Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Round Table: A Human Shadow
Henry A. Otero
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Okay, that was an interesting twist; the fact Lash can shift back to human form.
You've probably got a theory as to the Inhuman killer's true identity. Ready to share it with us below? Why did Rosalind send Banks back to their headquarters ahead of everyone else? Are those two connected to Lash? How do you feel about Coulson's partnership with the ATCU?
Join TV Fanatics Robin Harry, Caralynn Lippo, Kathleen Wiedel, and Hank Otero as we discuss Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 3 Episode 4 in our latest Round Table chat...
Inhuman killer, Lash, can shift between creature and human form. Take your best guess at his identity.
Robin: I have no guesses at all. I don't feel like I know enough about Lash or about any of the ATCU folks to make a legitimate guess. I'm happy to keep watching to find out though!
Caralynn: It's Jemma. No, I'm totally kidding. That would be great and unexpected, though, wouldn't it? One of the commenters on your latest Agents of SHIELD review guessed that it was Dr. Garner, I think. I like that theory! That would really be a shocker, and would probably mean he’s alive, which is great.
Kathleen: I like the theory that Caralynn suggested, though I think it would be far more hilarious if it were Rosalind Price... From what little I know of the character, it's entirely possible that Lash's human identity isn't someone we've actually met before, and the point that was being made was that he could be anyone (i.e., they can't just put out a BOLO for a big and scary monster). It does present an intriguing situation though: the Inhumans we've met so far have either been changed inwardly (Daisy) or outwardly (Raina), but Lash is the first to demonstrate an ability to shift between the two.
Hank: Though the writers are obviously hinting at Banks, he might be too predictable a choice. Rosalind Price isn't that far-fetched, though the human form Daisy saw looked more like a man. I don't think it's Dr. Garner at all, though I do believe it's someone we've met in these first few episodes. That's all I've got.
How do you feel about Coulson and Price's alliance? Is the relationship truly "a means to an end"?
Robin: I think it's a little personal for both of them. On the work front, they're both trying to protect what they have and what they know, and are using each other to do that. Beyond that, they're so obviously attracted to each other. I'm seriously rooting for Coulson and Price to get together for a little while and have the relationship with the most sass in history.
Caralynn: I agree, they are clearly attracted to one another. I can’t blame theme, they are perfectly matched. Even if it is a means to an end now for them, I am certain it will evolve. That is, unless she does something catastrophic to betray him.
Kathleen: If they ever did get together, the world might explode from the power of their combined sass. Unfortunately, their alliance may only last as long as their agendas align...
Hank: I'm with everyone else, the attraction is plain to see but I don't trust Rosalind Price or the ATCU. I do believe Coulson when he says it's a means to an end. This partnership can't last, how dull would that be? It's just a matter of time before Price shows her true colors.
Why do you think Rosalind sent Banks back to ATCU headquarters ahead of the others? What are those two up to?
Robin: To be honest, I completely missed that. I figure Rosalind's doing the same thing that Coulson's doing; working on her own agenda as much as she can without sharing.
Caralynn: I really have no idea. I don’t think Banks is Lash though, that’s a tad too obvious for me.
Kathleen: Color me confused, though I suspect that Robin's probably got it right.
Hank: Daisy and Mack mentioned in the truck that Rosalind probably sent Banks to clean up their facility. I don't think she was prepping a cell for Daisy, but she's definitely hiding something big. I wonder if she's keeping intel about Lash from Coulson?
Was Hunter being sloppy or was infiltrating Hydra to bring Ward down a good plan? Is Dr. Garner dead?
Robin: Hunter had a good general plan, but was a bloomin' idiot for going in the way that he did. That was sloppy, and it could have cost a life. If Blair Underwood...I mean, Dr Garner...is dead I will throw rocks at SHIELD's general direction. Though he may not be. There was a conspicuous lack of Hydra goons at the end of that scene. I imagine you learn a few things married to Melinda May.
Caralynn: I can’t even with Hunter! I was not a fan of this storyline at all and he went and did this boneheaded thing. This is basically exactly how I saw it playing out, too: he'd end up face to face with Ward WAY sooner than he expected. I think the plan was awful; he had no way of guaranteeing he would be introduced to Ward on his own time. He just had a vague idea that Ward wouldn’t show himself until Hunter had worked his way up the Hydra ranks. Lame. Dr. Garner better not be dead! I feel like they would have shown his face if he had actually died though. So probably not? Is it weird that I’m blaming Hunter more than Ward for Garner’s death? It’s so weird. I have this irrational soft spot for Ward still, it’s a problem.
Kathleen: I'm with Robin: the broad strokes and general goal were good, the execution was awful. Just as before with Carl Creel, Hunter let his own desire for payback get the better of him. This time, however, it may very well have cost an innocent man his life. Then again, I'm reminded of the time in NCIS when drug cartel boss Paloma Reynosa went after our hero Gibbs's father... and Gibbs Sr. sent her scurrying away with her metaphorical tail between her legs. I sure hope that Dr. Garner pulled a similar stunt here.
Hank: Yeah I'm with you guys as well. Hunter had a great goal, but his execution was horrendous. At this point, I honestly can't imagine watching a Bobbi/Hunter spinoff and this "plan" certainly didn't help his cause. As far as Dr. Garner, I think Caralynn's right; no face/no body means they didn't kill him off. Blair Underwood still has way too much to contribute for such an early exit.
Simmons confessed to Fitz that something happened to her on the other side. Share your theory... Go!
Robin: I mentioned in our Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 3 Episode 3 Round Table that I think she met other people that had gone through the portal, and I'm sticking with that theory. She probably met some good ones and some others that weren't as friendly. It was probably all Lord of The Flies up in that planet. If I'm wrong....well, there's always Jim's theory of space squirrels.
Caralynn: Space squirrels, always. I still think that there are other people back there that she needs to rescue, but it is a bit confusing why she would wait so long to bring it up? For that reason, I’m thinking it may be a bit more complex than just “she needs to rescue her alien colonist comrades.”
Kathleen: She really needs to save those space squirrels. Their space nut caches are running low! I think Robin and Caralynn have pretty much covered all my thoughts so far on that count.
Hank: I think it's pretty clear there are other "travelers" on that planet. The question is, did they do something to her? Why was she alone when Fitz found her? The way Simmons said, "something happened to me, Fitz" didn't seem like... btw I met a few folks over there. I got the impression something happened to her physically. She's not going back just for the other survivors, but to resolve some unfinished business. Is she part Kree now? Is she hosting an alien parasite? All I know for sure is, I can't wait to find out!
Here's a peek at Simmons' arrival "over there" from Agents of SHIELD Season 3 Episode 5. This is one installment you don't want to miss.
