It wouldn't be Quantico if there wasn't some timeline-related confusion.

On Quantico Season 3 Episode 9, we finally get some Shelby backstory, except we don't get any specifics. Why bring up a prior case (of sorts) of Shelby's, if we aren't going to dive into specifics?

There's never any clarification of when Shelby was in Syria. All we know is that she was there with the CIA in Damascus, and she witnessed some war crimes. That's not at all vague.

There was a missed opportunity to dive deeper into Shelby's backstory and maybe even highlight a different relationship within the team by having Shelby talk to Mike or Harry about everything.

Instead of having that conversation, we're forced to sit through awkward family time with Connor and Phalen. No one is interested in the random bad guy of the week (who will pop up again next week, apparently).

We'd all much rather take the time to learn more about what Shelby was up to in Damascus, which makes sense because Shelby is someone we've known since Quantico Season 1.

Ryan: I'm glad you loved him.
Shelby: You are?
Ryan: There are a million things that turned you into the woman I love. Whatever happened out there is a part of that.

• Permalink: There are a million things that turned you into the woman I love. Whatever happened out there...

We're already invested in her. There's no purpose in trying to make us invested in Connor's family squabbles.

It's painfully obvious that Shelby and Nasir were a couple, but aside from the poem Shelby refused to finish for some stupid reason, it's never discussed.

A reason is never given. It can't just be that she was trying to protect Ryan's super fragile feelings, and the guilt angle doesn't quite make sense either. 

I'm sorry, but I had a whole life before I fell in love, and so did you.

Shelby

• Permalink: I'm sorry, but I had a whole life before I fell in love, and so did you.

Finish the poem, Shelby, damn. It's not a big deal. Nasir can see you're married.

Back to the timeline issue, unless I missed it, we don't ever learn when Shelby was in Damascus.

It's been, what, three years since the events of the Quantico Season 2 finale? In those three years, Shelby apparently spent time in Syria where she dated/fell in love with Nasir, and then she dated, fell in love with, and married Ryan.

Related: Quantico Season 2 Episode 22 Review

That's a lot to cram into three years. I can't imagine Shelby would marry Ryan super quickly. Yes, they have known each other for years, but she's also well aware of his Alex problem.

If I were in her shoes, I would want to be totally sure that he won't leave me the second Alex pops back up. Seeing how he tried to kiss Alex on Quantico Season 3 Episode 2, that's not a far-fetched concern.

I also don't see their romance being instantaneous. There had to be some time where they slowly crossed the line from friends to lovers or even people who flirt. 

I like to think that I know you better than anyone, but you're never this reckless.

Ryan

• Permalink: I like to think that I know you better than anyone, but you're never this reckless.

What are your theories on this timeline issue? It's crazy that even down to one timeline, there are still things that don't completely add up.

Also, the highlight of the hour is definitely Harry and Mike calling Ryan out on his jealousy. Someone had to do it.

The case itself is okay. It's a bit of a letdown considering Shelby's connection to it wasn't fully utilized, but it is nice to see her take lead more on a case and be the focus point.

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Weirdly, Frank is one of the best parts of the case.

It's nice to see that he's actually good at his job. When he was rescued on Quantico Season 3 Episode 6, Frank was in a bad place. He was seen as a liability. We never really witnessed his skill as an agent.

He proved that he's a pretty good agent by slipping back undercover. Plus, it was amusing watching Alex tell Owen to calm the hell down and trust Frank.

It looks like Alex might make a good handler one of these days.

Related: Quantico Season 3 Episode 6 Review

Can we all agree that this Frank/Jocelyn/Owen love triangle is stupid and that we want no part of it? Great, moving on.

I'm sort of starting to ship Mike and Alex, you guys, and I don't know how to feel about it.

Him being worried about her and wanting to listen to her talk about everything she's been through is really sweet. I'm not saying I want them to hook up next episode, but I'm starting to get onboard with a slow burn relationship (which sadly will never happen).

Mike: How are you holding up?
Alex: I'm fine. Everyone really needs to stop worrying about me.
Mike: Worrying about you is the best part of my day.
Alex: I'm sorry, what?
Mike: It's an old country song.
Alex: By who?
Mike: Yours truly. I told you, you don't know anything about me.

• Permalink: Yours truly. I told you, you don't know anything about me.

What are your thoughts on Mike and Alex?

Stray thoughts:

• Was Shelby playing dead? She made no attempt to move and was motionless before Ryan got to her.
   
• I hate how Harry has been sidelined. He barely even speaks anymore.
   
• Lydia's coming back next episode! Anyone else having Quantico Season 2 flashbacks?
   
• Did anyone else find it weird that Owen and Jocelyn had a meeting at the FBI and not in the loft?

What did you think of the episode? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Remember you can watch Quantico online anytime via TV Fanatic.