Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 3 Episode 1 Review: Laws of Nature
Henry A. Otero
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Coulson and the Inhumans are back, and in top form. What a premiere guys!
The series has come a long way since its days of featuring just the "peripheral people" (aka non-superpowered folk). I feel like this is the show Marvel fans wanted all along; a nice mix of spy show and powers. You know, the cool Marvel stuff.
Still, the producers did say from the get-go that their long game was getting us to care about the characters. Daisy's proof they've delivered on that promise. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 3 Episode 1 was a great way to kickoff the season.
So, where did we leave off in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2? Well Skye, err Daisy, pushed a quinjet loaded with Terrigen crystals into the ocean to stop her evil Mom. The contaminated fishies became Fish Oil capsules unlocking Inhuman abilities in people like Joey. Talk about not wasting any time, right? That's where we rejoin our S.H.I.E.L.D heroes.
Though Joey did not remember hurting anyone (and Bobbi mentioned no fatalities), there was that half body standing petrified in the kitchen. I'm going to assume it was the ex-boyfriend Bobbi mentioned later. Ouch! What a mess the new Inhuman caused, and the ATCU (Advanced Threat Containment Unit) with boss Rosalind Price were the first on the scene.
Though “The Real SHIELD” was my least favorite part of last season, the ATCU felt different. Rosalind seems like a formidable foe, whereas Gonzales was just a hard ass. I think I liked her. We'll see how things play out.
The visual effects were more impressive than ever, considering the show's TV budget. Daisy made an impressive entrance, didn't she? How about that containment pod thingy that popped out of the sky? And the new ship? Wowza! All in all an incredible opening to the season.
Joey's case was just the first in the "Secret Warriors" quest to locate Inhumans.
Daisy: We try to protect people like you from the world, or from yourself. Unless we have to defend the world against you.
Joey: People like me? What is happening to me?
Daisy: You've experienced what's called a biomorphic event. Short version, your DNA changed.
I loved this confident and in control Daisy; total badass. Yes, it's a little weird not referring to her as Skye, but I get it. As Coulson said, "Daisy damn it, hard for us to get used to huh?" The showrunners clearly threw that line in for the fans. Their self-awareness was fun, better to joke about it and move on. Coulson switching out his arm now and again dealt with his issue as well. His explanation made sense, and I'm curious to see which arm he sticks with.
I'm okay with Bobbi filling the Simmons scientist role for a bit. Yes, Ward's torture was a nightmare, but I just prefer Bobbi the action hero/spy. Hopefully, she's not stuck staring at screens in the lab too long. That said, I think her exchange with Joey went smoothly. Bobbi and Mack's betrayal of Coulson never sat well with me, but they may just redeem themselves this year. It's great that Mack and Daisy are partners, but I still wonder if he's 100% human after his ordeal in the ancient temple. Can he be trusted?
Joey's case was given the attention it deserved. I never felt like we were cutting away to deal with other characters at his expense. Yeah, the creators of the series have found their magic formula and it works. Early on the Marvel references felt a bit forced, but here the Sokovia and Pym mentions fit organically. I'm a fan of the shared MCU, and I can't wait to see how S.H.I.E.L.D. and Captain America: Civil War tie together. Will the registration act divide Coulson's team as well?
Simmons' quick mention gave us a chance to catch up with Fitz.
Mack: We lost Fitz again huh? He out there chasing down another ghost story?
Bobbi: He has a theory.
Mack: He's always got a new theory. That's why he locked up that damn rock and won't let anyone in.
Bobbi: He wouldn't dare go in there. He's not totally irrational. The process of digging just helps him cope.
Mack: No, it keeps him from coping. Look, I love the fact that he won't give up hope. I do. But the man's a scientist and the evidence is pointing one way.
How phenomenal was Iain De Caestecker in the premiere? While his performance has been consistently impressive, Iain somehow managed to step up his game yet again. Every character has grown, but Fitz is like a completely different animal. It's wonderful to see that he's been doing whatever it takes to find the woman he loves. We now know that Simmons' is quite far away, but his struggle is going to make their reunion that much sweeter.
Going to find Lincoln was a smart move, though I wasn't aware he was a doctor. When did that happen? I've been a fan of Luke Mitchell's since The Tomorrow People, so I'm thrilled they beefed up his role. Lincoln is actually one of the few characters from last season I liked; sorry Bobbi, Mack and Hunter. Did Daisy just out him and put his life in danger? Will Lincoln join the team out of necessity now?
Coulson's confrontation on the subway with Rosalind was a nice twist. She had certainly done her homework (T.A.H.I.T.I. too?), and I'm curious if the two leaders will partner up at some point. If a partnership worked for Coulson and Talbot who knows, right? Lash is the real threat apparently, but who does he work for? Is he just out to eradicate Inhumans? The dude is pretty scary; super cool powers too.
Rosalind: These altered humans are a threat and I'm in charge of neutralizing that threat.
Coulson: By any means necessary, sounds like is coming next. And who do you answer to?
Rosalind: Mr. Coulson, it's others who answer to me. The laws of nature have changed, and until the laws of man change to reflect that we can only do what we feel is right.
Coulson: I agree. I think.
In the end, our heroes fought off Lash with a spectacular display of superpowers. Again, this isn't your standard first season team and I'm thankful for that. Bobbi and Hunter reconnected, and we learned he's going after Ward alone. Will this mission give us a backdoor pilot for their spin-off series Marvel's Most Wanted?
Though I missed Ward and May, the installment was jam-packed with enough storylines. That's not a complaint, it's a compliment. You have to know what to leave out sometimes. We know Ward's a constant threat, that's a given.
Fitz yelling at the Kree Monolith was brutal. Then we realized that Simmons is in some other galaxy. What?!? How will we get her back? Will Star Lord or the Guardians come to her aid? We have come to expect the occasional cameo. How amazing would that be? Either way, I'm glad they didn't keep us guessing her fate. I'm telling you, this is shaping up to be one of the best seasons yet.
Wasn't that an incredible premiere? What did you think of "Laws of Nature"? Did you enjoy Joey's story? Is Daisy everything you hoped she'd be? Where exactly is Simmons? You're up, sound off in the comments below. Look for our Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. round table later this week.
As always, you can watch Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. online via TV Fanatic at any time.
NOTE: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 3 Episode 2 is titled "Purpose in the Machine" and airs on Tuesday, October 6.
