Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: A Fractured House is the 6th episode of the season and has S.H.I.E.L.D. dealing with the fallout of Hydra impersonating them in a brazen attack on the U.N.. It opens up with General Talbot talking about the history of S.H.I.E.L.D. and how they stood with the Avengers in protecting the planet, and as a result the world put its faith in them. And he explains how they built bases, dealt with aliens and took advantage of the good faith placed in them, alluding to Hydra’s infiltration from the beginning. When a member from Italy attempts to speak about S.H.I.E.L.D., agents burst in the room with S.H.I.E.L.D. uniforms and kill him and others. The leader declares that S.H.I.E.L.D. is done hiding. Despite the news not distinguishing between S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra, the former gathers all the information available to try to figure out this latest attack. They already know that this was a way for Hydra to get the world to focus on hunting down the remaining S.H.I.E.L.D. forces but Bobbi Morse and Simmons are able to put together a lead based on the unique weapons used during the attack. However things might get tougher on them based on the way Talbot is being questioned by a senator. Talbot tells the senator that he had S.H.I.E.L.D. under control prior to this attack. Yet this senator states that it’s apparently not enough, and wants to really put the heat on S.H.I.E.L.D. without distinguishing between Hydra. And part of that reason is because he’s Agent Ward’s older brother. Does S.H.I.E.L.D. have a new enemy with ulterior motives or is this finally the opportunity for them to show the world the difference between S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra?

The alien markings storyline has been very engrossing this season, and the latest revelations had me anticipating this episode for a number of reasons. Yet when the initial decision was made by Coulson at the start of this episode to put the investigation of those markings to the side until this urgent situation was rectified, I wasn’t disappointed because of how much progress has been made this season and my confidence that this would continue to be the case this episode. And there have been various enjoyable story lines this season, and with Senator Ward being introduced this was the opportunity to address Ward’s fate in a more comprehensive way. And ever since Hydra was revealed as being hidden in S.H.I.E.L.D. all along it’s been clear that the world turned on S.H.I.E.L.D. and all its agents have been on the run. But up to this point the face of the world’s response has been General Talbot without distinguishing between the two organizations. So the introduction of the U.N. and the Senator created a more nuanced picture as the politics of not making a distinction up to this point came into play. And the reason as explained by Senator Ward was that the public wanted a simple enemy but Talbot questioned whether or not it was because Ward was Hydra and what it would mean for the public to learn about that and the difference. And considering Ward’s backstory last season with his brother when he was young plus his current claim that he won’t ever lie to Skye again, it was interesting to see how much truth has been told or if there’s still another scheme in play. And as one who has felt that Ward has been better suited at best as an anti-hero but has enjoyed him as a villain, I enjoyed many aspects of this episode in terms of his character development.

Events would unfold very well with some surprises along the way. And the action sequence towards the end of this episode would be electrifying. Bobbi and Lance working together made a formidable duo, and May was her usual badass self but I really enjoyed this fight with her opponent’s weapon of choice. The hard work put into these action sequences this season have really translated well and I can only see them getting better. And with the developments at the end of this episode plus everything revealed about Skye’s father, I can’t wait to see what happens in 2 weeks.

SUMMARY

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: A Fractured House is a solid episode that sheds an intriguing light on recent developments while changing the status quo in which the world views and treats S.H.I.E.L.D.. Senator Ward was a great addition, and served as a means of creating an interesting situation for Grant Ward, who I’m glad hasn’t been turned into an overly simplified character. And the same goes for the majority of the cast although I hope Lance’s character isn’t just relegated to complaining during missions about his ex, and I’m still not entire sure where Fitz’s story is headed. And with the action sequences only getting better every episode I’m really loving this season so far.