What I’m Watching: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Season Finale)

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D: Season 1, Episode 22 “Beginning of the End” (B)

That was actually a fairly solid finale, filled with some enticing action and some appropriate resolution for its characters, all the while setting up some big things for season two. I wasn’t so taken with Garrett going crazy, though I guess it was fitting to turn him into a supervillain right at the end, one overcome by delusions of grandeur who got summarily blasted away by Coulson in a great comic moment, one of many in this episode. His final episode did reveal, however, some troubling news about Coulson, who experienced the same relentless drive to draw patterns on the wall as Garrett, indicating that he might be headed down a similarly disturbing road. Having Nick Fury stop by, spoiled as it might have been by his name in the opening credits, was fun, and it was nice to see him so relaxed, even if his attitude and outfit were strongly inconsistent with everything we know about his character. Skye and May’s takedown of Ward was satisfying, and I’m not sure whether he’s completely out of the picture since they left him alive. Fitz proved himself to be truly heroic in trying to save Simmons, and it looks like they might just both come out of it okay. The revelation that Skye’s monster father is still alive is major, and it should shape things in a dark way for what could well be a very good season two. I didn’t love this first season, but it’s still hard for me not to want to watch, all the while wishing it was a more satisfying, well-rounded show. I’m glad it will have another chance to prove its worth.

Season grade: B-
Season MVP: Iain De Caestecker and Elizabeth Henstridge as Fitzsimmons