Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2 Episode 14 Review: Love in the Time of Hydra
Henry A. Otero
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While the first half of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2 was pretty strong, these last few episodes back feel like filler again. Do the seasons have to be so damn long? I think the writing suffers when we're talking twenty-two episodes.
That's not to say Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2 Episode 14 didn't have it's moments. Bringing Edward James Olmos and Kirk Acevedo on board was brilliant. I'm just not sure I care much for the "real" S.H.I.E.L.D. storyline yet.
For now, I continue to enjoy the Coulson/Skye relationship, as I patiently await the introduction of the Inhuman; Lincoln.
The opening with Ward and Agent 33 going all Bonnie & Clyde was fun. However, it seemed so random and careless for ex-HYDRA agents. Of course, we soon learned the guy the duo took was responsible for the nano-mask technology. I've got admit, it's cool to have Ward back. Even if I'm not quite sure where his storyline is headed.
Fitz and Simmons continued to be on opposite sides of the Inhuman debate and as I've mentioned before that relationship needs to heal. I doubt I'm the only fan growing impatient with the pacing of the series.
Fitz: Things change, that's what I'm saying, so maybe if you can learn to control this then you could have Avengers level powers. Something like Captain America even.
Simmons: I think it best we keep in mind the unstable nature of Skye's power. If there is an Avenger equivalent right now, I'm afraid it's the Hulk.
Fitz: Well, Hulk saved the world last I checked.
Name dropping the Avengers used to be a little weird, but it worked well in that scene. Skye started getting anxious and the room shook, reminding us she's dangerous. I'm glad she has Fitz on her side though. I bet he'll ultimately come through for her in some big way.
Meanwhile, Coulson and May discussed Dr. Garner's recommendation that Skye be removed from the equation. I found myself siding with Agent May, and felt Coulson was being naive. Was this to show us he's too emotionally attached to Skye, or to validate Robert Gonzales' concerns.
Speaking of the "real" S.H.I.E.L.D., Hunter met Gonzales and it was great to hear him stick up for Coulson. Again, it was fantastic to see Edward James Olmos and Kevin Acevedo on the show. I just hope their guest spots are not wasted. Please let this B-story be cool!
Sure, Coulson's been compromised, but Bobbi and Mack now come across like traitors more than anything else.
This is not a decision that we arrived at lightly. I know Coulson, he was a good agent. At least he was before Fury injected him with alien DNA. Ever since, his behavior has grown increasingly more troubling. Can you honestly tell me that you don't share any of these concerns?
Gonzales
If there's one thing this show does well, it's the visual effects. Everything from the Minority Report screens to the nano-mask are top-notch for TV. That reminds me, how creepy was it seeing Skye's face talking with May's voice? That was just so freaky.
I absolutely loved hearing Lola's origin story. Clark Gregg always manages to nail his scenes. He is without a doubt the star of this show.
Anyway, Fury's safe house was a good option for Skye right now and I thought it was cool that Jemma is responsible for designing Daisy Johnson's gloves that allow her to focus/control her quake powers.
Elsewhere, Agent 33 posed as Talbot's wife and gained access to the base in search of Bakshi. Why is Talbot portrayed as such a meathead? He did remember the nano-mask, though he forced his poor wife to the ground at gunpoint. The scene where he tugged at the woman's face was pretty amusing. I'm not sure why Bonnie & Ward are programming Bakshi. What's their plan?
Bobbi and Hunter had their little chat and it's clear why that marriage didn't work out.
Bobbi: Everything I felt for you, that was real.
Hunter: Yeah maybe so, but in the end you still got that intel didn't you?
Hunter is now officially my favorite new character of the season. I wasn't sure about him early on, but he's turned out to be one of the good guys. Of course, that's probably how the writers want us to feel and then they'll just kill him off in the finale.
I was glad to see Hunter managed to escape, and as surprised as he was the "real S.H.I.E.L.D." was operating from a Helicarrier. Was it a Helicarrier or just a regular aircraft carrier?
Fitz telling Simmons that she's gone through the scariest change was right on the money. Though I understand her argument, I'm not sure I like her as much in this second half of the season. I hope that's only temporary, Fitz-Simmons have always been my favorite characters.
It was interesting that Coulson felt like he mishandled something important with Skye. That has to be a clue for an upcoming storyline; right? It's a good thing they're onto Mack and a real shame that Bobbi is so hostile toward Coulson. I thought the writers were going in a different direction with the Mockingbird character; I'm a bit disappointed.
What did you think of "Love in the Time of Hydra"? Was the safe house a good idea? What do Agent 33 and Ward want with Bakshi? Are you digging the "real S.H.I.E.L.D." storyline at all or just want to see the Inhumans? It's your turn guys, go ahead and share your thoughts with me in the comments. Look for our Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. round table later this week.
As always, remember you can watch Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. online via TV Fanatic if you missed or need to rewatch an installment.
NOTE: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2 Episode 15 is titled "One Door Closes" and airs on Tuesday, March 31.
