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

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D: Season 4, Episode 19 “All the Madame’s Men” (B+)

I’m feeling more and more that all of the android confusion that led to where we are now was worth it since everything happening within the framework is extremely interesting and engaging. What I continue to be most impressed by is the way that Ward has turned into a sympathetic character, assuring Daisy that he isn’t the man that he thinks he is and then selflessly offering to stay behind and be gunned down in defense of what he believes to be right. Simmons and Daisy are both so happy to have Trip back, and it’s nice to see this show rebooting to a younger, more pleasant time, at least in part, as one of its main characters, May, has totally switched back over to the good side and the other, Fitz, still hasn’t found his way back to being a good person. Simmons has realized what’s going on and what Aida is doing, and it seems more vital than ever that they find a way out of the framework, especially in light of their Quinjet location in the real world being identified and set as a missile target. The ending to this episode was truly superb, with Coulson assuming the leadership role that he was always meant to have, following the example of the fallen Patriot, and proudly declaring that he is an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. on television. The subtle mention of alternative facts was not lost on me, and I think this show is becoming more complex and less convoluted that I thought it could be.