Last night I watched the premiere episode of ABC’s highly anticipated Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Does it live up to the hype? Well, here are some of the particulars.
What I liked:
- All the possibilities. I don’t believe this episode uses much (if anything) from the comics, but it’s great that there’s a vast expanse of Marvel characters and storylines this show can pull from. If the writers can maintain a nice balance of original and Marvel material, the potential is undeniable.
- The technology. It’s awesome. I want it all.
- The big-budget feel. It’s so sleek and the effects are so cool that the first episode really does feel like a mini movie.
- The light-hearted tone. I feel like all Marvel movies have the same kind of vibe. It makes the films fun and accessible, and it’s nice to see Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. following suit.
- AGENT COULSON. I think Clark Gregg is absolutely wonderful in this role, and I’m so very glad he gets to return to it. He’s funny and likeable, but he’s equally great during more solemn moments.
- The mystery of Coulson’s recovery. For a minute we think we know what happened, but Agent Hill hints that there is something even Coulson doesn’t know. Can’t wait to find out!
What I didn’t like:
- Aside from Coulson, we don’t really know much about the characters. I realize it’s still very early, but the only characters we vaguely get to know are Agent Ward and computer hacker Skye. Um can we learn more about butt-kicking Agent May, please?
- This episode is a little predictable. It’s not enough to ruin it, and toward the end there are a couple of moments that leave you guessing, but I’m hoping the next episodes have more depth.
- Sometimes, I don’t understand the science/tech team. One is adorably Scottish, the other is adorably English, and they’re both adorably hard to hear sometimes. Maybe they talk too fast, maybe their mics aren’t turned up enough, or maybe I’m just a stupid American who can’t understand accents, but there you have it.
- So far I just think Skye is annoying. That’s bad, right? Hopefully she’ll grow on me.
The Potential: Though the premiere episode didn’t blow me out of the water, I like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. It’s already a nice bit of fun, but once we get to know the people on the team, I believe it will be even better. If nothing else, it’s nice to dip your toes into the world of Marvel while awaiting all the upcoming movies. What I’ve seen is definitely enough to make me tune in next week.
My Grade: B+
Silver Screen Serenade 
On the fence if I even want to bother with this. Hopefully it can be what Heroes should have been.
You should give it a chance! I mean, obviously it’ll be a bit different from Heroes since the main team doesn’t have superpowers, but I have high hopes after seeing the first episode.
The only new TV show I’m bothering with so far (to be fair, a lot of them don’t come to the UK until a good three months or so after the US so maybe I’ll end up watching something else). Seen two episodes of this. Yeah, it has potential but it’s far from great so far.
You know, it’s been growing on me. I still find Skye incredibly annoying, but with each episode I like it more and more. Same for Sleepy Hollow! Is that showing in the UK? It’s gotten pretty good!