5 Reasons To Return To AGENTS OF SHIELD

5 Reasons To Return To AGENTS OF SHIELD

It's no secret a large portion of the comic book community despises AGENTS OF SHIELD. However, for those of you who gave up on the series episodes ago, this article details why the series may now be worth your attention...

Editorial Opinion
By Darkknight2149 - Jan 24, 2014 11:01 PM EST
Filed Under: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.



Agents Of SHIELD is a show that's been getting a lot of hate for many reasons. People have been complaining that there's barely any characters from the comics in the series (among other things) and some have even begged the question as to why they should even pay attention to the series when there's an arguably superior comic-based show on the CW called Arrow (which most people on this site should be very familiar with). However, coming back from it's mid season break, the show seems to be improving and most of the issues people had with the series are being addressed. For those who gave up on the show episodes ago, here are five reason's why you should toon in when it returns from a short break on February 4.

1.MARVEL UNIVERSE CHARACTERS



One of the biggest (and quite understandable. Heck, all of these complaints are understandable) complaints was the lack of comic book characters in the show. Yeah, we may have gotten Nick Fury, Maria Hill, Franklin Hall, Extremis and references to The Avengers and Chitauri in the first three episodes but after that, almost all of the characters for the first half were just made up for the show. And having all of the threats that ARE from the comics either being Chitauri or Extremis related can get very old very fast. After episodes 1-3, pretty much no new character besides Scorch,Victoria Hand and Jasper Sitwell were from the comics. And even Scorch got his powers from Extremis. Well, it seems the first half of the show was just set up because following the Mid-season finale, the show is definitely making it up to the fans. Here are the characters that are set to appear in the currently airing second half of season one:

Deathlok:



When we first saw Mike Peterson use his super strength in the Agents Of SHIELD TV spots, many speculated he was Luke Cage. As it turns out he was one of the many characters made up for the series. Following his return in the mid season finale, he was seemingly killed off. When the series returned, it was revealed he had survived. Finally, not too long ago fans were pleasantly surprised when they found out via announcement that Peterson would actually become the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of the Anti-heroe[s] (there have been more than one characters to take up the mantel in the comics) known as Deathlok.

Lady Sif:



Another surprising and exciting announcement was that Lady Sif will guest star in an upcoming episode of Agents Of Shield.

Stan Lee:



That's right, folks. Stan The Man will be in the next episode. Even if he no longer writes comics, he continues to be a part of his creations.

Victoria Hand:



Returning from a previous episode, Hand played a pretty big role in the retrieval of Phil Coulson.

Blizzard:



In the last episode, we saw the origin of the Iron Man villain known as Blizzard.

Graviton?



It has already been stated that there is a very likely chance Franklin Hall will return as Graviton.

2. CONNECTION TO THE MCU



Other than Extremis and the Chitauri aftermath, there really hasn't been much connection to the MCU, which goes unforgiven to many viewers. Even the so-called Thor: The Dark World aftermath episode had nothing to do with the film.However, the show makers have already said there will be more of that in the second half of the season and so far, they seem to be making good on that promise. Already we've gotten Coulson's death explanation, the first mentionings of AIM and HYDRA, and a Winter Soldier reference. Also, considering the major role SHIELD plays in the upcoming film Captain America: The Winter Soldier, a tie-in episode is highly likely.

3. OVER-ARCING STORYLINE

Another complaint was that there wasn't an overall storyline. Each episode early on seemed to have it's own contained story. Well, since then the episodes have been connected with the unveiling of the fact that the shows villains seem to work for a common behind the scenes villain known only as The Clairvoyant, whose identity will be revealed soon. Many are speculating that it may be either The Leader or MODOK (or MODOG or MODOT or whatever the MCU plans on calling him considering the many different names he's been called).

4. MYSTERIES UNVEILED

Another major reason people quit watching the series was because it was taking so long to reveal the mysteries behind Phil Coulson's resurrection and Skye's origin. I won't spoil anything, but both have been revealed and will have major repercussions on the show.

5. SUPERPOWERED BEINGS



Another major complaint was the lack of superpowered beings on the show. Believe me when I tell you: there are a LOT more now and more are coming.

The next episode will air February 4.
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Visualiza
Visualiza - 1/25/2014, 12:28 AM
I feel as though op-eds like this are the kiss of death for whatever movie, show, or book they're trying to peddle.

If something is legitimately good or worthwhile, then it will self-evident in the eyes of everyone.

