. Maximus’ Hail Mary threatened the protective dome over Attilan; his death means death for all Inhumans. The royal family — mainly Medusa — prepares the citizens for evacuation. Where will they go? Earth, with the help of Louise and her boss.

As the city quakes and rocks fall, Black Bolt and Medusa each try once last attempt at getting Maximus to see reason. It’s when he has his final confrontation with his brother that we learn just how long Maximus’ animosity has been brewing. He forged the document that convinced Black Bolt their parents were sending him away. It’s during this fight that he accidentally killed them. Maximus has been responsible — in varying degrees — for all the losses Black Bolt has experienced. Realizing there’s no saving any parts of him, Black Bolt leaves Maximus in the bunker and finally whispers the words, “Goodbye, brother,” which brings the kingdom down. Maximus is finally the one true king of Attilan, even if it’s just its ashes.

Karnak has to answer for turning Gorgon into a lumbering madman. If Gorgon truly wants to die, he can stay and do so with Attilan. Or he can travel to Earth and allow Karnak to fix what he’s done. He decides on the latter, of course.

When Medusa tells Black Bolt he should be proud of ushering his people into a new life, a second chance, he signs that they’ve only traded one danger for another. I guess this vague warning was meant to set up a possible second season, but as I said before, that seems highly unlikely.

There were a few nice surprises this season — like the not-death of Gorgon — and Triton was amazing once we finally got to see him in action. I’m most disappointed for Iwan Rheon, who has been fantastic in Misfits and Game of Thrones. I wanted him to enjoy more success in a Marvel property in front of a massive American audience. He deserved better than to spend 8 episodes stomping around that bare throne room.

If it does come back for a second season, they gotta lose Crystal. Please.