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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Shadows
Kareem Ali 4.5

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Shadows

 

  • The good

    Intensity and developments in this episode were on finale level. New status quo is very entertaining. The Absorbing Man

  • The bad

    What is Fitz's purpose at this point? New characters weren't memorable but have potential. Ward still being redeemed

  • The ugly

    • Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Shadows is the second season’s premiere episode and has S.H.I.E.L.D. or rather what’s left of it, attempting to dismantle the remaining Hydra cells while being fugitives themselves. This isn’t much different from when S.H.I.E.L.D. was first created, although the agents weren’t fugitives, as this episode opened up with Agent Peggy Carter, the Howling Commandos  and a slew of soldiers storming into one of the Red Skull’s former strongholds. The Red Skull was dead but his vision and former members of his army were still alive looking to carry on his plans. So this was a timely mission as the leader was captured along with a mysterious item that would become the first 0-8-4, which would be the number on the case it would be stored. This mysterious but powerful item is one of the items in play in the present day since the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D., and it’s an ex-S.H.I.E.L.D. agent selling information regarding its whereabouts. But when he and the buyer come close to terms of agreement they’re interrupted by a lone man who breaks the seller’s neck, takes the info and jumps out the window to escape. However, when the seller’s security detail attempts to kill the buyer and her team they’re taken out by May, Skye and Triplett who were monitoring the entire sale. And that’s because the buyer, Izzy Hartley, is actually a mercenary working for S.H.I.E.L.D. and this was all part of an operation that was going well until the lone man’s arrival. This isn’t good news as they have no choice but to return to their current HQ empty-handed but at least Director Coulson is back after being off the grid for a few weeks. But what can the team do with limited resources to track and apprehend a man who can apparently absorb bullets?

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    I really enjoyed the first season but I was excited more about the second half of the season when the greater Marvel universe was embraced and it became apparent that this show wouldn’t just serve as cleanup between movies but offer its own significant developments and story lines. And with the show being moved to an hour later this season I took that as the show would have more mature/darker developments. And considering the next Marvel movie isn’t until next year there’s a lot that could potentially happen this season in terms of bold story lines. And this premiere episode got the season off to a bang. Well, actually a few bangs and I was wondering if this was the season premiere or the season finale with its level of intensity. It opened up in a grand way with Peggy Carter and all the Howling Commandos showing the historical significance of this obelisk to Hydra’s plans (and also made me excited for the Peggy Carter series). And it didn’t stop there as it jumped right to the sale of the information regarding its location before being interrupted by the Absorbing Man. Usually I take notes while watching to write my review but there was such a flurry of activity and new characters that I couldn’t even pay attention to what I was writing. That’s not a complaint but a compliment to how engrossing this start was and I can see this as representative of the season. Aside from Izzy, played by Lucy Lawless, the new characters didn’t stand out this episode although I do think it’s good the roster has expanded for a number of reasons including the possibility they don’t last. This was the season premiere so every new character can’t be developed in one episode.

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    All the returning members of the team would be back, and I think director fits Coulson very well. The dynamic between him and May was still as entertaining as ever with her attempting to keep him grounded knowing the difficulties of his new role. Fitz was still around but after last season’s brain damage he permanently suffers from severe side effects that requires Simmons help. I don’t know what it means for him to still be alive and be kept around in that state but I hope it has a meaningful impact later on other than sympathy for Fitz, which was felt. Realistically there’s no where he could go where he would be treated better but in terms of the show I wonder what they have in store. And I really like Skye’s development over the course of this series including this episode. She would be sent to talk to Ward regarding Hydra’s method of communicating and this was an intriguing moment. I’ve stated many times that I enjoyed Ward more as a villain, and despite this episode seemingly taking a more redemptive approach to the character I still feel that way for the most part. If he becomes an anti-hero I think that would fit the character a lot more than just reverting back to Agent Ward from earlier last season because Brett Dalton pulls it off very well. And with General Talbot making a significant appearance this episode, the cast of characters is as interesting as ever with no generic characters. And this isn’t even the end as Coulson spoke of finding more allies (and of course the announcements made prior to the season starting).

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    The story would be highly entertaining as events unfolded, and even the humorous lines wouldn’t take away from the seriously intense moments. The plans from both sides would be entertaining but the action would be just as good with the Absorbing Man being pretty dope. And the nod when he picked up a ball and chain was too good for me not to have a smile on my face. And there would be twists in the story and, as always, no spoilers here. But even with my high expectations coming into this season I was pleasantly surprised, ok, shocked at the developments at the end. And let’s just say I have a very strong feeling that this season will exceed last season.

     

    SUMMARY

    Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Shadows is a fantastic start to the season, and with its intensity and shocking developments throughout, I’m even more excited about what will unfold this season. Connecting Peggy Carter and the Howling Commandos with the current situation while adding the Absorbing Man is as clear an indication as any that elements from the greater Marvel Universe will be completely embraced and unapologetically. The majority of the new characters working with S.H.I.E.L.D.  weren’t memorable for the most part but I like the expanding roster and the potential there. This is a new season with a new status quo for S.H.I.E.L.D., and so far I’m loving it.

  • Rating ( 9.25 )
  • Total score 9.3

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