The Fallen Agent saga continues on “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” as Hive and his Inhuman crew, including ex-Agent Quake, have bought a town with Malick’s money as their headquarters. The war is coming, can the Agents stop Hive, and… who will die, who will be the fallen agent? For my thoughts on “Failed Experiments,” meet me after the jump…
The Renewal Game
Business first. As far as I know this series, “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” has been renewed already and the showrunners are working on what we will be seeing next season as we speak. S.H.I.E.L.D.’s companion series “Marvel’s Agent Carter” however, might not have fared so well, at least according to International Business Times. How accurate this conjecture may be is still up in the air as no official announcement has been made as of yet.
Despite star Hayley Atwell’s starring role in the ABC drama “Conviction” next season, she has made statements to the effect that she would love to continue as Peggy Carter and would be willing to make both commitments work. Although “Agent Carter” has been a critical success, IBT blames the low and dropping ratings. To put things in perspective, IBT also suggests that “Supergirl,” one of this writer’s favorite comics shows, is also on the cancellation block. I think they may be wrong on more than one count. Time will tell.
The Secret Origin of Hive
We open in prehistoric times as Hive tells Daisy his true origins. A young spear-wielding aborigine on the hunt in the grasslands is surprised by a rumbling and a crash. Then he, and we, see them – blue-skinned Kree, called Reapers. They bring the boy back to their ship to genetically alter him by infusing him with Kree blood.
This is the experiment Hive wants Holden Radcliffe to replicate. Infuse humans with Inhuman blood and turn them into Inhumans. Well, that’s one way to build an army. Radcliffe’s first attempt melts Hydra leaders who had been volunteered. Hive blames Radcliffe… not a good position for a human among Inhumans to be in.
A Town Called Hydra
S.H.I.E.L.D. is able to locate the town that Hive purchased with Malick’s money through facial recognition software identifying Daisy. It’s a mystery how this happened as she shouldn’t have allowed it as well trained as she is. It’s either a trap or a call for help. Mack thinks it’s the latter, but Coulson says it’s a mission to destroy Hive.
The reason for the town’s desertion is sketchy. S.H.I.E.L.D. says it’s natural gas while Hive cites poisoned water a la Flint, Michigan. That’s not the only topical reference he makes as he also mentions billionaires in iron suits and super-soldiers, and a war brewing. Something tells me this series once again will be tying into a Captain America summer blockbuster.
No Cure
While S.H.I.E.L.D. preps their team to invade Hydratown, Fitz-Simmons, besides concocting relationship rules like in a “Seinfeld” plot, are also working on a vaccine to counteract Hive’s parasites in an Inhuman’s brain. There of course is no way to know if it works without trying it out on an Inhuman.
Lincoln volunteers but is rebuked, so later he injects himself anyway. The result is shocking, literally, as he burns out much of the lab equipment with his powers when he seizes. The vaccine sadly is a failure, almost as disappointing as this whole deal of keeping Lincoln out of the action so he’s not infected by Hive. It sure would be nice to see some super powers on this show with super powers, ya know?
Spies Are Us
There’s some very awkward bad acting between May and Mack as they prep for the mission, stiff and fake, it was weird. Bad day on the set maybe? Ming-Na Wen makes up for it however when she infiltrates Hydratown and works James for info over a game of pool. They have very good chemistry, would like to see more of that. I like James a lot. Earlier, he works well with Daisy too.
I’m also noticing the use and slow spotlighting of side characters on the S.H.I.E.L.D. team. Peripherals are getting more lines, more screen time, and even names in some cases. I guess with Bobbi and Hunter gone, and at least one cast member leaving, we will be needing new agents…
Crazytown
When his blood won’t work in transforming humans into Inhumans, Hive has another plan. That Kree ball, and the other part? Well, when assembled, it’s a signal device to call the Kree, but not just any Kree, the Kree Reapers, and they show up real quick, determined to exterminate Inhuman and human alike. Hive wants them dead and their DNA to make more Inhumans.
The Kree Reapers are spectacular and powerful. Combat ensues, one battle right after another. Daisy against the Kree, Daisy against Mack, showing no mercy in either fight, and breaking more than Mack’s heart. Then it’s Hive against the Kree followed by S.H.I.E.L.D. against Hive. However once Hive has devoured a Kree Reaper, he’s just about indestructible. S.H.I.E.L.D. limps away, again.
Conclusion
After nearly quaking Mack to death, it’s pretty clear whose side Daisy is on now, Hive’s influence or not. When the Kree DNA is unavailable, she offers up her own with Kree DNA in it. This agent has fallen. And what is up with Hive’s new voice and accent? Did anyone else notice this?
Vocal weirdness aside, this was actually a pretty good episode, and even vaguely leads into Captain America: Civil War, with more repercussions coming next week – so remember to see the film before the next episode.
Next: Emancipation!
Apart from the one or two flat mini-moments you mentioned, I was EMEGHERDEMEGHERD for the entire episode. 🙂
Daisy’s really imbibed the entire cool-aid package hasn’t she? Maybe FitzSimmions will find a way to de-parasite her, but I think the damage has been done.
Speaking of our favourite new couple, them processing how their difference of opinion might impact on their relationship was perfection! 😀