TV Review: AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D – S01E02: “0-8-4”

Published by Shah Shahid on

Marvel  set the precedence of creating the first ever shared movie-verse with its 6 movies, while continuing to move onto more in Phase II.  The comic book publisher and production house continues the trend by launching its new TV Series which bridges the gap, or connects the movie-verse to other stories… or something, with AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Created by Joss Whedon starring Clark Gregg TV Series Marvel ABC Disney 2013

After the awesome-tastic Pilot last week, Episode 2 of Agents Of SHIELD from earlier tonight sees a drastic dip in the freshness that the show premiered with. Titled ‘0-8-4’ referring to a code that is assigned to a situation that is of unknown origin, the newly recruited team investigate in Peru, where they run into a familiar face and some trouble, naturally. This episode really focuses on showcasing the conflict between the members of the team, and how they overcome their differences. However, something is lacking throughout.

Right away the episode starts with Brett Dalton’s Agent Grant Ward, the only active special agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the whole team, raising severe objections regarding the inclusion of new member, and recent enemy-turned-ally, Skye. In the Pilot, Skye, played by Chloe Bennet, was introduced as working against S.H.I.E.L.D, only to be offered a spot on the team with her unique skill set by the end. After setting up the ‘unknown’ nature of the situation similar to when they found Thor’s Hammer in the movie THOR, anticipations are raised and we’re on our way to Peru.

Joss Whedon didn’t write or direct this episode, and it shows. Unlike the Pilot, there are very few things at work in Episode 2. Basic premise is all about the team coming together after initial bickering to… well, become a team. That’s really it. There aren’t many layers to this episode. The beginning is formulaic, opening with a dramatically climactic scene, then cutting to ‘ X hours ago…’ The twist is predictible in the later half, and the more Marvel universe orientated tid bits aren’t as accessible to newer fans as they were in the Pilot.

team work!

The Tesserect & the evil group known as H.Y.D.R.A. from CAPTAIN AMERICA are mentioned, but never really explained as to who, or what they are. This can be detracting for an audience not familiar with the movie universe. Unlike the Pilot, there are no issues of interest or sub plots set up that reach beyond this episode itself. It’s a self contained episode, which, after the various threads introduced in the Pilot, is a little disappointing, despite the somewhat cliffhanger ending. It was a good attempt, but doesn’t make up for the overall sense of ‘eh’ during most of the episode.

I realize not every episode will be of Whedonesque caliber, but Episode 2 should have built on the Pilot’s momentum more than it ended up doing. Despite it all AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. is still a unique concept, possibly unprecendented and in the hands of TV God Joss Whedon, should be able to get over these fanboy, nitpicky ‘flaws’. The characters have chemistry, the cast is fresh, lots of Superhero name dropping and a potential to be breeding grounds for a slate of Marvel comics characters in future films or spin-off series means I’ll be giving this show a lot of slack. Within reason.

Let me know your thoughts on Episode 2 of Agents Of SHIELD below…

Links:

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. on IMDB


Shah Shahid

Entertainment Writer | Film & TV Critic | Bollywood Blogger | Host of Split Screen Podcast | Proud Geek Girl Dad

6 Comments

Tim The Film Guy · October 5, 2013 at 2:04 PM

This series has a lot of problems. Mainly its characters, hate the two scientists and care very little for the others. Coulson is fun but he’;s best when playing off other well created characters. Like at the end with Fury, which is the best part of the series so far 🙁

I watch new series for the first 3 episodes and i’ll decide to keep watching after next weeks so it better be a marked improvement because I am not impressed.

I struggle to see anything I really like and this type of show should be right up my alley 🙁

    Shah Shahid · October 8, 2013 at 10:58 AM

    I love the concept of this show. But yes, it’s still raw and has a lot of issues. I’m willing to give the actors and characters a LOT of slack, given that majority of the cast in ALL Joss Whedon shows were unknowns with dodgy skills prior to achieving their current, Geek God statuses.

    The story, ideas, and plot lines… I will be less forgiving of. Episode 2 already sucked. Let’s see what tonight has in store for us.

    Thanks again for stopping by Tim.

      Tim The Film Guy · October 8, 2013 at 12:41 PM

      Going to be lenient with this series as well being a Whedon child and Marvel tv show. Giving it 5 episodes to impress me and 2/5 has not done that yet 🙁

        Shah Shahid · October 8, 2013 at 6:29 PM

        Tonight man… tonight!

MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 1 Review - Blank Page Beatdown · October 8, 2014 at 11:43 PM

[…] himself, who also created the show along with Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen. However, immediately from Episode 2, as soon as Joss Whedon’s involvement became less prevalent, the show started getting […]

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