When Marvel announced their live-action TV series, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” the Internet erupted with unmitigated nerd-joy. Marvel fans dreamed of fan-favorite superheroes being introduced on their TV screens. Joss Whedon fans were delighted the creative mastermind would return to television. Marvel, Disney and ABC execs patted themselves on the back gleefully for coming up with such a clever cross-promotional machine.
At first, most were optimistic about the show’s critical and commercial success.
The first trailer was practically film quality. The writing team boasted screenwriters from many of the best network TV shows of the past two decades, including “Lost,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Fringe” and “The X-Files.” Not to mention Joss Whedon, creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (that critically acclaimed show your Comm Arts professor adores) and “Firefly” was involved.
P.S.: Whedon also directed a small-time movie you might have heard of called “The Avengers.” Early critical reviews were, if not glowing, at least positive, and the world over geek culture was poised to embrace a new favorite TV show.
Then something interesting happened. The pilot aired and things got divisive. Six episodes in, that hasn’t changed. Some viewers love the action-packed yet light-hearted vibe of the show, declaring it entertaining if predictable fun. Others lament the lack of genre-bending subversion and layered characterization they’ve come to expect from Whedon. Some say the show should draw more from the Marvel comics, while still others argue the show has too many references and needs to remain accessible.
Any kind of consensus remains elusive. So, now is the perfect time to take stock of the events of the show thus far and attempt to answer those most pressing questions: What is this show anyway and is it worth your time?
The show centers on Agent Phil Coulson, the recently un-deceased S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who lent a human face to the shadowy organization in the films. In the series, he pulls together his own team, which includes Grant Ward, a gruff but accomplished super-spy; Melinda May, a S.H.I.E.L.D. legend returning to the field; Leo Fitz and Jemma Simmons, British college grads who know all the things about all the sciences and Skye, a hacker with a mysterious past who may or may not be trusted and may or may not have super-secret parentage. The only thing we can be sure of is that she’s gunning to be the next L’Oreal spokesperson. I mean, the girl was introduced slumming it in a van and yet appears perfectly coiffed. I know everyone has a pressing desire to learn how Coulson came to be resurrected from his death in “The Avengers”, but lets not forget the urgent mysteries of TV hair styling.
Anyways, this scrappy team must assemble to protect the world from the super-powered threats of the Marvel universe. They’re ordinary people in an extraordinary world. Ants fighting against boots, if you will. And as far as this concept goes S.H.I.E.L.D. has delivered. We’ve received superhero origin stories, a super-villain introduction and an Avengers crossover. And all the while, the main cast has grappled with a world that is aware of superheroes and desires information on them.
Yet, it often feels like the show is skimping on character and continuity in order to fit in as many action tropes as possible. We’ve seen super-strength, pyrokinesis, alien viruses and sky-diving antics but none of that is going to compel an audience if they don’t love the people under fire. And there’s certainly potential for love. The thing is, the show has spent so much time on the MacGuffin of the week that the characters still feel like sketches.
Right now, your average “S.H.I.E.L.D.” episode goes down like this: We begin with a cold open introducing the problem. Then we get a shot of the S.H.I.E.L.D. plane zooming in to save the day. Then mayhem, mayhem, mayhem. Science, science, science. Witty one liners. Coulson brings up the mystery of his death. Conflict gets resolved. We get back on the plane.
Not to say great television can’t stem from the monster of the week formula. It can and often has. The problem arises when case beats out character. “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” has begun to recognize a case of the week works best when tied to character. When Coulson’s former protege starts committing crimes; when one of the main cast members is infected with an alien virus; when things become personal… That’s when we become invested.
And if “S.H.I.E.L.D.” continues in the trend it started with last weeks emotional “F.Z.Z.T.,” it could transform from the contentedly decent show it is today into one of real quality. For the time being though, “S.H.I.E.L.D.” is more compelling for its behind the scenes balance of corporate and creative interests than its actual onscreen content.
Yet, its witty commentary on superhero tropes, globetrotting adventures and better-than-average effects do make it the most promising thing to crawl out of the primordial ooze of network TV offerings this year.
I wouldn’t blame anyone for electing to skip “S.H.I.E.L.D.” in favor of a good “Buffy” or “Breaking Bad” binge, but if you’re interested in the crossover ambitions of Marvel this is the time to jump in. So, if you want to envelop yourself in the Marvel universe, confirm your Whedon devotee cred or just sit down to a diverting action-adventure hour once a week, then “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is a show you might want to lend your eyes.
Think “S.H.I.E.L.D.” is better than Kailee insists? Let her know at kmandrews@wisc.edu.
