Writers: Jeffrey Bell,
Director: Roxann Dawson
Starring: Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker, Elizabeth Henstridge, Pascale Armand, Michael Klesic,
Synopsis: A series of diamond heists are being carried out by a former SHIELD agent, and ex-protege of Coulson. Coulson and his team set out to stop her.
This week’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. continues along the path of improvement that made episode 3 such an enjoyable affair. It also follows some of the same beats, most noticeably the opening which the rest of the show fails to lo live up to; although ‘Eye Spy’ tries its hardest to remain exciting throughout. The scene features a number of men in red masks descending upon a subway train, each carrying a briefcase handcuffed to their wrists. It’s a suspicious looking scene, and one that keeps its cards close to its chest. Are these guys as villainous as they look? Perhaps it will turn out to be a performance art piece. The mixture of surreal imagery set in a realistic location makes for an engaging beginning.
After a woman seems to close her eyes and shut down the train before attacking the men, we soon find out that these men were transporting diamonds, and the attacker knew exactly which of the red faced men was carrying them. It shows a darker side to the show, after we clearly see the severed arm of one of the men. Rather than being a Whodunit, the team quickly identifies the attacker as Akela Amador (Pascale), and ex-agent and former protégé to Agent Coulson. This alleviates some of the more obvious plot procedures, and instead focuses on Coulson’s past relationship with Akela. Coulson is even afraid that S.H.I.E.L.D. will order her assassination, and so keeps things under the radar.
Although great as an emotional connection for the episode, it was just two episodes ago that Coulson was dealing with a former friend with nefarious ties. This makes it seem far too similar after just a four episodes, but at least here it’s played out well from the beginning. Episode 2 was just a twist waiting to happen, whereas here we can get to the meat of the story from the outset.
Like the last episode we also see greater attention paid to the spy aspects of the show. There’s is something very refreshing about the classical nature of the series in this regard. With so many overly serious espionage films and shows, where even James Bond has become Mister Solemnity, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. places the fun back into secret agent adventures. Not only that, but it is still very dedicated to presenting a ‘realistic’ interpretation of the Marvel universe. There is even a sly dig at the likes of other Marvel properties such as X-Men where Agent May suggests there are no verified studies regarding telekinesis. Sure there may be lava-men and huge green monsters in this world, but it’s all explained with (admittedly loose) science.
I must admit to being won over by the show, even if it is at a very slow pace. The cheeky banter is reduced, and the exposition team are kept in their place. The writing also seems to suggest that the creative team are now confident with how they wish for each member to fit into the team, making for more fluid transitions and character development. Perhaps I’ve just spoiled myself recently with over serious and complex shows. Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. is gradually turning into perfect Friday night entertainment, but it is a very gradual transformation.
Best Bit: The opening is filled with mystery, great visuals, and a tense sense of the unknowing. It sets the atmosphere firmly in place and allows the story to unfold around it.
Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. hits Channel 4 every Friday at 8pm.
