Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

[AnalBumCover]

Pilot episode looked pretty good last night. Interactions between the main characters are good. And the fact that this is a Joss Whedon (et al) produced series shows great promise at least for the first season.

I just hope it doesn't become a "Heroes" like clusterfuck in future seasons, if it does get picked up.

[Matthean]

Heroes was built differently as a single season was suppose to be a different group of heroes but the success of the show changed that and was further harmed by the writer's strike.

I agree the pilot episode was rather solid. The one tech guy reminded me of the new Pavel Chekov.

[FrogMan]

I was sold before it even started but I liked it too.

FM

[Glengoyne]

Doh I forgot completely about it. I intended to DVR it. Now I gotta see if it is available online.

[Alan T]

I liked it, but I also liked Heroes and Alphas and pretty much any other show like that.

I'm not seeing yet what the difference between those shows and this one is going to be though. Not that I am complaining since I liked that type of show, but I was hoping this show would integrate a bit more of the marvel world to it than just this week's weird science project that the agents have to round up before it hurts something.

[Matthean]

Doh I forgot completely about it. I intended to DVR it. Now I gotta see if it is available online.

ABC has it on their site, which didn't seem to like Chrome for me but FF worked fine.

[AnalBumCover]

but I was hoping this show would integrate a bit more of the marvel world to it than just this week's weird science project that the agents have to round up before it hurts something.

What, were you expecting a cameo appearance from Tony Stark? ;)

I think the best they could do were a few references in passing dialogue. I would expect future episodes to include some cameos. I think the weird science project "Extremis" was a good Marvel universe integration for the pilot episode.

[chadritt]

Theres also a good chance, I'm guessing, that the seasons "Big Bad" somehow ties into the marvel universe. It could be just a quick mention in the films but considering the Extremis was used I have to think theres a link somehow.

[Matthean]

They could easily bring in lesser known heroes for spots. I can see them using a plot line for something like H.Y.D.R.A. as well. This way it is more one organization versus another compared to trying to take down Dr. Doom.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I liked the pilot.

I would like to see them implement some characters from the Marvel universe into the show. There are so many minor characters and what not our there. It's fertile ground and would be neat to see.

I hope it doesn't devolve like Heroes. That show crashed and burned horribly. I think one problem that show had, that won't happen here, is the ridiculous super powers they gave some characters. Everything got way out of whack and a lot of the characters were just too powerful and so the plots and plot holes became ridiculous.

[Alan T]

What, were you expecting a cameo appearance from Tony Stark? ;)

I think the best they could do were a few references in passing dialogue. I would expect future episodes to include some cameos. I think the weird science project "Extremis" was a good Marvel universe integration for the pilot episode.


I never was into comic books, but I thought there were tons of lesser known super heroes in the marvel universe. Doesn't have to be iron man or whatever.. but I figured it would be more super heroish I think is what I mean :)

[chadritt]

I would imagine that the pilot episode isn't where you want to start introducing obscure characters and acting like the viewer should know them. Start off with references to billion dollar films and then get a little obscure.

[AnalBumCover]

I liked the pilot.

I would like to see them implement some characters from the Marvel universe into the show. There are so many minor characters and what not our there. It's fertile ground and would be neat to see.

I hope it doesn't devolve like Heroes. That show crashed and burned horribly. I think one problem that show had, that won't happen here, is the ridiculous super powers they gave some characters. Everything got way out of whack and a lot of the characters were just too powerful and so the plots and plot holes became ridiculous.
It's because of the enormous marvel universe (500+ characters?) is why this series wont devolve like Heroes. They can just pick and choose an existing character and fit them into the plot. I just hope that said character doesn't repeatedly turn into a "Deux Ex Machina" that just happens to show up at the right place at the right time then disappear once the problem gets resolved.

[sterlingice]

Heroes had an awful problem with the "superpowers" arm race that I think had to do with Tim Kring not being very familiar with the medium or even fleshing it out much. I don't know much about comic books but even I could see halfway through the first season that Sylar became too powerful to beat except by plot hole

SI

[larrymcg421]

TV Ratings Tuesday: ‘Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Opens Strong, ‘The Voice’ Down from Premiere, ‘Dads’ Declines + ‘Lucky 7′ Flops - Ratings | TVbytheNumbers (http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/09/25/tv-ratings-tuesday-marvels-agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d-opens-strong-the-voice-down-from-premiere-dads-declines-lucky-7-flops/204756/)

Great debut for Agents of SHIELD. The question is how many viewers it will hold for week 2.

[DaddyTorgo]

Doh I forgot completely about it. I intended to DVR it. Now I gotta see if it is available online.

Me too!

[Radii]

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 1 Episode 1 | Full TV Episode Online - WATCHABC.com (http://watchabc.go.com/marvels-agents-of-shield/SH55300807/VDKA0_xbsx0pri/pilot?cid=abc_ss3_shield)

Its available online.

[Groundhog]

Similar to Guardians of the Galaxy, this is a great opportunity for Marvel to build up more obscure characters with an eye for future movies etc. outside of their big X-Men/Avengers characters with more complicated licensing rights in film etc.

[sterlingice]

Just watched the pilot on DVR. I found myself comparing it over and over to Heroes, which is silly since Heroes had so many structural problems. However, it was sustained by the richness of the characters. Masi Oka will never have that awesome of a role again, which is a shame because he was great at it. But just think across the spectrum- sure there were some duds but a tons of those folks (except maybe the wooden Petrellis) have gone onto other things. Enough about Heroes, as for SHIELD:

Feels more sterile and procedural and the characters not as interesting. But hopefully there's room to grow. Clark Gregg is good- has been ever since I first saw him in Sports Night. But after that, it's shaped a lot more like a procedural show. In the way that CSI was originally Grissom (Dad), Catherine (Mom), and three kids: oldest (Warrick), middle (Sarah), and youngest (Nick). This time, we have Dad, Mom, older kid, the younger twins, and the adopted girl who doesn't quite fit in.

