In Apple TV+’s sci-fi drama Invasion, the stakes have always been cosmic – alien invasions, humanity on the brink, and survival against unfathomable odds. But in Season 3, Invasion expands its emotional depth through the introduction of Verna, played with striking nuance by Erika Alexander. Known for her rich career spanning beloved roles in Living Single, Get Out, and American Fiction, Alexander brings gravitas and humanity to a world teetering on collapse. As Verna, she is both a steadying force and a mirror reflecting the moral and emotional complexities of survival.
Verna enters Invasion as a character steeped in resilience – a leader who has seen too much, yet refuses to lose faith in people. Her calm command and introspective nature add a grounded realism to a show defined by chaos and uncertainty. In many ways, Verna embodies the quiet strength and self-awareness that Alexander herself cultivates in her acting process.
In a recent interview with BlkCosmo Blerds, Alexander reflected on the emotional preparation needed for such a demanding role:
“Being quiet. You know, not always having my phone next to me. Engaging with the cast. Learning who they are. Being available and present. If I felt frustrated, I stood in that frustration and didn’t try to distract myself, and that’s how I tried to do it. I tried to be honest with myself through the journey.”
This candid reflection reveals how Alexander channeled mindfulness and emotional honesty into Verna’s portrayal. In a series where characters are constantly reacting to external threats, Verna represents a counterpoint. A woman who meets the unknown not just with intellect, but with introspection.
Invasion thrives on tension and spectacle, but its true power lies in its characters’ emotional journeys. Verna’s introduction is not as a savior or soldier, but as a thinker – someone who approaches survival through empathy and observation. In scenes where others panic or lash out, Verna’s silence speaks volumes. Her presence is often meditative, as if she’s attuned to the rhythms of both the Earth and the alien forces that threaten it.
Alexander’s commitment to “being quiet” and “standing in frustration” translates directly to Verna’s onscreen demeanor. The character doesn’t rush to judgment or action; she processes, absorbs, and then responds with clarity. This measured approach makes her a vital emotional anchor in the ensemble, guiding others through their fear and confusion with compassion.
Her quiet strength also highlights the often-overlooked power of stillness in storytelling. In a genre dominated by explosions and chaos, Alexander proves that sometimes the most profound moments come from silence, from the act of being fully present.
Verna’s arc in Invasion demands both vulnerability and resilience. She must navigate impossible moral choices, confront loss, and reckon with the weight of leadership in a fractured world. Alexander’s preparation – taking walks, seeking support, and staying emotionally honest – allowed her to meet these challenges authentically. This is the kind of intentionality we love to see!
That “heavy lifting” is evident in every frame. Verna doesn’t merely react to the invasion; she interrogates it, wrestling with what it means for humanity’s soul. Her storyline delves into questions of faith, identity, and collective responsibility – themes Alexander has long explored throughout her career. We’re talking deep, folks.
Across decades, she’s portrayed women who are intelligent, witty, and deeply layered – from Maxine Shaw’s sharp humor in Living Single to her emotional depth in American Fiction. With Invasion, Alexander steps into the realm of speculative fiction with a character who feels timeless yet urgent, embodying the resilience of Black women navigating both real and imagined worlds. She continues to show up and show out!
Her portrayal also underscores a shift in modern sci-fi: centering characters not as side figures, but as philosophical and emotional cores of the narrative. Yes, give us the substance!
Her interview with BGN offers a glimpse into the intentionality behind that performance. The decision to embrace stillness, honesty, and vulnerability in the face of chaos. It’s a lesson not just for actors, but for anyone navigating uncertain times: sometimes the most powerful response is to pause, breathe, and fully feel.
Invasion is currently streaming on Apple TV+
