Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2 Episode 16 Review: Afterlife
Henry A. Otero
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There were some nice surprises this week on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2 Episode 16.
We met, and instantly fell for Lincoln; another Inhuman. Though things didn't exactly go according to plan, I think Skye and Lincoln made a connection. We'll see where things go from here, but it was a nice step in the right direction.
Several familiar faces resurfaced, and I found myself wondering if any of this will tie into The Avengers: Age of Ultron somehow? We've seen Fury in the trailers for the movie. Will his toolbox, Deathlok or the "real" S.H.I.E.L.D. cross over?
The bit at the car dealership was silly, but I loved Coulson's line "The tiger's been loose for a while." Luckily, it didn't take long for us to join Skye at Afterlife; the Inhumans' retreat. Well, it's mostly for folks with the genetic marker waiting for their shot in the mist.
Week's ago Marvel announced that former Tomorrow-person, Luke Mitchell, would be joining the show as an Inhuman. His guest spot as Skye's "Transitioner" certainly did not disappoint. Lincoln was instantly likeable and taught us more about the world and customs of the Inhumans.
Lincoln: Imagine a thousand years of evolution taking place instantaneously. That's what happened to you after the mist. These treatments, we're helping your body adjust properly to the change. Transitioning you quickly and painlessly; I hope. We usually like to start the process right after the mist but...
Skye: How long? How long, when can I go?
Lincoln: You got places to be, people to see?
Skye: I'm worried about my friends. I think they're in danger.
Lincoln: You're the one that's in danger Skye, remember? You're being hunted.
More Inhumans and less "real" S.H.I.E.L.D. works for me. The balance between the two storylines was just right here, though I'm still not quite sold on Gonzales and his S.H.I.E.L.D. Hearing him refer to Skye as a "thing" and freaks made me want to knock him out. Anyone else a bit frustrated we're not using the term "Inhumans" yet?
Bobbi defending Skye and Coulson was a step in the right direction. I'm not sure we'll ever truly trust her again after her betrayal, but she's going to switch sides that much is clear.
Though I was surprised Fitz decided to leave, it was nice the old Fitz-Simmons dynamic was back in play. She even made him his favorite sandwich; how amazing was that? I admit I wasn't sure what they were playing at, but the old switcheroo was a brilliant move.
Bobbi: Well, you have to admire their loyalty.
Gonzales: Loyalty to a man, but not to S.H.I.E.L.D. That makes Coulson as dangerous as whatever is in that box.
It seemed to me the first place Gonzales would look for Coulson was at Bruce Banner's cabin. Aren't they clever enough to track the guy down? They had to wait for him to tip them off; seriously? Not a good sign for a big badass spy organization. By the way, were Hunter's one liners great this week or what?
Meanwhile, back in Lai Shi we learned from Lincoln the place was a safe haven for potential Inhumans. Like Skye, I assumed this was a community for gifted folks; not so much. As Lincoln mentioned, Skye had gone about things "old school" in a Kree temple with a diviner.
Naturally, Raina and Skye's dad were there as well. An uncomfortable confrontation was inevitable. That said, I never imagined Jiaying would reappear. Didn't Whitehall experiment on her and remove her organs or something? Will we learn how she survived or is this one of those "no one really dies on S.H.I.E.L.D." things?
When Lincoln mentioned that mysterious transition room, I think we all knew who was in there. I absolutely loved Skye and Lincoln's bonding moment; great stuff!
Our gifts don't have to be terrifying, they're a part of us. I felt lost before I came here too, looking for answers in all the wrong places. But we're connected to something bigger and older than we could have ever imagined; something extraordinary. Don't walk away from it.
Lincoln
In the end, Coulson and Hunter were captured, but the real treat was that Mike Peterson (Deathlok) came to the rescue. I wasn't expecting him to pop up this season, it's nice when the writers surprise us like that. Coulson and Ward teaming up is going to be a blast!
Speaking of surprises, Jiaying certainly put Skye in her place. Again, that's one character I didn't expect to see again; in the present anyway. Skye is not aware Jiaying's her mother, but as her "guide" the two will definitely make up for lost time. I think this could make for a very interesting arc.
Gonzales offering May a seat on the board was a nice turn of events. I liked hearing him say this is all about saving S.H.I.E.L.D. not about Coulson. For his team, as well as the audience, Coulson has become S.H.I.E.L.D., this season. I'm hoping both sides can find common ground.
What did you think of "Afterlife"? Is the Inhuman retreat in the Himalayas? Did Lincoln and Skye bond? How is Jiaying alive? You're up guys, please hit the comments and share your thoughts with me. Look for our Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. round table later this week.
Also, Marvel's Daredevil starts Friday and I'll be reviewing that show as well. I hope you guys will join me to chat about it!
As always, you can watch Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. online via TV Fanatic if you need to catch up or want to re-watch this week's installment.
NOTE: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2 Episode 17 is titled "Melinda" and airs on Tuesday, April 14.
