What I’m Watching: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D: Season 2, Episode 20 “Scars” (B-)

I have a few thoughts about this episode, two that have more to do with the show as a whole. Tying the previous episode and this one into “Avengers: Age of Ultron” does this show a disservice because it makes this show seem less important in the grand scheme of things and that it exists only to serve the greater movie franchise, with an entire season-long plotline explained away by its connection to the movie, something we didn’t even get to see acknowledged here. I purposely made sure to see the film before watching this episode, but if I hadn’t I can only imagine I would be very lost and disappointed. This show was just renewed along with nearly all of ABC’s primetime slate, including underperforming spinoff “Agent Carter,” and so now we know this show will have more of a chance to get to really define and develop itself. I’m very surprised by the turn of events at the end of the episode, with Jiaying revealing herself to be a lying warmonger while Gonzalez was actually a man of peace ready to sit down and talk with the supposed enemy. That’s going to destroy Skye, but I worry that she won’t know in time to align herself with the right side. Cal turning himself in to S.H.I.E.L.D. can’t be good, and he’s sure to wreak havoc if Jiaying told him her plan. Bobbie has been caught in the middle of an unexpected revenge play by Agent 33 and Ward, whose exact allegiances are unknown but definitely worrisome.