You know the otherr show it really has a vibe of? Torchwood. Only instead of Captain Jack and a bunch of nobodies chasing the supernatural in a covert government agency, it's Clark Gregg and a bunch of nobodies...

SI

[JonInMiddleGA]

For those who didn't DVR the pilot, it airs again on the network tomorrow night.

[DaddyTorgo]

For those who didn't DVR the pilot, it airs again on the network tomorrow night.

Thanks!

[spleen1015]

I found it to be pretty uninteresting. Wasn't the whole 'super powers turns person into human bomb' idea already used some where else, by another show or something?

For all of the build up, it was pretty lame, IMO.

[General Mike]

I found it to be pretty uninteresting. Wasn't the whole 'super powers turns person into human bomb' idea already used some where else, by another show or something?

For all of the build up, it was pretty lame, IMO.

Iron Man 3. The way the guy got his powers was the same Extremis formula as Iron man 3.

[TRO]

It was major plot line in season 1 of Heroes as well.

[sterlingice]

I found it to be pretty uninteresting. Wasn't the whole 'super powers turns person into human bomb' idea already used some where else, by another show or something?

For all of the build up, it was pretty lame, IMO.

The end of season 1 of Heroes was trying to stop an exploding guy in the middle of NYC

SI

[ColtCrazy]

I really enjoyed SHIELD. For a pilot, I'm pretty optimistic about it so I'm in.

On the flip side, I last 10 minutes into Lucky 7 before switching channels. Didn't engage me at all.

[DaddyTorgo]

On the flip side, I last 10 minutes into Lucky 7 before switching channels. Didn't engage me at all.

Same here. I wanted to like a couple of the characters and care about them, but they all seemed like pretty miserable people, except maybe for the hispanic guy (Antonio or something?), and maybe the owner-guy.

[ISiddiqui]

I thought the pilot was decidedly meh. It seemed kind of overly cliche and definitely predictable (I would have liked it if rising tide girl decided not to join the group, but was more of an outsider who consulted or SOMETHING different from what was obviously going to happen & who DIDN'T see SHIELD showing up when rising tide girl said "you'll never find us"?). I hope they take a few interesting chances rather than follow paint by numbers plotlines.

If it wasn't connected to MARVEL, I think it'd be a pass for me after Week 1 (as decent, but not good enough to add to my list of shows).

[sterlingice]

I thought the pilot was decidedly meh. It seemed kind of overly cliche and definitely predictable (I would have liked it if rising tide girl decided not to join the group, but was more of an outsider who consulted or SOMETHING different from what was obviously going to happen & who DIDN'T see SHIELD showing up when rising tide girl said "you'll never find us"?). I hope they take a few interesting chances rather than follow paint by numbers plotlines.

If it wasn't connected to MARVEL, I think it'd be a pass for me after Week 1 (as decent, but not good enough to add to my list of shows).

This. The word I kept thinking of (when I wasn't comparing it to other shows) was "sterile". It feels very calculated and I didn't feel a ton of room for growth. But the overall premise lends itself to being outlandish and having growth so I'll keep it in the rotation for now.

SI

[Matthean]

I found it to be pretty uninteresting. Wasn't the whole 'super powers turns person into human bomb' idea already used some where else, by another show or something?

For all of the build up, it was pretty lame, IMO.

Straight out of Iron Man comics so they were using their own source material. Heroes, if anything, borrowed heavily from comics and tried to claim ignorance.

[PilotMan]

Maybe you guys are missing the point. My kids liked it. They were too young when Heroes came out, but they have grown up with the Avengers/Iron Man/Marvel series of movies. This fits in their mind, and it's not something they have seen, and it's one of the shrinking market of television shows that we all can actually watch together. So it seems to me that maybe you guys aren't in the right demographic.

[ISiddiqui]

Yep, they totally don't want the 18-40 demo ;).

[AnalBumCover]

Yep, they totally don't want the 18-40 demo ;).

Sounds right. I'm 41 and I enjoyed it. :)

[Groundhog]

Finally caught episode 1. I liked it. It wasn't a masterpiece, but as far as tongue-in-cheek fun goes, sure.

[gstelmack]

Finally caught episode 1. I liked it. It wasn't a masterpiece, but as far as tongue-in-cheek fun goes, sure.

Exactly. My wife and I watched it last night and found it fun. I'm happy with that.

[Neon_Chaos]

The tie-in with the Marvel Universe definitely does the show favors.

Agent Coulson being revealed as alive after the events of The Avengers. Maria Hill making an appearance. I liked the reference of using Extremis (the superhuman serum that blows people up in Iron Man 3) for the first episode.

Hopefully, they will be able to keep the show afloat long enough for when Avengers 2 rolls along.

[Neon_Chaos]

Straight out of Iron Man comics so they were using their own source material. Heroes, if anything, borrowed heavily from comics and tried to claim ignorance.

In terms of contiuity, It was the same superhuman serum used by the villains in Iron Man 3.

[DanGarion]

I thought it was a great Pilot. Looking forward to a whole season.

[Matthean]

Minor quibbles aside, I quite enjoyed the second episode.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Minor quibbles aside, I quite enjoyed the second episode.

I agree. The theme of the episode was spelled out again and again and again and again, but I enjoyed it well enough.

[AnalBumCover]

I also enjoyed...

Samuel L. Jackson's cameo.

They are really going full throttle in tying the series into the whole Marvel Universe.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I also enjoyed...

Samuel L. Jackson's cameo.

They are really going full throttle in tying the series into the whole Marvel Universe.

I must have totally missed that.

[chinaski]

I liked the first episode but wasnt feeling this one at all. Most of the action scenes reminded me of something id see at a Universal Studios live act. Really cheesey.

[Matthean]

I must have totally missed that.


<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5GlDR3aQjps" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Vince, Pt. II]

Anyone know of a way to improve the quality of the stream off ABC's website? It's freaking terrible.

Edit: Or even a better source to watch from.

[sterlingice]

I enjoyed the first two eps enough to give it until at least the half season mark.

