Matthew Spencer-Skeen reviews the eleventh episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2…
Following a very good first half to season 2 of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., especially the explosive midseason finale, I have to say I have been excited for the resuming of this oft derided series. This became even more so following the intermission series of Agent Carter which showed that Marvel really can pull of an ABC TV series very well and bring some more of its star power on board.
This week’s episode had its moments but really was setting us up for bigger things down the line. With the events in ‘The Temple’ still ambiguous for all those that weren’t there (except for the excellent Kyle MacLachlan’s Mr Hyde who in limited screen time is still the most interesting character) the team are trying to unravel the mysteries of the events, work out what may have happened to Skye whilst trying to get revenge for Tripp’s death against Hydra.
A lot of the episode focuses around the 2 plots of taking out more Hydra leadership and introducing the new Inhuman elements. With a couple of nods to the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron, we hear mention of Baron von Strucker (Thomas Kretschmann) and get to see the now named Dr. Levy (Henry Goodman) whom we saw talking to the Baron in the Winter Soldier mid-credits scene. We meet some more Hydra heads who appear very disposable, though of course without taking off the main head more will only take their place. We also see some seeds of discord amongst the more mercenary team members starting to be sown.
More interesting is the effects of the Temple on both Raina and Skye. The episode opens introducing us to the blind Inhuman Gordon, whom we now see is a teleporter of some kind. Given we know that others are coming in to play other Inhuman roles I’m intrigued to see how S.H.I.E.L.D. juggles the dual responsibilities of introducing us to these characters and keeping up the fight against HYDRA. Not even mentioning Lady Sif’s return next week linking to another area of the MCU.
Whilst certainly not as strong as the midseason finish, this was a great set up episode and after such a lackadaisical first season I am glad this show has hooked me in to the point where even a more middling episode poses some good questions, teases future answers and keeps me guessing where the series is headed (and in a good way!!).
Matthew Spencer-Skeen – Follow me on Twitter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszFJHnpNzqHh6gswQ0Srpi5E&v=qqtW2LRPtQY&feature=player_embedded
