I get where you’re coming from, and “antagonist” is certainly less loaded than “villain”, but at least with the Skrull …

I think I find it interesting that antagonists are often a reflection (consciously or not) of a group fear and what could be a more ‘ideological radicalism’ antagonist is being quite coded and kinda focused on refugeeism. Maybe just to broaden the grey area and make audiences somewhat sympathize with their ideology? I dunno, there are plenty of groups that want change so I’m spitballing whether this is a bit of a pattern.

Personally, I would have preferred if the first episode really leaned into the spy/espionage/cold war element, like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy-esque, instead of this milquetoast somewhat vaguely political messaging that isn’t sure what it’s trying to say. But it’s just the first episode, maybe I’m completely off base and what they’ve set up will actually develop into something.