SI

[ISiddiqui]

Still "meh" to me. I mean, the 086 (or whatever the numbers were) was pretty lame even.

[sterlingice]

I'm not sold on it but I'm curious enough to see where it goes. If it dies in a season, I'll probably shed about as many tears as I did for Terra Nova (hint: not many). But it has enough elements for me to see some potential, even if the writing is not there yet

SI

[Vince, Pt. II]

I am enjoying it. It's no great shakes, but the premise and the characters are enough to keep me interested until it gets legitimately bad.

[Groundhog]

I thought episode 2 was pretty bad and gave off a later-season Stargate vibe. Episode 3 however, pretty great. More in line with what I was expecting out of this show.

[DanGarion]

I thought episode 2 was pretty bad and gave off a later-season Stargate vibe. Episode 3 however, pretty great. More in line with what I was expecting out of this show.

Episode 2 as a whole was just ok, but I did like the end since the overall result of the episode was to build the "team".

[Alan T]

I liked episode 1 the most, episode 2 second most and episode 3 the least. I'll continue watching because there are not many other shows out there that fill this genre of interest for me well right now, but they could do much better with this show in my opinion.

[ISiddiqui]

This show would be ridiculously better if it wasn't so cliched. Sky and the doctor were just acting like they were working with the bad guy, so they could just undermine him! Oh lord...

[ColtCrazy]

I thought episode 3 was a step up from 2. 2 was just campy with horrible fight scenes. This one was considerably more interesting. If it stays like 3, I'll be happy.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think one problem the show has had so far is focusing on Sky and Ward (I think that's the fighting guys name), who are the least two interesting characters on the show. More Coulson and moore of the pilot woman would help.

I still watch it, but overall it's been pretty mediocre.

[EagleFan]

I think one problem the show has had so far is focusing on Sky

Focusing on Sky is not a problem at all.

[ColtCrazy]

Focusing on Sky is not a problem at all.

+1 Continued focus on her would be appreciated.

[hoopsguy]

Scientist was Franklin Hall - which might ring a bell for some hardcore Avengers fans.

Franklin Hall (Earth-616 - Marvel Comics Database (http://marvel.wikia.com/Franklin_Hall_(Earth-616))

[BishopMVP]

Focusing on Sky is not a problem at all.Wait, you want this girl to stick around? http://24.media.tumblr.com/dd1df8cc9dd7c06b5a01e5a09248c7c0/tumblr_muefn74YhJ1sq7pofo6_400.gif

[EagleFan]

Wait, you want this girl to stick around? http://24.media.tumblr.com/dd1df8cc9dd7c06b5a01e5a09248c7c0/tumblr_muefn74YhJ1sq7pofo6_400.gif

May have been the best scene in the show. :)

[Alan T]

I think one problem the show has had so far is focusing on Sky and Ward (I think that's the fighting guys name), who are the least two interesting characters on the show. More Coulson and moore of the pilot woman would help.

I still watch it, but overall it's been pretty mediocre.


I think that is part of my problem.. there aren't too many interesting characters at all. Coulson is interesting because you want to know what exactly did happen to him (plus I like the actor playing that role).. and yes the pilot you want to know more of what her deal is.. but everyone else.. could just be swapped out with others and not be any big loss.

[General Mike]

+1 Continued focus on her would be appreciated.

+2

And I believe it's spelled Skye.

[sterlingice]

I think that is part of my problem.. there aren't too many interesting characters at all. Coulson is interesting because you want to know what exactly did happen to him (plus I like the actor playing that role).. and yes the pilot you want to know more of what her deal is.. but everyone else.. could just be swapped out with others and not be any big loss.

It's what worries me about the show the most. You have to have interesting characters for the show to have room to grow. I just don't see any beyond those two. Tho, first impressions can be deceiving if the writers decide to go in another direction.

SI

[Glengoyne]

Scientist was Franklin Hall - which might ring a bell for some hardcore Avengers fans.

Franklin Hall (Earth-616 - Marvel Comics Database (http://marvel.wikia.com/Franklin_Hall_(Earth-616))


Cool hopefully they are setting the stage for a recurring villain.

I'd prefer that over a one time reappearance and resolution.

[Matthean]

My problem remains that so few characters have backgrounds that make me care. Skye and Ward just happen to be the best examples of this and yet they are the ones shoved towards the front and they came across as the least interesting. Fitz-Simmons is far better but suffer from the same non-backstory issue.

[BrianD]

I expect the backgrounds to come out more as the season progresses. You have to get the audience hooked before you can really let the background out. Studios will demand this as well.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I thought last night was probably the best episode to date. I really enjoyed it.

[AnalBumCover]

I sure hope Fitz and Simmons soon reveal a dark past that balances out their annoyingly bubbly personalities.

[gi]

I thought last night was probably the best episode to date. I really enjoyed it.

Agreed, show is starting to find itself.

[AnalBumCover]

I really enjoyed this episode.

Skye's background is getting a bit more mysterious. Looks like this season will be about finding herself. Which means less focus on the lesser characters (I guess I'll have to be annoyed with Fitz and Simmons' personalities just a bit longer).

Also: Yes, more Skye skin please!

[gi]

I liked how they are not taking too long with each mystery and not milking it for multiple episodes. At least with Skye. Be interesting to see when we find out about the other mystery drops they have set up for the other characters.

[EagleFan]

Also: Yes, more Skye skin please!

YES! YES! YES!!!!!

[chinaski]

good thread on reddit about the show. I completely agree with the top comment.

http://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1p1gwq/i_think_the_only_reason_im_still_watching_agents/

[Alan T]

This week's episode was a step back from the previous week's which I thought was pretty good.

[ColtCrazy]

I really enjoyed this episode.

Also: Yes, more Skye skin please!

Didn't mind the extended dialogue in her underwear at all. Wife, naturally, thought it was a bit excessive. I happened to like the excessive bits too.

Show overall is solid. It's not Blacklist or Elementary for me, but it's entertaining enough and they are at least making an attempt to be edgier (roasting the scientist). It's firmly in my DVR.

