AGENTS OF SHIELD: “Meet the New Boss” {Roundtable}

Last night’s new episode of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. found Daisy taking on Robbie Reyes (aka Ghost Rider) at his job while Coulson finally had his meeting with the new Director, who is much more than he seems, and May succumb to the effects of that ghost from the season premiere. And, what is up with those ghosts, by the way?

Join us as Karen, Rueben and Roz discuss last night’s new episode.

1. What do you think of the ghost woman, who we now know is named Lucy, who came out of that box? Obviously she’s not alone. But the question is what are they? And what importance do they have to the overall story?

Rueben: For one thing, the ghost really aren’t that scary; and I’m wondering if they are supposed to be? I was surprised that there are more of them and I’m stumped as to what importance they play. It’s times like these that I wish I were more well-versed in the Marvel Universe.

Roz: I think those boxes were taken from somewhere – I don’t know where – and I have no clue what they are. I think since we’re on a ghost theme, there’s something else, but it’s on a slow reveal.

Karen: I feel like I’m cheating here, but I do know a bit about Robbie’s backstory. I have some ideas about what the ghosts are, so I’m going to plead the fifth here.

2. What did you think of the throw down that Daisy gave Robbie at the shop?

Rueben: I thought she was a bit crazy for going at him again when he let her life after their last throw down. And it was a mistake for her to mention his little brother. Never threaten a family member, Daisy, it’ll get you in trouble every time.

Roz: It was good to see them fight it out, but with how injured Daisy’s getting I don’t think she can keep up her quest for justice or vengeance much longer.

Karen: Yes, family is a hot-button when it comes to Robbie, (keep that in mind), and Daisy should be thinking carefully about how she uses her powers right now. I love my fight scenes, but not at the character’s expense. PS, I’d like to see her character grow up a little faster. Not age-wise, but in maturity.

Agent May Being Pensive. She’s thinking about her arsenal, and how to open up a can on the new Director. We’re sure of it.

3. What were your first impressions of the new Director from his meeting with Coulson and May?

Rueben: I thought he was a bit of a wet blanket; all show and no substance.

Roz: He looks like a great face of the organization, but he clearly doesn’t have the historic knowledge of SHIELD to be effective. If he were as knowledgeable as Coulson, that tour wouldn’t have required Coulson to talk up Peggy as much.

Karen: Replacing Coulson rubs me the wrong way to begin with, so he’s got that in the lose column already. However, I love Jason O’Mara, so I’m hoping the storyline will be intriguing. Some sandpaper between him and the other agents might be interesting to see. I’m crossing my fingers.

4. Peggy Carter got several mentions in this episode. Do you think that was just a playful nod to her or do you think we’ll hear more about her?

Rueben: Even if it’s fleeting and we don’t hear about Peggy again, it was great to have those shout-outs. I’m going to miss seeing her character each week, and hope against hope that they’ll incorporate her more into the storyline after all she was a pivotal part of the development of what S.H.I.E.L.D. is today.

Roz: I don’t think we’ll hear more about Peggy – much as I want to – because that tour felt like a very specific event to get the group money. If we were going to see more of her, I think it’ll be on her own not at all connected to what’s going on now. (I love Hayley Atwell and I know she’s been talking about where Peggy Carter could go but it seems too late.)

Karen: I keep seeing “What would you like to see in an Agent Carter movie?” articles, but I truly think it’s hype. I miss Carter so much it hurts. Mentions on AoS are salt in the wounds, but also rather bittersweet.

Mack in Action. Does he have another color T-Shirt?

5. How about that take down by May against Coulson and her team of fighters? Even sick she still has moves that can take down nearly anyone?

Rueben: Even sick with hallucinations and May is still all-powerful; she really is quite something.

Roz: Even when she’s been taken over by whatever that apparition was, she can still kick ass. I worry about how paranoid she is, though, with whatever is in her body.

Karen: Is it wrong that I hoped May was the one affected by the ghosts and not Coulson?  She still has her muscle memory, that’s evident. Part of what I love about her character is her ability to fight back in almost any situation.

6. Except, she couldn’t take down the Director. Did anyone see that reveal coming that he’s an Inhuman?

Rueben: Did anyone see that coming that Jeffrey, the new Director, is an Inhuman, who is in charge of S.H.I.E.L.D. I sure wasn’t expecting that and don’t know what to think. Again, this is when I really wish I knew more about the Marvel Universe.

Roz: I didn’t expect that he’d be an Inhuman, and I’m confused by exactly what he can do (minus be strong). I’m more curious how an Inhuman got to be in that role as Director with all the fallout of what Daisy’s doing.

Karen: Nice twist! I want to know more! Who knows that he’s “enhanced”? Was he put in charge because of this? GAH. This plotline might be the one I’m most anxious to know about.

7. Where do you think the Director is sending May and is there a way for her to get better?

Rueben: I’m really worried about May and what the Director has planned for her. And what was with the people on the plane with her. What significance do they hold? I don’t want to see anything horrible happen to May because, to me, she is the backbone of the team.

Roz: No clue where May’s going, but I hope she’s better soon. Paranoid May is not my favorite May.

Karen: I may know a few things about that storyline, but specifics like why May is acting the way she is are a mystery still. I suspect she may be possessed or influenced heavily, and the Director might even know the whys of it. Where she is depends on what the Director knows.

Fitz in Trouble Again – ACTION STANCE!

8. What possible connection can Robbie have to the Momentum Alternative Energy Lab and those ghosts?

Rueben: I’m thoroughly lost as to why Robbie would have any connection to the lab, but obviously there is one or he 1.) wouldn’t have reacted when Daisy said the name of the lab nor 2.) taken that picture from the lab. Marvel Universe experts, please chime in with what you know and help a poor, clueless fan out…please!

Roz: I’m thinking that Robbie was in that lab when something happened to him, but it’s not the same as all of those other people. He’s not paranoid, but he’s got plenty of other issues.

Karen: Again, I plead the fifth. Pretty sure I at least know the direction of this one.

OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE EPISODE:

Rueben: I thought it was a good, tense episode except for the ghosts being less than scary. I thought it was a cool scene to have Daisy use her power to jump onto the roof of the Ghost Rider’s car and hold on tight while he lit it up with fire. Crazy of her to do that, but pretty great stunt. And how about Fitz yelling about Daisy turning her back on them. Good for him, right?

Roz: Overall, I think the season’s positing too many questions and not answering them fast enough. SHIELD is not Mr. Robot, and so many of these delayed reveals make the episodes feel like they’re lurching to a finish line, not just being told a story. I don’t look to Marvel to be a mystery and right now it feels like I’m in one.

Karen: I liked it. Nice fight scenes, they’re teasing lore to comic book readers (sorry to the non-readers, I know it’s a bummer), a few tense scenes, and we meet the new boss only two eps in. We already got a twist in that story, so that’s cool too. I dug it.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will return with a new episode on ABC in two weeks on Tuesday, October 11 at 10/9c.