A lot of shows always use the term “game-changing” episode for special episodes of their show. Most times nothing really changes, and that was a worry I had for most of the 100th episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Now, don’t get me wrong, the episode was good. Damn good. But I hadn’t seen that game-changing moment, and again Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. proves once again that I should never sell this show short. Because unlike other comic book show’s 100th episode, this one had heart, adventure and was true to the story and the people involved instead of throwing them aside.
(Also aliens were involved, but unlike Arrow, this time it made sense.)
BUT we got in the last few moments one thing so many SHIELD fans had been waiting for:
FITZSIMMONS IS MARRIED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is such a happy and joyous moment. For five seasons, we’ve followed the journey of these two science nerds as they have gone through everything imaginable, but their bond has never broken. Underwater in the middle of the ocean: Not a problem. Stranded on a desert planet: A little tough but just brought them closer together. Stuck in the future so you had to freeze yourself to find the love of your life so you can propose to one another: For FitzSimmons, that’s just a regular Friday.
Even the vows were so much exactly like Fitz and Simmons. Jemma laying her soul to bare about how she’s cared for/loved Fitz from the first time they met bonding over some scientific thing that I looked up three times and still don’t have a clue what it is. Leo’s is basic but heartfelt about how lucky of a man he is to have Jemma Simmons in his life. And in typical SHIELD fashion, we get a little twist in the end, though this one is good one to me.
So Deke is FitzSimmons’s grandson by all indications!
It makes the most sense considering how connected to the group Deke had been even before they had met it felt like. Deke even got to see his grandparents’ wedding though he had no idea that’s what this is. (My word, if it looks like your Grandma’s ring, there’s a good chance it probably is your Grandma’s ring!!) This is also nice, as it confirms something Jemma mentions in her vows of starting their next adventure as a family. The FitzSimmons legacy leaves on through Deke just as the show’s legacy will continue to live on long after it’s over. (WHICH HOPEFULLY IS NOT FOR A FEW MORE SEASONS).
For FitzSimmons, things will never be easy or safe but for this moment in time, this spot in this forest on the 27th floor: They are happy. They are in love. There’s not much more we could ask for.
GREATEST HITS (SORTA)
The main story of the 100th wasn’t the wedding, however. It’s the story of one man who represents SHIELD and what he’s sacrificed for that SHIELD…that family of his. It’s fitting the 100th episode was about Phil Coulson. As FitzSimmons, Daisy and May may be the hearts of the team, Coulson is the soul. The voice always out there shining the light through the ever increasing darkness. Now though the darkness is starting to finally pull him back in.
Phil revealing his deal with the Ghost Rider pretty much used up all his alien healing, therefore he’s slowly dying was not a surprise. Dance with a devil and you pay a price. But for SHIELD, for family, Phil’s always going to pay that price. So it’s no shock again when he decides to go down to the Lighthouse basement to fix the rip in the universe it has made.
That hole opens up a “Fear Dimension” which brings back so old baddies like Hive, Lash, and LMD Simmons. This was probably the weak point, though because how do you not bring back Ward here? I know why you can’t bring back Garrett (RIP Bill Paxton) but having Ward there would have been a reminder of one of Phil’s biggest moments in the show.
(And also would have filled our Brett Dalton appearances quota for the season)
So Phil goes to fix things like he does, and low and behold who does he spot but Mike Peterson – Deathlok. Except something is up from the get-go as Mike tries to convince Phil that he’s been “St.Elseworth-ing” the whole series in his mind while he’s been on the operating table after getting stabbed by Loki way way way way back during Avengers.
Coulson, however is no dummy and sees through the trick made by Mike or as it’s revealed “Fear Dimension” Mike. This leads to some nifty action sequences and the return of the real Deathlok to help Coulson fight off the fear demons.
It was fitting to see Mike back as his was the first case we ever saw Coulson and his team in. A very nice full-circle nod as we head into the future. A future where I wouldn’t mind seeing Deathlok again in, from time to time.
So the rift has been fixed and FitzSimmons is married. What’s next for our team as season 5 heads towards it’s conclusion? I’m not really certain but I do want to speak a little bit about the show before I close this review out.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has never been the most popular comic book show out there. It’s never been treated with proper respect at times. SHIELD has always been under the hanging threat of cancellation but always survives. So why is there such a small but passionate and loyal fanbase for this show?
Because it’s damn good. Unlike other comic book shows (you know the ones), SHIELD has improved every season it has aired. Even going back, season 1 has some really good moments before the game-changing twist of turning Ward HYDRA.
This show has always treated it’s characters with respect while also letting them grow. The Skye we knew from season 1 is not the Daisy Johnson we know from season 5 but the core of her wanting to help people is still there. The same with Fitz, Simmons, Coulson , May , Mack, Yo-Yo and the many other characters that have filled AoS through the years. We laugh with them, cry with them, we feel their emotions with them because we care about them. And for a show five years in to still have you care about the characters in that way is pretty darn impressive.
So to Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon and all of the writers,directors, cast and crew who have worked on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for these 100 episodes – we here at Fangirlish just want to say Congratulations and Thank You for all the wonderful, exciting, sad and emotional moments. And the many more that we know that are coming.
QUICK THOUGHTS :
- Daisy and Coulson’s talk was one of the most emotional scenes I had seen on the show. AoS would have failed had it not been for how well Clark Gregg and Chloe Bennet work with each other. You never feel anything fake between these two and you can tell the bond Phil and Daisy have with one another. They care for each other and hurt when the other hurts. Family in a nutshell.
- Okay We’ve got to say. Deke, please put down the Zima.
- As for emotional moments, Mack and Yo-Yo’s talk chalks up there with my eyes watering the moment Mack told her he would carry her outta there if she wanted him too.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D airs on Friday Nights on ABC at 9 pm.
