All I can think of is that maybe Thula started to slow down and toy with Mark once she thought she was winning by a lot and got taken off-guard when the gap closed.

The thing is there are justifications for why this could be okay – Nolan did some damage, she wasn’t that beat up, she would have turned the tables moments later even if Mark hadn’t hesitated – but the thing is, it wasn’t framed that way.

Any casual observer who hasn’t read the comics will see that fight and be like “he has her on the ropes!” and think that he was legit about to win before he hesitated. I think they need to make it a little more explicit if they were going for a pyrrhic loss with a single victorious moment.

I understand Mark was holding back against the Maulers, but my question is, why did Mark hold back so much that he was getting literally killed? Does he not have enough restraint to throw them off while not killing them? “Holding back” can’t explain everything.

I’ll admit, I’m not exactly excited for “reboot” either lol

I think there are a few things. He probably wants total control over Mark. If Mark was working with others he’d have teammates who could back Mark up if Mark didn’t want to listen to Cecil’s orders. Therefore, he’s sending him out solo. But in addition, I definitely think Cecil is definitely testing Mark to some extent – his powers, his morality, his weaknesses, and his obedience.