Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is an unprecedented attempt to embellish on an immensely popular and ongoing movie franchise with a more grounded serialized TV show. The pilot is directed and written by Joss Whedon who masterfully helmed the most successful comic book movie of all time, The Avengers, who now attempts to tell the story of the secret organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. takes place after the Avengers so it's necessary to have seen the movie before jumping into the series as the relentless allusions make abundantly clear. The first shock will come from the starring role, Phil Coulson, the wonderful Clark Gregg, who is seemingly back from the dead and leading a special covert team intent on containing all threats super and extraterrestrial. While the show plays it extremely safe and conventional with a few of zingers that fall flat this pilot is a promising start to a potentially awesome ensemble Marvel show.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is as Whedonesque as you could ever hope, a burgeoning ensemble with witty banter and just enough mysteries to keep you engaged. But don't be fooled Agents is less subversive or risky than any of his previous shows, unfolding more like a typical procedural just spruced up with great performances and fantastic dialogue that only rarely miss their mark. Clark Gregg really shines in this role and having him be the main mystery and emotional anchor of the series is fantastic news for prospective fans as his genuine nature and subtly humor make for a phenomenal breath of fresh air among all the stereotypical male leading roles. But this wouldn't be a Whedon show without great female characters, and there are a few, but as this is a fairly brisk paced pilot not too much characterization is accomplished but stepping stones are set up for potentially great characters.
There isn't much to say other than that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. shows great promise. A great cast that melds together well within the first episode is a great sign and with Whedon occasionally steering the ship the potential for great characters and stories are all but guaranteed. There are tons of reference for hardcore fans of both the comics and cinematic universe that became quite overbearing by the end but a few nods were appreciated. The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. pilot is a great starting point with a fast-pace and dry wit that will hopefully offer more varied and less conventional plots to keep me and other viewers on their toes. Prospects are high but like anything, only time and more Clark Gregg will tell.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. plays it too safe and drops an obnoxious amount of references to make too strong an impact. But some compelling seeded mysteries and great character work will have me, and hopefully you, tuning in each week.