‘Secret Invasion’ theory rubs salt in the wound of an already heartbreaking ending

Warning: The following article contains major spoilers for episode one of Secret Invasion.

The Skrulls’ Secret Invasion is upon us (as it has been for decades), and there is much to be said about the show’s first episode. While the premiere’s focus remained mostly on getting viewers caught up with the secret happenings in the Marvel universe, it also introduced enough new characters to keep things interesting and wrapped up the journey of others.

At the end of the episode, Secret Invasion pulled one of the most tired tropes in TV and cinema history by having Maria Hill killed. Naturally, this choice didn’t impress viewers, who were excited to see Cobie Smulders’ former S.H.I.E.L.D agent return to the screen. To make matters even worse, Hill was left bleeding alone on the floor after being shot by Gravik, who at the time was impersonating Nick Fury.

All of this is upsetting enough, but online theorists have found a way to make the situation even more painful. According to some, it’s entirely possible that Hill died believing it was Fury who shot her. It’s true that after the deed was done, Gravik reverted to his previous human “shell” and the real Fury appeared to hold Hill in her last moments, but there’s no telling what was going on in her frantic, dying mind. Did she see Gravik shed his disguise? Did she understand that the Fury who held her isn’t the same one who killed her? The lack of a clear answer is breaking many hearts across social media platforms.

Meanwhile, some are holding onto hope that it was actually a Skrull that died instead of Hill or that she will be revived. However, judging by the fact that Cobie Smulders was credited as a guest star in the episode, things aren’t looking good. In order to put all theories to rest, fans have no option but to watch the rest of the series on Disney Plus.