[sterlingice]

Also, Centipede is an awful name for an evil organization

SI

[ISiddiqui]

Just saw the latest - more focus on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s surveillance being really creepy and maybe not morally ok please. Otherwise, its still pretty boring.

[BishopMVP]

good thread on reddit about the show. I completely agree with the top comment.

http://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/1p1gwq/i_think_the_only_reason_im_still_watching_agents/Not sure if anyone here watches Arrow (it is on the CW after all), but this article does a good job explaining how much better that show is at tying in to the larger universe.

What 'Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.' Can Learn From 'Arrow' | UPROXX (http://www.uproxx.com/gammasquad/2013/10/agents-s-h-e-l-d-can-learn-arrow/)

[Matthean]

I just watched last week's episode. That was awesome.

[gi]

They are finding their grove now.

[nilodor]

They are finding their grove now.

Agreed. I almost gave up on the show after the third or fourth episode. Then it just got good. It was almost like a whole new show.

[sterlingice]

I haven't seen this past episode, but I'm caught up other than that. They are still overwriting stuff, assuming the audience is a bit dumber than I hope for. But there's still enough to keep my attention.

SI

[Neon_Chaos]

Great episode

[AnalBumCover]

Loved last night's episode. Great action and suspense. And we also got a glimpse of Agent May's backstory.

Looks like there's an apparent bizarre love triangle developing between Skye, Ward and May. And it seems like it will progress as a side plot throughout the remainder of the season.

[Matthean]

A minor complaint is they seem to be tipping their hat quite a bit in terms of potential plot twists.

[sterlingice]

The writers are terribly ham-handed. There's hardly any subtlety or unexpected plot twists.

SI

[gi]

The last episode was one of the weaker ones. I'm hoping either Jed and Maurissa fix their writing or get someone else for the other episodes.

[TexasT]

Awesome series!

[DanGarion]

I'm confused where this show falls into the Marvel timeline... Don't the X-Men exist yet?

[chadritt]

They don't have the legal rights to say X-Men. Im not sure they can even reference Mutants.

[DanGarion]

They don't have the legal rights to say X-Men. Im not sure they can even reference Mutants.

Really? Wow that's a fucking stupid fuckup by Marvel to not even be able to mention their own properties in their show. That sucks.

[chadritt]

Really? Wow that's a fucking stupid fuckup by Marvel to not even be able to mention their own properties in their show. That sucks.

I mean...they sold the rights to FOX before they even thought about making their own films. It made a ton of financial sense at the time.

[EagleFan]

I'm confused where this show falls into the Marvel timeline... Don't the X-Men exist yet?

Just watch Sky for a while and the rest of that stuff won't matter...

[DanGarion]

I mean...they sold the rights to FOX before they even thought about making their own films. It made a ton of financial sense at the time.

I understand when and why, I just didn't realize that the "selling" of the rights went that deep.

[DanGarion]

Just watch Sky for a while and the rest of that stuff won't matter...

Meh, she's ok, but I don't really watch the show for her.

[Young Drachma]

Loved last night's episode. Great action and suspense. And we also got a glimpse of Agent May's backstory.

Looks like there's an apparent bizarre love triangle developing between Skye, Ward and May. And it seems like it will progress as a side plot throughout the remainder of the season.

Skye is a lost puppy looking for a home.

[hoopsguy]

Anyone still watching this? The two episodes wrapped around the Christmas break feel like they've moved the plot along quite a bit.

Still not finding myself caring about the characters enough to be really committed, but I do feel like the show is starting to hit its stride in terms of showing a Season 1 arc.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I am still watching it.

I enjoy it well enough, but it's not great.

Some things are interesting. Some things make me laugh.

I am still surprised at how little they've done in terms of really tapping into the Marvel Universe.

[chadritt]

My understanding is that the big tie in comes with Captain America 2 and that they're sort of stuck in plot limbo until they can really work with that.

Edit: though if the rumors true there have been subtle things, just nothing they can make obvious and some that actually look like really bad writing.

[ISiddiqui]

Anyone still watching this? The two episodes wrapped around the Christmas break feel like they've moved the plot along quite a bit.

Still not finding myself caring about the characters enough to be really committed, but I do feel like the show is starting to hit its stride in terms of showing a Season 1 arc.

I decided to leave it a month ago. In its place I picked up "Sleepy Hollow" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (thanks Hulu Plus) - one of the best TV watching decisions I've ever made.

[sterlingice]

Anyone still watching this? The two episodes wrapped around the Christmas break feel like they've moved the plot along quite a bit.

Still not finding myself caring about the characters enough to be really committed, but I do feel like the show is starting to hit its stride in terms of showing a Season 1 arc.

We're a couple of episodes behind on the DVR so that's good to hear. Agreed that the biggest problem is that I'm just not at all invested in the characters with the only exception being Coulson and that's not from the show but from the movies. I would say "fix that and you'd make the show a lot better" but that's like saying "I like the car except for everything inside it so just change that".

Secondly, and I've seen a little about this but is it such that they can't really tie into any Marvel universe stuff except overly broad stuff tied into the movies? I remember we had a minor villain a few episodes back and the temptation would be to have some sort of "character per week" where they have a new character introduced with each new case each week but that's how you can build up a good stable of secondary character and bring back the ones that work.

SI

[DaddyTorgo]

My understanding is that the big tie in comes with Captain America 2 and that they're sort of stuck in plot limbo until they can really work with that.

Edit: though if the rumors true there have been subtle things, just nothing they can make obvious and some that actually look like really bad writing.

Who's stupid idea of planning was that then?

[chadritt]

No clue. The whole "tie it into the film universe" just seems like a massive pain in the ass to get to work. Trying to keep the show accessible for people who haven't seen the films, particularly the ones coming out as the show airs, must be a nightmare. Add in typical network notes/involvement and i can't even imagine the difficulty. Its probably why I can't think of anyone actually trying this before.

