Quick Review

Any TV Show that has Joss Whedon attached to it in some way has my attention. Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was a premise I felt had the potential to go both ways. As I started watching the show my confidence was high, but with each episode my excitement waned slightly. Each episode had its moments but the show seemed to lack the Joss Whedon touch I had found intoxicating in other shows like Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel and Firefly. Sparks were often there but overall the show lacked in humor, smartness and most seriously, confidence in its audience. Sometimes it just felt stupid and talked down to its viewers, with pointless exposition and worst of all it had no sense of danger at all, no tension. It was too fluffy, for lack of a better word.

Something changed round about episode 13 and suddenly it started down a more exciting path. With the dual Episodes 13 & 14 suddenly almost everything I had envisioned this show could be was there and I was genuinely excited. From then on, the spark and cleverness that was lacking in the first half of the season appeared and the individual episodes became part of an larger story arc.

With two episodes left in season 1 the show has pulled itself together and looks to setup an exciting foundation for any upcoming seasons. The show is still shaking of its innocence but does so now with confidence and a invigorating sense of inspiration. A possible Season 2 has yet to be confirmed but by now I seriously hope that it will happen.

As with several other Joss Whedon shows, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has started out with a slow burn, ignited in bursts of fire until it has settled at a constant bright flame. The best compliment I can give when looking back at the first 20 episodes is that I feel a small touch of the Firefly soul settling in the show. There is great potential here. Just keep the tension, the humor and the intelligence intact, please.

Anyone yet to see this show should give it a chance. Be patient in in the beginning but expect to be rewarded for your patience.


Update: Two weeks later...

The last two episodes kept up the momentum and delivered a satisfying finale to the first season. The show has really re-imagined itself and seems to have found out what works. Season 2 has fortunately been cleared by ABC and now I can't wait to see what they come up with. Several characters are left dangling and enough plot threads are set up for Season 2 to deliver something special. Here's to the hope that they continue the streak that ended Season 1 and improve upon it.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 1 has been a bit of a bumpy ride but it evened out halfway through and began a steady rise, only to end in a pretty damn decent way. I am officially excited about the future of this series.


Update: After watching Season 2

Season 2 comes out with all guns blazing and it definitely improves upon the erratic feeling of the first season, by having a better story arc. That said, the show still lacks consistency and on occasion, becomes incredibly silly.

Overall a good show, but I am not completely satisfied and I really hope it will pull itself together in its third season and realize its amazing potential.


Update: After watching Season 4

Checking back in with a major WOW! after watching Season 4...

With Season 4, the show has finally delivered on its potential. It is absolutely excellent and has finally become what I hoped for back when it started. A great sense of humor, self awareness, adventure and a deep sense of danger, in great part, based on the past three seasons of character building. The history of the show, with its ups and downs, now comes to fruition as I found that I really care about these characters.

For a show that has finally hit its stride and taken a turn for the darker, this is highly promising.

The show has been renewed for a fifth season, and I can't wait.

Now comes highly recommended.




Written By Steen
Online: Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Updated: Monday, July 30, 2017 - Added short update after watching Season 4

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