Joss Whedon's Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has received a mix reception from critics and fans alike. Everything ranging from "I love it," to "it's ok" to "it's not bad but it's not great" to "worst show ever." Honestly, the reception has surprised me more than anything about the show. Usually, the CB fan community has a pretty universal response to films and television. For example, it is agreed among the entire CB fan community that Batman and Robin and Green Lantern are utterly terrible films. But, despite the vastly differing opinions about the show, everyone agrees that there is improvement to be made. For example, one of the common consensuses is that the show should replace the character of Ward- given last week's episode, opinions about Ward have started to change a bit, but I remain unconvinced.
This article, is to present an idea I had that could possibly help improve the show. As I said before, we all agree that the show has positive qualities, and negative qualities. In my opinion, one of the shows greatest highlights is, Melinda May, played by Chinese American actress Ming-Na Wen. In my opinion, May is one of the best thing's about the show. She's also my personal favorite character. Ming-Na brings a lot to the table when she plays May. Quiet and reserved, her stone faced performance is anything but cardboard (unlike Agent Ward). The writing for May is also great. She's this character shrouded in mystery. She doesn't talk about her past, but when she does, it's in the most minute detail. This, I believe, has gotten viewers hooked on the character of May. So, how could this possible improve the show? I'm getting to that.
In the pilot episode, when Coulson was assembling his team, May was adamant that she did not want to go back into the field. Why? Later, still in the pilot episode, after beating down a guy, Ward reveals that May was apart of an elite special ops team (I forget what the specific name of the team is, I haven't seen the pilot in forever).
Another small hint about May's past was revealed in last week's episode which was set after the event's of
Thor: The Dark World. May was able to wield an Asgardian staff without succumbing to the effects of the rage imbued within it. The way the staff works is that the wielder relives a moment when he or she felt their greatest pain and regret, and they gain power from the rage that they felt. After the ordeal, Ward asked how she was able to handle seeing this painful memory. May's response is, "I see it every day." This is great writing! It gives a little bit of mystery to the character without revealing too much.
While it's inevitable that the show will explore May's past, my idea for improving the show is slightly different. How about Marvel writes a prequel comic about May's life before she joined Coulson's team. And this comic could delve into May's past. Back when she was a member of that special ops team. What that memory she sees is. It could help give us a complete picture of Melinda May.
What do you guys think? I don't often write editorials so I'm sorry this is so short. As always, reviews and thumbs up are appreciated.