The same way that the myriad of "Why MoS is the greatest EVER" editorials failed to convince anyone who didn't already feel that way, this won't either.
WorstUserNameEver
WorstUserNameEver - 1/25/2014, 2:01 AM
To be fair a lot of peoples complaints have been addressed to some extent and it is that fact that should encourage people to give it another go.
batzack
batzack - 1/25/2014, 3:32 AM
Was Bucky in shield though ?
I just thought he was in the army
minusman
minusman - 1/25/2014, 3:44 AM
Since the shows pilot, which I was extremely disappointed in, and its subsequent episodic failings, I have been hoping the show would find its footing and become the show we all hoped and knew it could be.
Since the mid season finale, AoS has grown. I have enjoyed the last two episodes and actually found them to be engaging and more character driven than all of the other episodes. I am actually looking forward to the next episode instead of dreading it!

What I dont want to see, however, is the show relying too heavily on bringing Marvel characters to life instead of solid writing. Characters alone may preserve the show a little longer, but doing so can quickly become a gimmick if the stories suck.
minusman
minusman - 1/25/2014, 3:46 AM
Bucky was mentioned in the last episode- his name was read aloud by Skye as she read from the wall of fallen Shield agents.
batzack
batzack - 1/25/2014, 3:55 AM
@minusman. I know Skye read his name, that's what confused me. Because I don't remember anybody saying he was in shield during the first avenger
minusman
minusman - 1/25/2014, 4:11 AM
AS far as I know, Bucky was never a Shield agent- He did work undercover for Nick Fury but that was at a time when Fury had gone rogue and was not the director of Shield.
Marvel has a whole wiki page on Bucky if your interested.
kinghulk
kinghulk - 1/25/2014, 5:27 AM
bucky was a member of the war time scientific strategic reserve which was eventually sometime after the war turned into sheild by stark, peggy and other unknown founders
MoonDoggyX
MoonDoggyX - 1/25/2014, 6:12 AM
Not to nitpick, but scorch didn't get his powers from extremis. Awesome read, nonetheless.

And this show was never bad. It just like comic book movies; if you're looking for a good show, AoS is more than that, but uf you're just interested in seeing comic books brought to life, then not so much...

Just like every new writer and artist puts their own spin on the characters/comics, the writers, directors and producers sould be allowed to do the same in shows and movies.
MightyZeus
MightyZeus - 1/25/2014, 7:39 AM
At least the show is trying to improve itself by adding additional character's and trying to prove that it does exist with in the MCU. I have no hate towards the show but if it keeps going in the right direction then maybe it could be a great tv show.
Wolf38
Wolf38 - 1/25/2014, 8:33 AM
With all due respect, none of this does anything to convince me.

1. & 5. I never complained that there weren't enough Marvel/superpowered characters.

2. & 3. & 4. MCU connection and overarching story line are not enough. The mysteries surrounding Coulson (overblown) and Skye (meh) are not interesting IMO.

All that I really care about is whether the show is good, i.e. well-written and filled with interesting characters. I abandoned AoS because it did not seem to have either of those things. I understand that the MCU connection is the big draw, but there are so many other shows that I'd rather watch...
SauronsBANE
SauronsBANE - 1/25/2014, 9:11 AM
Unfortunately, none of your reasons address the terrible writing, the cheesy dialogue, and rampant cliche's in every single scene. I watched the first 7 or 8 episodes and then completely lost interest. Bringing Sif into the show makes it real tempting to start watching again, but apart from her I just don't care what happens and who it happens to.

They've dragged out Coulson's return for far too long, FitzSimmons are two of the most annoying characters to ever grace television (you can include Ward, Skye, and the other chick too), SHIELD looks ridiculously incompetent (which, when you compare it to how SHIELD acts in Captain America 2, is really jarring. How do you go from Coulson's little trainees to the hardcore agents we see in the trailers for TWS?)...it's just not worth my time.

Maybe someday I'll binge-watch the entire first season again...maybe. I definitely don't see this show lasting until season 2.
Pedrito
Pedrito - 1/25/2014, 9:34 AM
The ratings have been consistent for the last six episodes or so. During that time the show has been improving, but they haven't drawn in new viewers. On the other hand, they haven't been losing viewers either in that time. So I don't see the need for articles defending the show or praising its merits.
In any case, the people on this site who don't watch the show seem to be up to speed with it, somehow, and they know it's getting better.
marvel72
marvel72 - 1/25/2014, 9:48 AM
i heard the last two episodes of season 1 are connected to captain america the winter soldier.

looking forward to seeing deathlok,lady sif & more from victoria hand.
gamecreatorjj
gamecreatorjj - 1/25/2014, 10:04 AM
One of my biggest gripes, isn't that they aren't using any comic book characters, rather they made no effort to make an interesting character. I mean in a universe of over 5000 characters, why are they still scraping the bottom of the barrel?
MercwithMouth
MercwithMouth - 1/25/2014, 10:20 AM
Blah blah blah...