[Honolulu_Blue]

No clue. The whole "tie it into the film universe" just seems like a massive pain in the ass to get to work. Trying to keep the show accessible for people who haven't seen the films, particularly the ones coming out as the show airs, must be a nightmare. Add in typical network notes/involvement and i can't even imagine the difficulty. Its probably why I can't think of anyone actually trying this before.

I don't think the show has to really use all that much, if anything, from the movies. There are hundreds of characters in the Marvel Universe that could be brought it or used in some fashion.

While I have never seen the show, my impression is that "Arrow" - The Green Arrow show on CW - does a really good job of incorporating various characters from the D.C. universe.

[Groundhog]

While I have never seen the show, my impression is that "Arrow" - The Green Arrow show on CW - does a really good job of incorporating various characters from the D.C. universe.

I only watched the first season of Arrow, as I found it a bit cheesy. But yeah, a number of cameo appearances by mostly minor DC characters, which is exactly what S.H.I.E.L.D. should have been doing since episode 1.

Flash is set to make an Arrow appearances (or may already have, I'm behind the news) as well, as a lead in to his own series. Marvel movies may be well ahead of DC as far as establishing a universe there, but DC seem to be on the right path as far as TV goes.

[chadritt]

Marvel is about to have a whole new netflix universe. That looks interesting to me.

[PackerFanatic]

I've been enjoying it. I also am enjoying Arrow more than I thought - I was ready to give up on it but stuck with it and it's pretty good.

[revrew]

Watched Season 1 of "Arrow" on Netflix and loved it. Yes, it is a bit "cheesy," largely because the lead actor is cheesy. He's too likeable to be as dark as they want to portray him, but not charismatic enough to be the playboy they want to portray him as. He seems like a gymnast first, actor second. Plus that horrible, Donald Trump wig they put on him in the flashbacks is horribly distracting. I keep expecting the thing to rise up off his head and say to him, "Dude? Is that the best you can do? I'm going back to my home planet."

But if you can get past the failures of the lead actor, the show is good, cheesy fun.

[Groundhog]

I watched episodes 12-15 of season 1 of Arrow on the weekend. Have to say, I liked it a whole heap more than I did the first half of season 1. I don't know if the acting has improved or that it was just the sister/mum conflict storylines that didn't do much for me earlier.

[Matthean]

I have to be right around there as well. I binged on it when I got sick. I so far enjoy it.

[Young Drachma]

I've been enjoying it. I also am enjoying Arrow more than I thought - I was ready to give up on it but stuck with it and it's pretty good.

I like Arrow more than I like Agents of SHIELD by a wide margin.

[BishopMVP]

I watched episodes 12-15 of season 1 of Arrow on the weekend. Have to say, I liked it a whole heap more than I did the first half of season 1. I don't know if the acting has improved or that it was just the sister/mum conflict storylines that didn't do much for me earlier.Pretty much anything involving Thea or Laurel strays into typical CW-show territory, but outside of that it's pretty good. It helps that all of the "sidekicks" are decent actors (Diggle, the Cop, Slade, Felicity), but they also do a much better job than Agents of connecting to the universe, whether it's throwaway lines/sight gags only comic book readers will get or using 2nd/3rd tier villains as antagonists.

[Groundhog]

It's the whole 2nd/3rd tier villains/characters thing that I love. I think everyone took it for granted that S.H.I.E.L.D. would do the same. Mind boggling.

[chadritt]

They've started to. They've got a couple already and theyre adding at least one more with Deathlok. It was weird that it didn't happen more at the beginning, they seemed WAY too focused on mysteries nobody really cared about, but I've been more of a fan as the show has gone on.

[TRO]

Whedon is about characters first. They've slowly established them over the course of the season. I think it has been paced well for the long term.

[Thomkal]

SPOILERS IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THIS WEEK'S EPISODE YET




Well how are we feeling now after the events from last night's episode? The only thing I didn't like was after they found the real traitor, they didn't immediately become suspicious of those who he had long term contact with-mainly Agents Ward and the black Agent working with Simmons in the lab whose name I can't remember this second. I mean their boss had killed off three other agents who had become suspicious of him-yet both of them are still alive. Is there one more betrayal to come?

I know there's been some complaints about the actor playing Agent Ward, but wow that was some good work on his part. So the question is: Has he been brainwashed into working for Hydra or one of its leaders from the start?

[nilodor]

SPOILERS IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THIS WEEK'S EPISODE YET




So the question is: Has he been brainwashed into working for Hydra or one of its leaders from the start?

Or some crazy rouse so he can get back to the higher ups at Hydra, namely the black lady and whoever the clairvoyant actually is.

[cschex]

I'm betting on ruse to infiltrate HYDRA. Either way, last night's episode was fantastic

[Thomkal]

Or some crazy rouse so he can get back to the higher ups at Hydra, namely the black lady and whoever the clairvoyant actually is.

Or that too. Wasn't quite sure what that grin he gave at the end was supposed to indicate.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I'm betting on ruse to infiltrate HYDRA. Either way, last night's episode was fantastic

I think the episode needed a few more twists and turns.

What are the odds that Ward didn't actually kill the woman & other agents in this plot to infiltrate HYDRA?

[nilodor]

What are the odds that Ward didn't actually kill the woman & other agents in this plot to infiltrate HYDRA?

90%, even though they showed blood I feel like it was some new type of icer or squibs.

I normally watch SHIELD comfortably while cooking, this episode was just nuts, I had to only cook during the commercials because it was just a rollercoaster. I can't think of many other shows that run along at a 3 or 4 on the action scale then after 20 episodes of that dial up a 9.

[nilodor]

Dola: It would be like batting against a knuckleballer when they finally chuck the 86 mph gas at you.

[ColtCrazy]

Show has definitely gotten better recently and last night's episode was quite good. Not sure about Ward either. They have to explain the 3 people he shot otherwise he can't just be doing this to get into Hydra by sacrificing 3 people. The brainwashed thing is possible.

Happy to see more tie-ins to the movies as well, although I was disappointed to read the Coulson is most likely not going to be in Avengers2.

