Welcome to the first in yet another new type of article, the Contrarian Retrospective. This is an article idea I came up with as a way to break down and review some of my favorite television shows on an episode by episode basis. Each article will cover an entire season of a show (so, if the show only has one season, it’ll be the whole show). I won’t spend forever on each episode, but enough to hit the highlights and give a numerical score. At the end I’ll summarize and rate the entire season (on a scale of 1-10).
To start us off we have Agents of SHIELD and it’s first season. Let’s jump on in!
Episode 1 – Pilot
The Agents of SHIELD are introduced through the lens of hacktivist Skye, and small plot details about the Centipede Project are introduced with newly superpowered Mike Peterson.
Every show starts somewhere, and for an episode that crams such a large amount of characters and concepts into its runtime, the pilot still does an admirable job. There is also, of course, something to be said for nostalgia. That being said, it’s certainly not an amazing episode. Coulson’s introduction is great (“Sorry, the light was out in that corner”), Skye being immediately one-upped by SHIELD is great, and I like the final little emotional beat with Mike. Still, it’s nothing mind-blowing, and the CGI is…rough, to say the least.
Rating: 7.5
Episode 2 – 0-8-4
The team have to handle an unexpected alien artifact and betrayal from former allies, all while 30,000 feet in the sky aboard the Bus.
Aside from the fact that this episode has very little to do with the main plot of the season (a notable critique of this entire season, actually), this is the episode that 100% shows the strength of the premise and the core cast. Tackling superpowered/extraterrestrial threats? Check. Humor, heart, and action? Check. Great character interactions? Check. A crazy and unique battle aboard the SHIELD plane? Also check. Even a surprise Nick Fury cameo? Yes please!
Rating: 9
Episode 3 – The Asset
A scientist is kidnapped by corrupt CEO Ian Quinn, forcing the SHIELD team to send Skye into her first proper field mission in order to help rescue the man before his Gravitonium creation can cause havoc.
Similar to the pilot episode, this is another enjoyable but fairly standard episode. It doesn’t really do anything wrong, but it’s hard to say it’s amazing compared to some of the other episodes in the show. Ian Quinn is a villain I’ve always had a soft spot for, and Skye does great work while undercover. The biggest issue with the episode might be that it teases a cliffhanger that doesn’t pay off again until five seasons later, and even then feels just a tiny bit contrived.
Rating: 8
Episode 4 – Eye-Spy
A former SHIELD agent is turned into an unwitting enemy thanks to a chip implanted into her eye. The main cast rush to both rescue her and prevent her from aiding the Centipede Project.
Again, another fairly inoffensive episode. This one gets bonus retroactive points, though, for managing to tease the existence of the Kree ruins (a major plot point of season two) and the fact that something happened to Coulson after Loki stabbed him back in The Avengers. Sadly, this episode loses points for all the gross eye stuff, bleck (just kidding). It’s a fine enough episode.
Rating: 7.5
Episode 5 – Girl in the Flower Dress
Introducing the chillingly callous Raina, this episode focuses on the SHIELD members and their continued attempts to take down the Centipede Project, even amidst a minor betrayal from Skye.
This episode is a tale of two parts. I really like all of the plot and action centering around Raina and the superpowered Scorch, and it’s nice to get more clear plot developments and stakes. At the same time, I’ve always felt that this minor Skye betrayal was an unnecessary bit in this season (even if it leads into a nice emotional conversation with Coulson at the end of the episode). It’s certainly not a bad episode, but not amazing either.
Rating: 7
Episode 6 – FZZT
Some sort of mysterious cause is leading to multiple deaths, and the SHIELD team needs to find a cure quickly…especially when one of their own becomes infected.
This is the episode that people almost unanimously refer to when they point to the moment where this show goes from good to great. Honestly, I’m not exactly sure that I agree. It’s a middle-of-the-road episode for me, honestly. Still, somewhat shoddy CGI notwithstanding, the emotional climax between Fitz and Simmons on the plane stands the test of time as shining example of great acting (and will absolutely not be the only time Fitz and Simmons elevate an episode almost by themselves).
Rating: 7.5
Episode 7 – The Hub
Skye and Coulson go behind their own organization’s back to find information that might be vital to helping Ward and Fitz, who are out on a field mission.
The first episode in the show that I’m just genuinely not a huge fan of. I think it’s pretty forgettable, and there isn’t any sort of plot progression to speak of (aside from a minor moment right at the end when Coulson learns he isn’t high enough clearance to see a file about his post-stabbing medical treatment). I like the dynamic of Fitz and Ward becoming friends on their mission (and that relationship pays dividends later on), but it’s the only noteworthy thing to speak of.
Rating: 6
Episode 8 – The Well
Asgardian forces come into focus as an ancient Norse weapon threatens to drive people into an uncontrollable fury. The Agents of SHIELD fight to stop that from happening.