Generic defensive article, generic negative responses. AoS doesn't need editorials to pander to people to try and get them to watch. It's an entertaining show, that has been good from the start (IMO). These editorials do nothing but make fans seem desperate to get haters to watch. [frick] the haters, they can watch NCIS at 7 on Tuesdays.
Growup
Growup - 1/25/2014, 11:35 AM
You forgot to speak about Bill Paxton he is playing a comic book character
AnthonyLantern
AnthonyLantern - 1/25/2014, 12:25 PM
I'm not going to lie, this list wasn't very convincing.
QuestiontheAnswer
QuestiontheAnswer - 1/25/2014, 12:35 PM
If the only relations to Marvel characters come in a cameo for Sif and Deathlok then you have a serious problem.
sikwon
sikwon - 1/25/2014, 1:26 PM
Nick Fury said it.. the world is filling up with powered people. That's a huge part of what AoS is.. its showing the world fill up with powered people. That was the stated goal. As the characters develop, and they are, the show is improving. Form ware each character started to ware they are now is very different.
Growup
Growup - 1/25/2014, 1:28 PM
Deathlok isn't a cameo, he had already done two episode and a after credit scene and Sif is integral to the episode 15 and there is also Lorelei. + there is also John Garret in episode 13.

+ We already have Donnie Gill, Graviton, Scorch, Mariah Hill, Jasper Sitwell, Victoria Hand, Coulson and a cameo from Fury
sikwon
sikwon - 1/25/2014, 1:31 PM
Part of the reason why AoS has taken so long to get going is they have to navigate the entire MCU. Keeping a tv show, movie franchises, past events, future events all canon and all coherent is difficult. Watching the shows baby steps in that regard has been interesting. It dosent excuse the weak writing but it does play a role. As they have found their story footing they are starting to find their character footing as well. And the larger MCU connections are becoming apparent.
sikwon
sikwon - 1/25/2014, 1:36 PM
The Deathlock origin has been a big story arc. There are actually several arcs going on at once and most of the episodes tie into each other. They are also doing origin episodes which is pretty damned cool. My biggest complaint with the show early was the writing, the sh#t$y back and forth between characters. It just wasnt well done. But as the mission stakes get higher and th characters get experience they are starting to do a good job of showin them grow. Skye and F/S arent nearly as annoying as they were.
sikwon
sikwon - 1/25/2014, 1:44 PM
And im pretty sure that at some point Skye is going to be a fairly important character. So far the biggest comic character they introduced is Deathlock and his origin has playe out (is playing out) since the first episode. Hes a fairly big character, C list for sure but still a name character, and they took their time introducing him. Graviton got 1 episode, even though hell pbly be back. Deathlock has gotten 3 so far with more to come. Thats alot of effort put into character development and introduction. That makes me think that Skye, when her origin is finally revealed, is atleast a B list character or some how known/important in the Marvel Comics Universe. Like Peterson and Colson, Skyes origin arc has run the entire first season. Thats ALOT of character development. Add in Centipede and who that organization might really be and theres ALOT of development in AoS.
Wallymelon
Wallymelon - 1/25/2014, 2:44 PM
I disagree man. I really think the show has been giving us huge clues as what's to come in the Mcu. It's touched upon everything. This is phase 2 and it's more connected than the first phase. It' shows us how shady these organizations are. The spot in the brain for Extremis explains in humans. It has shown us new technologies and orginaztions. We got a bit of as guardian lore showing how more connected everything is. We know there are people that have natural gifts now which has never been before. We assume it but no one has pointed it out until scorch. Sure the show is about new characters, but that was announced from the get go. Everyone mad about not it being like the comics or more action like the films. It's a character drama in a world with super heros. I think it could be written better and some of the performances could be better. It's still doing exactly what it planned on doing. Focusing on normal people while pushing the universe forward. It's planting great seeds for the universe.

It could be better but I like where the universe is headed.
sikwon
sikwon - 1/25/2014, 3:19 PM
Wallymelon.. I agree 100%
jaysin420
jaysin420 - 1/25/2014, 4:37 PM
"Already we've gotten Coulson's death explanation"

Well kind of, it was pretty damn vague.
Wolf38
Wolf38 - 1/25/2014, 6:58 PM
@GliderMan, 100% against Agent Carter? That's pretty intense opposition.
Wallymelon
Wallymelon - 1/25/2014, 9:38 PM
@gliderman

Really? Agent carter sounds like the best plan to show early shield. Another way to push the universe forward. Totally could collapse under its own weight for how ambitious it is to add multiple tv shows. But it's a great risk to take if they pay attention to detail. The universe is wide open for possibilities and can literally dump in anyone. The tv shows are a way to get multiple characters and create new ones to create a more lived in world.

They can add stories across time to truly lock the universe together. Have these lower key characters that really make that larger universe possible. It gives us full explanations that get skipped over in the films due to timing.
batz11
batz11 - 1/26/2014, 6:41 AM
I think you made very good arguments, I'm definitely sticking with the show...
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