[General Mike]

Based on past Whedon series' it wouldn't shock me if Coulson died again before Avengers 2 comes out.

The last 3 episodes have really picked up the pace on the series, and it seems like they might have had to hold back on what they wanted to do based on the fact that so much stuff was tied into Captain America: TWS

[sterlingice]

SPOILERS IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THIS WEEK'S EPISODE YET




Well how are we feeling now after the events from last night's episode? The only thing I didn't like was after they found the real traitor, they didn't immediately become suspicious of those who he had long term contact with-mainly Agents Ward and the black Agent working with Simmons in the lab whose name I can't remember this second. I mean their boss had killed off three other agents who had become suspicious of him-yet both of them are still alive. Is there one more betrayal to come?

I know there's been some complaints about the actor playing Agent Ward, but wow that was some good work on his part. So the question is: Has he been brainwashed into working for Hydra or one of its leaders from the start?

If they want to swing a Ward for Trip trade on the team, I'd be ok with it. The actor playing Trip is more charismatic but it does kindof bust up the whole Ward-Skye thing they've been angling for since the beginning.

In the last few episodes, I've really liked Bill P. My wife and I were noting how even though he's thought of as a mediocre movie actor, you can see the difference between tv and movies clearly. He was chewing scenery in a way that no one else on that show, even Clark Gregg, is capable of and it wasn't even close.

The funny thing about the recent ep is that I still think the writers for the show are fairly mediocre and play it safe. So while my mind was nagging me ever since Ward killed the fake Clairvoyant that he has to be the traitor. I was like "nah, this writing staff wouldn't be able to do a multiple double cross situation" and "I thought it was just bad acting that Ward couldn't pull of the whole I-killed-the-bad-guy-to-save you" that wouldn't make sense. Sadly, it's damning with faint praise: I was surprised because I didn't think they could pull off something competent so when they did, I didn't expect it.

SI

[sterlingice]

Did anyone see the Captain America movie? The second set of Avengers movies I've been redboxing because, well, frankly, they're kindof "meh". Without spoiling too much, is there a reason I should go check out the movie in the near future before watching any more Shield? We saved up a few episodes leading up to Thor and then watched the movie, realizing there really wasn't much tie in between the movies and the show as they were pretty careful to not lose the audience in either that just watched one or the other.

SI

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Oh, and I would bet anybody here my entire annual paycheck that Fury is not dead.

[ColtCrazy]

Did anyone see the Captain America movie? The second set of Avengers movies I've been redboxing because, well, frankly, they're kindof "meh". Without spoiling too much, is there a reason I should go check out the movie in the near future before watching any more Shield? We saved up a few episodes leading up to Thor and then watched the movie, realizing there really wasn't much tie in between the movies and the show as they were pretty careful to not lose the audience in either that just watched one or the other.

SI

Yes, the new Captain America is pretty good and this past Shield episode definitely ties in. In terms of the timeline, the Shield episode happens towards the end of the movie…although the movie gives some details away you wouldn't know if you only watch the show.

[sterlingice]

Oh, and I would bet anybody here my entire annual paycheck that Fury is not dead.

In a show where we can bring people back from the dead? Based on comics? No way! :D

SI

[chadritt]

Oh, and I would bet anybody here my entire annual paycheck that Fury is not dead.

See the film, they make it as clear as a comic book movie can...

[M GO BLUE!!!]

See the film, they make it as clear as a comic book movie can...

The thing is, my entire annual paycheck isn't exactly going to anything but make someone say "ouch." :D

[cuervo72]

Finally caught up to be able to see the past few eps semi-live.

The writers have done a pretty decent fake-out job, I think. I went from wondering if Blake was the Clairvoyant (I think Deathlok could have easily finished the job, wondered why he didn't) to briefly wondering about Hand, to thinking "ohhhhhh, Hand is directing the drones to kill Garrett because she thinks he's gone bad...and there he is, above everyone hovering around in his own plane...yep, it's him."

Then there was the whole situation room scene with Hand that made me wonder again, but when Paxton started his scene-chewing, it was pretty apparent.

Dunno what to make of Ward. It seems...odd that Hand would give him the opportunity to shoot Garrett after she flipped her shit over him shooting the fake (at least, I think she had). At the same time, I have a hard time believing that she would include him on a ruse to have him infiltrate HYDRA. Also had a hard time with Triplett not being under suspicion given how close he was with Garrett.

edit: ok, seems the showrunners have admitted that Ward was a Hydra sleeper all along.

[General Mike]

Yes, the new Captain America is pretty good and this past Shield episode definitely ties in. In terms of the timeline, the Shield episode happens towards the end of the movie…although the movie gives some details away you wouldn't know if you only watch the show.

The previous episode takes place right before the start of the movie. Do you definitely have to see it before watching the episodes? No, but stuff from the movie will get spoilered big time by the episode. This isn't like that November Thor tie-in they did.

[General Mike]

Dola, I thought Hand was the big baddie the whole time, since she is bad in the comics. I guess they have some freedom to do things like that since Deathlok is good in the comics.

[Thomkal]

Finally caught up to be able to see the past few eps semi-live.

The writers have done a pretty decent fake-out job, I think. I went from wondering if Blake was the Clairvoyant (I think Deathlok could have easily finished the job, wondered why he didn't) to briefly wondering about Hand, to thinking "ohhhhhh, Hand is directing the drones to kill Garrett because she thinks he's gone bad...and there he is, above everyone hovering around in his own plane...yep, it's him."

Then there was the whole situation room scene with Hand that made me wonder again, but when Paxton started his scene-chewing, it was pretty apparent.

Dunno what to make of Ward. It seems...odd that Hand would give him the opportunity to shoot Garrett after she flipped her shit over him shooting the fake (at least, I think she had). At the same time, I have a hard time believing that she would include him on a ruse to have him infiltrate HYDRA. Also had a hard time with Triplett not being under suspicion given how close he was with Garrett.

edit: ok, seems the showrunners have admitted that Ward was a Hydra sleeper all along.

link?

