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

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D: Season 4, Episode 21 “The Return” (B+)

The aftermath of the framework is not an entirely pleasant place, though at least it’s good that Hydra is a thing of the past. Coulson was on his game, pulling out the cool trick of triggering his pop-up hologram shield to slice off the Russian’s face. The only problem, of course, is that the Russian can replicate himself and be killed over and over again without any worry that he’ll actually be dead. Unfortunately, he and Aida make a formidable team, and they seem set on ruling the world to make it more in their image. The idea that Aida made herself real to become human is fascinating, and Fitz did a tremendous job convincing her to feel empathy, which enabled her to save Mack. That same surge of emotion proved to be immensely destructive when Aida couldn’t understand why Fitz chose Simmons over her, and she lost it in a big way. Aida giving herself more than one power means she’s a true threat, and only Fitz seems to understand that. Yo-Yo going into the framework to rescue Mack by herself wasn’t the best idea she’s ever had, and the fact that she’s strapped down in the middle of a whole lot of chaos does not bode well at all. On top of everything, apparently now is the time that Robbie feels is appropriate to return from hell or wherever he went, as if summoned by May asking about what happened to him. Maybe he’ll come in handy in the finale and help to teleport Mack and Yo-Yo home.