Another episode that is, sadly, not that great. While I’m a pretty big fan of Elliot (the mild-mannered Asgardian who stayed on Earth as a college professor), none of the action or plot relevance of the episode hits for me. There’s a TAHITI tease at the very end, but otherwise the only worthwhile thing in the episode is a tantalizing bit of Ward backstory. Even then, there’s nothing this episode does that others don’t do better.
Rating: 6
Episode 9 – Repairs
An unexpected malfunction at a secret facility leads to an intangible man seeking revenge against an innocent woman. The Agents of SHIELD learn a little more about May.
Well, I’m not really sure what else to say, but the streak of unfortunately subpar episodes continues with this installment. To be frank, this episode might even have less relevance to any long term events than the ones that came before. Outside of a little teasing about May’s backstory, this is another standalone that doesn’t particularly interest me. There’s a few good character interactions, but you could say that about even the worst episodes in this show…which this one might be.
Rating: 5
Episode 10 – The Bridge
A frantic battle of wits and strength ensues between SHIELD and the Centipede Project as the season hits its mid-point.
This is a whirlwind episode that returns the show to a focused mindset without forsaking any of the character development or quaint little teases promised in the proceeding episodes. Effectively from start to finish there is nothing but forward momentum and action as the characters recruit Mike Peterson from the pilot to help them battle Centipede. Coulson gets kidnapped, there’s a huge bridge explosion, and it all ends on a cliffhanger. Exciting stuff, but admittedly not super deep.
Rating: 8
Episode 11 – The Magical Place
Coulson uncovers more of the truth about TAHITIT, realizing that some sort of mind-altering procedure brought him back after his encounter with Loki. The Agents bust him out of Centipede captivity.
Another exciting episode that piggybacks excellently off of the previous one. Every character is given something worthwhile to do in the task of tracking down Coulson’s location and freeing him from Centipede. There’s some great scenes between Coulson and Raina about his memories and his blind trust in SHIELD, an important villain dies (showing that stakes are growing), Skye pretends to be May for a while which is entertaining, and there is the reveal that Mike is now Deathlok. Great episode.
Rating: 8.5
Episode 12 – Seeds
While Coulson and May look into more information about Skye’s parents, Fitz and Simmons need to handle a weather storm of madness at the SHIELD academy.
Owing to season one’s attempt at a “case a week” formula, this episode is a break from the rapid action pace of the previous two episodes. This time, though, I actually welcome the break. Sure, the episode isn’t amazing, but it comes right after (and right before) very intensive and exhausting episodes. It also offers a lot of interesting threads about Skye’s past, and it puts the focus again on Fitz and Simmons who are always enjoyable.
Rating: 7
Episode 13 – T.R.A.C.K.S.
The team board a train for yet another mission, only to end up in a mind-twisting situation far more complicated than they’d bargained for.
Wow. If there is any episode of this show that serves to prove why the conceit of the show works so well, it’s this one. There’s genuinely not a single criticism I could level at this episode. It almost stands too tall given the rest of season one’s mixed quality, but I won’t turn up my nose at perfect television. I love the character interactions and jokes. I love the action scenes. I love the unique staggered timeline presentation, where scenes are shown multiple times with new perspective and context. I also adore the genuinely upsetting scene at the end of Skye being shot and nearly dying, as it’s the most traumatic stakes we’ve seen so far. It also leads perfectly into the next episode, without a wasted second. Amazing episode, and one of my favorites in the entire show.
Rating: 10
Episode 14 – T.A.H.I.T.I.
Introducing agents Antoine Triplett and John Garrett, the SHIELD team goes dark to uncover the truth of TAHITI and save Skye’s life.
Another incredible episode, whose success only further enriches the previous episode’s greatness. Garrett and Trip are both engaging characters, there’s a few great interrogation scenes with Ian Quinn (the man responsible for mortally wounding Skye), and we get Fitz heading into the field again alongside Coulson, a pairing we haven’t quite seen yet. Of course, the highlight is the discovery of the TAHITI project’s true source, and the tense closing scene of just barely managing to stabilize Skye. More great Agents of SHIELD content, for sure.
Rating: 9.5
Episode 15 – Yes Men
An Asgardian seductress who can mind-control all men arrives on Earth to cause chaos. Lady Sif follows her, and ropes the SHIELD team into helping take her down.
On paper, this is an inoffensive enough episode. I mean, it doesn’t really do anything that drastic compared to the other non-plot episodes in this season. The issue with this episode, unfortunately, is that it falls right between the two incredible episodes before it and the twisty action of the episodes to come. Unlike with “Seeds”, though, it doesn’t feel like a welcome reprieve, but rather a weird return-to-form even after it looked like the direction of the season was changing. I guess I just don’t really know why this episode exists. More Sif is cool, but otherwise…
Rating: 5.5
Episode 16 – End of the Beginning
The Agents of SHIELD hunt for the elusive Clairvoyant responsible for the Centipede Project. They also chase down Deathlok.