[cuervo72]

Ah, I think it's on the Marvel site - popped up in the news items while googling. Interview with Loeb and...somebody on how they told Ward (forget the actor's name) that he was going to turn and how they had this planned all along.

Hrmm, one at EW too: 'Agents of SHIELD' creators dissect that game-changing twist | Inside TV | EW.com (http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/09/agents-of-shield-postmortem-ward/) (actually having trouble re-locating the Marvel.com one)

Of course...that could all be another misdirection - there are what, six eps left in the season - but who knows.

[General Mike]

cuervo, I think it's this one that you mean:

EXCLUSIVE: Brett Dalton on Agent Ward's New Role in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (http://marvel.com/news/tv/2014/4/8/22302/exclusive_brett_dalton_on_agent_wards_new_role_in_marvels_agents_of_shield.)

[cuervo72]

Yep, that's the one - thanks General.

[Draft Dodger]

am I the only one who noticed a significant number of similarities to the first Star Wars movie?

[EagleFan]

am I the only one who noticed a significant number of similarities to the first Star Wars movie?

???

[cuervo72]

So, Ward and Skye are brother and sister then? Coulson, Obi Wan? Is Mace Windu Yoda?

(I could actually kinda see Fitz and Simmons as R2 and 3PO...)

[DanGarion]

Loved the finale.

Phil Coulson heart, and conscience of the Avengers.

Just thought it was a great episode all around and got a lot of laughs throughout the action and drama. Can't wait to see what they do with Fitz...

Oh and Director Coulson.

[DanGarion]

Oh yeah and a number of callbacks to different things... Such as...

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/sGCbfeoqRgs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[General Mike]

Loved the finale.

Phil Coulson heart, and conscience of the Avengers.

Just thought it was a great episode all around and got a lot of laughs throughout the action and drama. Can't wait to see what they do with Fitz...

Oh and Director Coulson.

I liked the finale a lot too. I thought the show struggled early, but began picking up steam with the Thor DVD tie-in (Lorelei episode) and then the Captain America tie-in. They did a good job with setting up next season with the final 2 scenes, even tho I have no clue what they mean.

[Draft Dodger]

???

like I'm going to remember now. :D

[kcchief19]

Yeah, I thought the only thing the show had going for it early on was Clark Gregg's charisma. But the uprising storyline really picked things up. Bill Paxton was phenomenal, and the way the story eventually unfolded was terrific. If the first six episodes had been as good as the last six, this show would be soaring. Hopefully viewers catch on and the writing stays strong.

Was really distraught when Eric was killed. Can't wait to hear what Billy's story is.

Haven't heard or read if there will be any cast changes for next season. BJ Britt was a nice addition midseason, hope he stick around. Probably hoping too much that Cobie Smulders joins the cast full time now that she has some free time.

The lead in to the next Avengers movie could be epic if done right. The tie-is with Thor and Captain America were very effective.

[DanGarion]

Eric and Billy?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Eric and Billy?

Patton Oswalt. The lanyard guys at the secret bases. They're either twins, androids or something like that.

[DanGarion]

Patton Oswalt. The lanyard guys at the secret bases. They're either twins, androids or something like that.

My guess is LMDs or Clones.

[sterlingice]

I agree with the rest, the Hydra storyline was interesting. However, I feel like they are still playing it way too safe. In the end, there wasn't really Hydra, just Bill Paxton (who was great) trying to get immortality. Sure Flowers is still out there and now we're going to start playing with Skye's backstory (it's just not interesting to me) but we've cleared the board of all the major players except for Graviton (who I'm sure will be back, possibly as a season-wide super villain at some point), Mike Peterson (who may guest star from time to time as a vigilante hero), and Coulson's team.

That said, the Marvel universe is rich with stuff to tap into, it just seems that they've either been really leery to do much with it or just aren't allowed. In the entire Marvel universe, all we've seen so far are Deathlok, Graviton, movie tie-ins (Nick Fury, girl from Thor), and a big blue alien corpse.

Also, I think the "shock" of bringing Coulson back to life mostly fell flat as the only vaguely shocking part of it was, well, big blue. I think the writers thought they had something more there and really played it up much more than it merited. I worry a bit because they don't seem to be able to write characters all that well or connect with the audience (the show rarely has heart outside of Gregg)- it's basically a bunch of action movie writers which is fine for 2 hours but you need something more for multiple seasons (unless you write for 24).

I guess it could be interesting how they rebuild SHIELD. They could spend the entire next season recruiting for SHIELD and start expanding the universe again and that would be good. I love that Clark Gregg has always been "hero bureaucrat" - it's a bit of a throwback and a real breath of fresh air to have a purely good hero. There's no conflict, no true moral dilemmas- he's always going to do the right thing. And if the writers ever decide to put him in a situation where there is no good out or he willfully chooses evil, then it will just be gross negligence on the part of the writing staff because it's too easy and too cliche to take advantage of a high fall from grace for cheap short term thrills at the expense of a rare long term character.

All in all, it survives another season on the DVR for us. It's hard to not draw the Heroes comparisons. Heroes started really strong out of the gates with good plots (save the cheerleader, Hero being awesome, Sylar as a great villain) and great characters. Think how many careers were launched from that show: Zachary Quinto and Hayden Panettiere were made on that show; Jack Coleman, Masi Oka, Greg Grunberg, and Adrian Pasdar all make the rounds as guest stars and recurring actors on shows now because of what they did in Heroes. It started much stronger and even with SHIELD greatly improving, Heroes was still in a better place at the end of season 1. But between Tim Kring's inability to balance a superhero show and the writer's strike, it died pretty quick. Hopefully SHIELD continues on the upward trajectory as I'm still cautiously optimistic.

SI

[Honolulu_Blue]

I enjoyed the season. It definitely picked up steam as it went along.

I am in for another year.

