REVIEW: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. "Rise and Shine"
Time for another episode of Agents of Exposition, where we play catch up on things it would have been nice to know a few weeks ago. Are we enlightened to anything? A bit. Are the stories exciting? Debatable. Do we have to wait another episode for something present day to happen? Oh boy.
I have to say, after five seasons, I don’t think this show has ever nailed a flashback episode, and we’ve had some on characters we cared about briefly. At this point, it feels like a lazy way to introduce motivation to characters much like how the plot feels like a lazy way to save money on sets and effects. And if you think you can throw in a few easter eggs to fix it, you are more wrong than the idea of a Hydra school.
That being said, you do have to feel for these new characters after learning their somewhat vague backstories. I’m fascinated by characters who appear to have no choice in their futures. Aside from providing a quick sob story, they add an interesting layer compared to our heroes who often choose the path they follow. Such is the case with Ruby who is ticked that her lifelong destiny of being the Destroyer of Worlds, a clearly maniacal title, has been usurped out of the blue by Daisy. There is some tragedy to that story since we can tell that’s clearly all she believes in, and our hero is cracking her stability.
Unfortunately, that is really the only grounded sense within this already bonkers season. The other conflict revolves around faceless aliens we’ve never seen and working with enemies we just barely know. It’s almost impossible to watch without raising one eyebrow on how all these things are supposed to matter. Even if this didn’t involve time-travel and outer space, it’d be a hard pill to swallow, or even want to swallow.
I’ve already commented on the Sharknado-esque jump for this show, but now it feels more and more like a two steps forward, one step back situation. The best example comes from the still-developing FitzSimmons plot after discovering the truth about Deke. Two steps forward in closing the door on the drama in probably the fastest ending to their issues in five years. There is also an odd sense of hope in perceiving the future to be unchanging to the point of being invincible in the present.
On the other hand, we have a rapid ending to one plot that feels absolutely unearned, even if I desperately wanted it to end. It’s a shame that the development is organic within the characters and the story, but the execution wastes it. The same situation applies to the SHIELD and Hydra team up where the interesting potential is lost when trying to understand everything.
But I think one of the biggest problems with these vague threats and potential villains is that there’s nothing to be done here. I mean, there is literally nothing I can think of that the characters can do whether it’s an emotional breakthrough or punching someone. Maybe that wouldn’t be a problem on paper, but it is a problem when watching an hour of an action show. There is anticipation, and then there is stalling. After last year’s finale, I can’t trust where this is headed anymore.
Slight veering off-track, but I guess I can’t bring up the concept of the world ending without connecting of course to the upcoming Marvel movie. In a weird way, it’s somewhat like Simmons and Elena’s invincible resolve with this canon. If the world is in danger in the end of April, that pretty much means that world will be saved this year. The only question is how we reach that pesky point.
Where it stands, this episode is about on the same level as last week with one slight improvement. Unlike last week, I am intrigued about where these stories may go. FitzSimmons has a new resolve, and Elena has new robot arms. Those will lead to at least one or two fun developments in the future. Also, at least one fight scene. I’m growing impatient.