Swinging back into the thick of things, this episode marks a return to form for the season. That alone is great, and I love the reveal that the Clairvoyant is actually someone inside of SHIELD. I also really like the tense chasing going on aboard the Bus when it looks like May might be up to something nefarious. All that said, though, the episode isn’t mind-blowing, but it’s still pretty good. It also ties directly into the earth-shattering episode to follow…
Rating: 8.5
Episode 17 – Turn, Turn, Turn
A defining moment for the main characters as they confront the fact that HYDRA has been lurking within SHIELD all this time.
Let me start by mentioning that I don’t think this episode is as good as “T.R.A.C.K.S.”, but I’m going to score it a perfect 10/10 simply on the merit that it is such a memorable and show-defining episode. It’s certainly good too, excellent even. The HYDRA reveal is brilliant and done in a very believable “who do we trust” sort of way. Bill Paxton gets to start flexing his villainous acting chops, and we also have the jaw-dropping twist of Ward being a HYDRA agent. All around top-notch stuff that ties off loose ends and sets up for the final act of the season.
Rating: 10
Episode 18 – Providence
On the run from the government, the remaining SHIELD team find a secure base to hide in. Meanwhile, Garrett and Ward start grabbing the pieces for their decisive plan.
Serving as both a breather from the craziness of the previous episodes while also not letting up on the forward momentum built thus far, this episode is a good use of everyone’s time. Each character gets a moment to adjust to the new status quo as the plot shifts focus for this final act of the season. Patton Oswalt is a great addition as a remaining ally to the team, and it’s interesting to get an almost equal focus between the heroes and the villains. Solid episode.
Rating: 8.5
Episode 19 – The Only Light in the Darkness
Ward sneaks his way back into the team’s good graces, secrets are revealed, and Coulson saves an old love interest from a superpowered stalker.
Another episode that is a tale of two halves. Though largely inoffensive, Coulson’s half of the story is equally forgettable and feels too much like the low stakes “case of the week” formula. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that formula, but it really feels like we should’ve moved past it by this point in the season. The other half of the episode, however, is fantastic. The lie detector scene is appropriately tense, Skye uncovering the truth about Ward’s betrayal is harrowing (and an astounding acting performance from Chloe Bennett), and more pieces are put in place for the finale.
Rating: 8
Episode 20 – Nothing Personal
Maria Hill’s timely arrival allows the SHIELD agents to avoid the government and chase after Skye, who is trapped alone with Ward.
A solid episode yet again, and even more proof that those who gave up on Agents of SHIELD halfway through the first season really missed out on a progressively greater show. Skye and Ward have some amazing scenes together (and can we please talk about the outrageously magnetic charisma of Brett Dalton, my goodness). Seeing more of Maria Hill is always a treat, there’s a few good moments from Deathlok, and a little bit more teasing for the finale. Not too much crazy plot development, but a solid character and action episode.
Rating: 9
Episode 21 – Ragtag
The Agents of SHIELD put the final pieces of the Centipede puzzle into place, Ward’s backstory is explored, and Fitz and Simmons face a life-changing threat.
If, by some crazy means or other, you still weren’t convinced that Ward is one of the single greatest villains in the Marvel canon, this is the episode to prove you wrong. Ward’s backstory is intense and fascinating, and the way the flashbacks intercut with his present-day behavior is brilliant. Every unanswered question you might have heading into the finale is solved here, and the fate of Fitz and Simmons and their encounter with Ward is a jaw-dropping way to lead right into the season one conclusion.
Rating: 9
Episode 22 – Beginning of the End
The clash between the Agents of SHIELD and the Centipede Project comes to a decisive head in this season finale.
I desperately wish I liked this episode more than I do, because there’s a lot to like. Every character having an important role in the plot is brilliant. Fitz and Simmons dramatic scene trapped deep underwater is amazingly paced and acted. The frantic fight scene with Ward and May is one of the show’s best. Nick Fury showing up again is a great way to bookend the season (before later seasons were continuously ignored by the larger MCU canon). I also enjoy the dramatic irony of a recently-freed Mike Peterson being the one to take down Garrett.
At the same time, there is a pervasive lack of stakes for anything related to Garrett and the central Centipede plot. Neither Coulson nor Fury take him seriously, he’s defeated pretty effortlessly, and it turns out his season-long evil plans amounted to absolutely nothing of substance. For all the good this episode does, it’s quite frankly a rather terrible finale. Alas.
Rating: 7.5
SEASON CONCLUSION
At the end of the day Agents of SHIELD‘s first season is very clearly still trying to find its footing. I mean, can you blame it? By two-thirds of the way through the season, the main cast aren’t even technically agents of SHIELD anymore! It’s almost like the show was set up to fail, and it’s somewhat surprising this first season still enjoyably functions (and leads to progressively more amazing seasons down the road).
The character interactions, acting, and music are as great in this season as any of the others, and are reason enough alone to give it a watch. The occasional stellar episode is also a noteworthy boon. I’d really point to the scattered pacing, “filler” episodes, uneven structure, and disappointing main villain and season finale as the season’s worst bits.
Rating: 7.5
But hey, that’s just my opinion!
The Contrarian Corner 