[Draft Dodger]

It definitely got substantially better as the season went on. It's not my favorite (primarily watching as it's one of the few shows we watch as a family) but it's night and day better than what it was

[kcchief19]

The first half the season was very episodic, with largely self-contained episodes and only "mythology" elements sprinkled in here and there and in the last scene. Once the story arcs got more serialized in the second half of the season, the show got better. But when you do that, you lose the casual viewer and only get the hardcore fans.

I'm with SI, I do think they are still playing it a bit safe. The HYDRA storyline was great, but I think there is still a lot of materials from the comics than can use without compromising the movies. This show was always intended to be in the background without any Avengers, but that doesn't mean it has to be NCIS: SHIELD.

[Matthean]

I really need to get caught up on this show. :D

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/1958447_10152727927597488_3525792747425611149_n.jpg?oh=ebd6051ff070fcdc9248963831637bb7&oe=54C24630

[saldana]

I really need to get caught up on this show. :D

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/1958447_10152727927597488_3525792747425611149_n.jpg?oh=ebd6051ff070fcdc9248963831637bb7&oe=54C24630

that shot is from tonights episode, so you havent missed it yet :)

[General Mike]

I thought the second season has been solid so far. I really think last year was hurt by the fact that they had to wait for the HYDRA reveal in Captain America. I don't think they'll have too many problems with that this year since it seems like the season will end right before the Avengers movie.

[Thomkal]

Well that was a pretty intense episode-setting up the Inhumans vs Humanity war for next season. Like how Coulson is almost looking like a bad guy now. Glad Gonzales got what he deserved. Could be a lot of cast changeover next season as everybody's loyalties pull them further and further apart from each other.

[AnalBumCover]

Last night's character-centric episode was nothing short of amazing.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I agree! It was a really great episode.

This whole season, so far, has been pretty great.

[DanGarion]

Last night's character-centric episode was nothing short of amazing.

Completely agree. I've been more than happy about the entire season. The show has really gone the next level.

[SackAttack]

It was an amazing episode, but it had me in a monkey-flinging-poo state by the end of it.

[whomario]

Loved the off-world episode as well as the Garner/Lash reveal and the season as a whole BUT: Why do writers need so much stupidity in their characters nowadays ? How in the world do you let that stupid-face Lincoln (seriously, worst character on the show by a wide margin) get anywhere near him ? It makes absolutely no freaking sense for anybody involved. Yeah, so it worked out in the end and all, but that contrived bs makes me angry ...

[Honolulu_Blue]

I wasn't too upset about that, but I do wholeheartedly agree that Lincoln is the worst character on the show by a wide margin. I hate it whenever he shows up. He's terrible.

[nilodor]

I really think the show has found its stride in dealing with the inhumans. I think it's a lot easier to make you care about them because you get to understand the people and issues. Wherein a movie they would need to be glossed over.

[whomario]

I really think the show has found its stride in dealing with the inhumans. I think it's a lot easier to make you care about them because you get to understand the people and issues. Wherein a movie they would need to be glossed over.

I dunno. We care about Skye and Garner because we knew them before, other than that they did not play much of a role recently and get "sprung on us" when they do (like that cloning-chick) or they are called Lincoln.
Not that i mind exactly, just don´t fell they played much of a role at all this season so far on an individual level (or in general. For all the talk about joining forces between Shield and ACwhatever and having an epidemic, they were pretty much off-screen background noise since like episode 2 or 3)

[nilodor]

I dunno. We care about Skye and Garner because we knew them before, other than that they did not play much of a role recently and get "sprung on us" when they do (like that cloning-chick) or they are called Lincoln.
Not that i mind exactly, just don´t fell they played much of a role at all this season so far on an individual level (or in general. For all the talk about joining forces between Shield and ACwhatever and having an epidemic, they were pretty much off-screen background noise since like episode 2 or 3)

I hear you. I agree the inhumans haven't played much of a role on an individual level (which I'd like to see more of), but they certainly are the backdrop of then world. Without them, the ACU, obelisk, etc. don't mean much. I just think that it's been a more interesting world on screen than Hydra.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Last night's episode continued the strong run for the season so far.

They've done a really great job tying in the three major plot threads by linking them all to the portal.

I think Ward has to be one of the most interesting characters on TV. At first, he was so bland and boring, the stereotypical action hero guy. But once the big reveal happened, it all made sense, since he was just playing a role, and since then he's been a fantastic villain.

Really enjoying this season.

Also, I cant wait for the Peggy Carter show. I loved the first one.

[AnalBumCover]

Not sure if anyone is still watching this, but I just binge-watched Season 4. It's gotta be their best season yet. Pretty cool bringing in a popular Marvel character like Ghost Rider, but the second half really took off with the matrix-like alternative reality.

[nilodor]

Not sure if anyone is still watching this, but I just binge-watched Season 4. It's gotta be their best season yet. Pretty cool bringing in a popular Marvel character like Ghost Rider, but the second half really took off with the matrix-like alternative reality.

Still one of my faves. I'm interested to see where they wind up with the new inhumans show. I'm pretty glad they decided to reanimate Clark Gregg's character in the show because he, and whoever the actress playing Daisy is, really carry the show.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I still watch it. I enjoyed this season. They did a really great job with the show.

I agree about Daisy/Skye. I wasn't sold on her at all early on, but she's been fantastic.

[PackerFanatic]

Season 4 was my favorite - wasn't sure that I was going to like the Ghost Rider angle, but it was fun and the way they brought him back in the end was great too.

I do hope they are able to bring back Bobby and Hunter at some point - the spin-off they were supposed to end up on isn't happening and I enjoyed their characters.

[AnalBumCover]

I do hope they are able to bring back Bobby and Hunter at some point - the spin-off they were supposed to end up on isn't happening and I enjoyed their characters.

I forgot about them. Would've been nice if they had appeared in the Framework.

[DanGarion]

Season 4, especially the 2nd and 3nd arcs were some of the best if not the best stuff on TV in 2017.

[CrescentMoonie]

Season 4, especially the 2nd and 3nd arcs were some of the best if not the best stuff on TV in 2017.

I hated Ghost Rider, but everything else was excellent.