This fall, Marvel Studios launches it's first television series: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC. I've been a big fan of the Marvel Studio films so far. They haven't been perfect, but they've been enjoyable. It seems like they might continue the Marvel magic on television. It's showing all the signs so far: Agent Coulson, super-powered beings, top notch special effects, an interesting mix of actors, hands on approach by Avengers Director Josh Wheddon, possible guest stars.
But...
I have some reservations at the same time. I think this show will work as long as it doesn't come off like the Avengers minor league show, or the Avengers D-league series. And hopefully it's not just pulling second tier characters into this for the sake of it either.
This show could be very successful if it adds on to the Marvel Cinematic Universe much like the specials that were added to the blu-rays were. Those short films made me look forward that much more to the movie. It also made me want to see MORE of these shorts as well. I liked how they connected the dots that the big budget movies couldn't. Hopefully these shorts were a trial run for the series not unique to itself in any way.
I also truly enjoyed the promotional comic books that were released in comic shops. They were amazing in so many ways. Short stories that served as a precursor to the movies. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. can serve that function as well.
This show could work wonders and build a bigger fanbase than it did if it serves a critical function to the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe tying up various ends. There's still much to be said about various characters and stories like:
What's the deal with the Abomination?
What is the United States Government going to do about the invasion of Aliens? The cleanup and the public word on it will be critical to maintaining a strong public image for the president. How is the world going to react to this now huge presence of Super-Heroes. I can see a secretary of state saying. "Can we really trust them if they are working with that Hulk monster?"
What's Nick Fury's relationship to those mysterious men? (There needs to be an episode with Sam Jackson here somewhere). He should make an appearance here and there, even if it's small!
Yeah we can see the second tier villains that would never get a spot in the big screen, but if they go that route it's going to just seem like they are milking the name and the brand, and it's not going to feel right with the fans. The fan's will subconsciously recognize and it will seem shameless. Not only will the hard-core, diehard fans notice, but the average viewer of the series is going to notice that there is something kind of watered down and missing.
Also, I think the series can also be a vehicle to build up the anticipation and provide a back story to the movie. I think they can work hand and hand in every way the imagination can allow it to be like:
Maybe before Captain America Winter Soldier premieres next year. Have some actors that are going to be in the Winter Soldier appear in the movie. Set the chess pieces in place in the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series. Even if they are minor roles, it will be fascinating.
What can they make of the The Guardians of the Galaxy movie next year? I think it can go some very fascinating places. Whatever happens with that movie if there is something that can be developed, then find a way to tie it in.
All in all I just think that the series should justify its existence and not just be for the sake of being. That would spell disaster. Justify this extra set of episodes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the same way a movie sequel should be. Not just justify itself plainly based on the fact they are Marvel characters. That would just be in bad taste.
This can all happen without loosing the general audience either. The series can definitely use the same vehicles the movie sequels do to explain what has already transpired. At the same time, we must all remember. Sometimes when someone comes into a show, the fact that they don't know everything that is going on isn't what is going to loose them. It's whether they are interested enough to find out for themselves. A fun endeavor awaits all of them. Star Wars started at Episode 4 right? It was a smash. Right in the middle of the story. Things already happened. Nobody cared about that, they felt they stepped into a magical world. The same can go for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series.
Hopefully they get it right. This could potentially be a new format of television never attempted before. It could be groundbreaking in many ways. I'm really excited and can't wait to see what the end result will be. Bring on Hydra!!!!
What do you think will totally elevate or derail the show? What do you think can make it turn out to be like nothing we've seen on television? Drop your comments below!