Agents of Shield S4 Ep. 19 Thoughts & Easter Eggs

"All The Madame's Men"

Agents of Shield has finally hit a high point in its 4th season run due to the Framework story arc having a consistent track record of quality episodes altogether. It's interesting to think that arguably the greatest thing that they've introduced this season was a beautifully realized "What If" scenario stretched out to fit the course of several episodes. So, with that said, let's dive into what makes this episode a pretty decent follow up to a fantastic set up of world building and interesting character twists.

First off, it would be a crime not to mention the fact that Aida, who was once a slightly dull android side character, has now transformed into one of the most interesting villains in the entire series thus far. Her role as Madame Hydra has been, although a little short changed as far as screen time goes, one of the biggest highlights of the show now. The sinister grin, the powerful position of being the architect behind the Framework with her own real world agendas, the driven motivation to become human, and her influence over Fitz has made Aida one of Agents of Shield's most fascinating characters yet. Let's also keep in mind that she's also the first villain that is literally programmed to not kill the heroes adding a truly unique layer to her threat level as an antagonist.

I do hope that the season doesn't end without giving her at least one amazing spotlight scene similiar to the reveal of Hive's true form during the Season 3 finale. Every major season villain should have that "Holy crap!" moment in my opinion, so I'll be patiently waiting for some crazy android related horrors down the line or perhaps a Madame Hydra scene that'll make me speechless.

Speaking of amazing new villains, having Leopold be presented as one of the biggest antagonistic figures of the Framework was an absolutely brilliant idea and has paid off significantly so far. Iain De Caestecker has done a more than serviceable job in the role practically stealing every single scene that he's in as the famously ruthless "Doctor" of Hydra. His relationship with Ophelia as well as his brutal sensibilities dealing with "enemies" has not only been refreshing to see for his character in particular, but pretty interesting considering the real world version that we're used to. What makes this character transition such a great choice is the overall set up for what will definitely be an emotionally impactful reunion for everyone in question. Just imagine the conversation between Fitz and Simmons after all of this washes over. Yikes!

One of the other brilliant components of the Framework arc is the fact that we are, in a sense, being re-introduced to our central cast of characters in interesting ways. For example, because of this episode in particular, I've now felt a level of excitement within the Daisy-May dynamic that I haven't felt for a pretty long time. Watching these two kick some serious Hydra butt together felt like a breathe of fresh air despite having seen the two team up countless of times in the past. Not only are we getting compelling alternate versions of our beloved cast, but we're also being reminded of why we loved them in the first place. These are the types of story arcs that I really admire as it basically re-energizes the series giving fans a good reason to stay onboard.

Watching the team come together invoking the first time we saw this cast get together in Season 1 was actually kind of special in its own way. Having May help Coulson prep for his amazing Anti-Hydra speech with the both of them talking about Deja Vu was a nice touch given where the two's relationship has peaked during this season. There's also other pair ups such as Trip and Simmons or Daisy and Ward that felt like the perfect dosage of fan service necessary considering how far we've gotten with the show through all of the cancellation rumors that has plagued us to no end. If the quality of this episode and current story thread is of any indication, Agents of Shield has absolutely no reason to be cancelled whatsoever. Let's just hope that the rest of the season is as promising as the pass 5 episodes.

Overall, although I wouldn't consider as being one of my favorite episodes, I did find myself to be genuinely entertained throughout from the solid action sequences during the first half of the episode, the continuation of the alternate world building elements, and the interesting villain spotlights being presented. Agents of Shield has definitely stepped its game up from the arguably lackluster LMD arc (or the "Everyone and their grandma is a robot now!" arc as I like to call it). I look forward to seeing how Aida's endgame will play out down the line as well as the inevitable return of a certain pissed off individual with a flaming skull. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Bonus Content:

1. Aida's Agenda: No Restraints

Towards the ending of the episode, it is revealed that Aida's plans (the device being built by Fitz in the Framework) is meant to supposedly remove all restraints from her android body. This freedom is also promised to Anton Ivanov which he eagerly awaits so that he may kill Coulson without Aida's technological restrictions.

2. Sunil Bakshi: News Anchor?

Bakshi (who was a member of HYDRA and Daniel Whitehall's close associate) is utilized in the Framework as a popular news anchor.

3. Framework Ward Is Daisy's Closure

The Ward-Daisy relationship has been one of the easily exploited highlights for drama since Season 1 (for good reason all things considered). Here in the Framework, we get to see a completely different side to Ward which Daisy is able to come to peace with to some degree in the end.

4. The Patriot's Legendary Rescue

In a quick "blink and you'll miss it" moment, The Patriot is shown through May's body cam rescuing someone from fallen debris. This is a callback to the real world incident where it was revealed that Jeffrey's iconic rescue photo of the same nature was a complete lie. Through a heroic sacrifice, Mace was able to actually experience that courageous fantasy in the Framework.

5. Framework Ward's Recruiter 

During Ward and Coulson's discussion about getting recruited for Shield, Ward reveals that his recruiter was none other than Victoria Hand. In the real world, Ward is the one that ironically kills Victoria sealing the deal on his double agent position reveal for Hydra. 

6. John Garett Easter Egg

During one of Bakshi's news reports, two screens can be seen at the bottom of the screen presenting John Garret as an American Hero. John Garett was the main villain of Season 1 and Ward's training officer. He was portrayed by the late great Bill Paxton. 

7. Daniel WhiteHall Easter Egg

As Bakshi attempts to keep the world in Hydra's grasp with the news, one of the news headlines below references Daniel Whitehall and his relationship with the Malick family. Whitehall was a Hydra agent obsessed with the idea of using the Diviner as a world conquering weapon. He was eventually captured by Peggy Carter then killed by Coulson.

8. Coulson Remembers The Diviner

Before Ward approaches Coulson about teaming up for the mission, Coulson can be briefly seen holding up newspaper clippings showing the Diviner and its once mysterious case. The Diviner (or Obelisk) was a device used to kick start the Terrigenesis process for Inhumans. This is how Daisy was eventually reborn into the Inhuaman known as "Quake".

9. Trip's Reminded Connection To The Howling Commandos

During Simmons and Trip's conversation about Madame Hydra's potential plans, Simmons briefly references Trip's mysterious family connection to the Howling Commandos. The series has never revealed that soldier from the legendary team by name. It's anyone's guess. 

10. Daisy's Spectacular Power Display #1

In one of the most visually stunning scenes of the series, we get to see Daisy completely shut Madame Hydra up by using her Inhuman powers to blast her right through the glass of the Hydra Triskelion. Note May's silent but hilarious reaction to the scene.

11. Daisy's Spectacular Power Display #2

There's a brief moment during Daisy and May's run from the authority where Daisy uses her quake powers to blast back a missile that was fired by a jeep full of Hydra agents. Although not as spectacular as the Madame Hydra scene, it's still pretty cool getting to see some Inhuman powers unleashed in some capacity.

Episode Rating: 8/10