ABC

MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. Roundtable Discussion of “Purpose in the Machine”

By  | 

On this week’s episode of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Fitz and the team enlist the aid of an Asgardian to unlock the secrets of the ancient monolith that swallowed Simmons, and Agent May is at a crossroads in her personal and professional life. Join Jan, Louise, Liz and Rueben as they discuss the highlights of the show.

1. We learned more about May’s past and family, through interactions with her father. Do you think, as Hunter suggested, that Mr. May’s accident may have been orchestrated by Ward? Or was that just a necessary seed planted to draw her back in?

Louise: I think it was a convenient way to get May back into the show – even if she doesn’t want to be an agent any longer. Ward is certainly cruel, and certainly takes pleasure in hurting people, but I don’t think he’d go that way to get back at May.

Liz: The accident could have been caused by Ward, but I’m having a hard time trying to figure out why he’d do it. He seems pretty busy and focused right now on rebuilding Hydra 2.Ward. It doesn’t make any sense.

Jan: I am on the fence with this one. My instinct is that it was just a catalyst to draw May back into the fold and Ward had nothing to do with it. You never know with Ward, though, and I could see him wanting to seek retribution against May personally.

Rueben: I hadn’t thought that his accident was more than an accident until Hunter suggested it. Then as I pondered that, and saw Ward in action with that kid’s bodyguards (and what we already know about him), I began to wonder if he would go to those lengths or not. I’m still not sure.

2. Do you have any theories as to why Werner Von Strucker is so important to Ward’s plans?

Louise: Stability firstly. Strucker is the doctor who was in Age of Ultron (I think), and if he wants to rebuild HYDRA, he’ll need more than just his name and reputation to rebuild the program.

Liz: No idea. There’s nothing left of his father’s lab so I’m assuming any notes he kept were also lost. Could be the money. Ward’s going to need some.

Jan: I know the character’s part in the comic, but not sure that translates to what Ward has in mind or why Werner is so important to the plan. I am worried for Andrew’s safety, though, as it seems he is in their cross-hairs.

Rueben: Truth be told, I had to really think about who was Werner Von Strucker, and I’m still not sure I remember him exactly. But given what they told us in the episode he was a crucial part of Hydra, and as Louise stated, Ward is looking for stability to get Hydra back (and more powerful than ever), but beyond that I don’t try to figure out what’s going on in the mind of Ward.

3. Did Fitz rescue of Simmons meet your expectations? Did you expect her to be back so quickly?

Louise: Yes, it was. In my mind, it needed to be quick because it’s difficult to have a show that has so many disparate parts moving. If May stay away longer, the show’s already split between HQ and wherever May goes or stays. Simmons needs to be back with the team, especially as she adjusts back. (That said, I’m not sure I’m happy that we’ve had to mentally traumatize both Fitz and Simmons in two seasons for a narrative reason, but I’ll reserve more judgment until we have more episodes.)

Liz: Yes and yes. It was a very emotional rescue and given the fact that they all thought Jemma was lost to them, it had to be dramatic. I didn’t expect them to drag her rescue out at all because there are going to be many other things the team is going to have to deal with. Ward and Hydra as well as all the new Inhumans and Rosalind. That’s a lot for one season. 

Jan: I think I may have forgotten to breathe for a little while. It was so intense waiting to see if it was going to work, if both would be lost, etc. It ended perfectly, and just added more depth to the bond between the two. It was a very satisfying conclusion to that portion of the story and it’s good to have Simmons back in the fold and on the team as the season’s story arc unfolds.

Rueben: At first I thought it was too easy that Simmons would be close enough to the spot where he landed to hear him screaming her name; but then when it was stated a short time later that she saw the flare, then it made more sense. It was quite dramatic to say the least. I wasn’t expecting her to be back so soon, but I’m glad that that storyline didn’t drag out too long either.

4. What was your favorite scene in “Purpose in the Machine?”

Louise: Watching May trying to relax and golf with her Dad. I can see me and my father doing something similar if I played well enough.

Liz: Fitz rescuing Simmons. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I was reaching for my TV to try to help Fitz hold on to her. And when he couldn’t hold on to her, I think my heart stopped. It was so emotional and intense.

Jan: Tough one. While I loved the scenes with Fitz and Simmons, I also really enjoyed the banter between May and her father. I think I will go with the reveal that Simmons did actually make it back.

Rueben: I kind of liked the conversation with Professor Randolph in the prison and watching Peter MacNicol remove the bars in order to get out. It was just a little comical seeing someone of his stature play an Asgardian. And, watching the team work together to save Simmons.

5. Who, if anyone, was the MVP?

Louise: It’s a tie for me between Daisy and Fitz when it came to understanding that room underground and getting Simmons back.

Liz: I’m going to go with Daisy Johnson on this one. Not only does she have a handle on who she is and what she can do, but her need to help the newly transformed Inhumans and give them purpose as well as a place to fit in, is going to be a great asset for Coulson & Co.

Jan: Once again, Fitz saved the day!

Rueben: I think it would have to be Fitz because he just wouldn’t give up on saving Simmons.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on ABC.

Images: ABC/Kelsey McNeal

Liz is a wife and mother of three from the Nashville area who likes being able to discuss her favorite TV shows with adults sometimes. She is addicted to the Sookie Stackhouse novels and was a huge fan of the HBO series based on the books, True Blood. Her other favorite shows include Chuck, Grimm, Pretty Little Liars, Blindspot, Heroes Reborn, The Goldbergs, Sleepy Hollow, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter, just to name a few. Contact her at bethanne@nicegirlstv.com.