Agents of Shield S4 Ep.7 Thoughts

"Deals With Our Devils"

This week's episode of Agents of Shield was definitely the huge comeback that this season desperately needed after a pretty lackluster set of episodes recently. I feel as though we've finally reached an episode here that truly sold the overall story and lore building of the new season in a fully realized and entertaining fashion. The new supernatural theme was honestly never hitting strong with me despite loving the introduction of the character...until now.

Not only do we get a conceptually amazing episode showing our characters being stuck between dimensions in a near hopeless attempt to return, but the stylistic choices in which the story is told constantly kept me at the edge of my seat. The idea of having scenes repeat through our normal perspective followed by Coulson, Fitz, and Robbie's dimensional viewpoint was absolutely genius as it allowed the audience to experience two different stories intertwining with each other. Never did it felt repetitive watching a series of moments repeat being that their was always a dramatic and context filled angle being taken. For this, I have to give major props to the writing and pacing for carrying such a boldly chosen concept successfully to the end.

As I alluded to before, some of the new plot points introduced in the new season finally gets to shine here in a very effective way. For example, we saw characters being stuck in a limbo-like state previously as they were presented as ghost-like villains, but it's only when a similiar situation is forced onto our beloved cast did I actually start getting invested in the idea. The dramatic tension surrounding Daisy and May both embarking on their own separate solo missions to rescue their friends was both thrilling and fascinating considering what takes place during their endeavors.

On May's side, we finally get to see Aida in a more spotlighted role as the only one capable of processing the Darkhold book in order to save the team. This was a great way to not only reveal Aida's secret to Coulson and May, but to also finally see the book being used in a more positive way. I also loved the artistic direction of having Aida's portal conjuring being displayed by having her create a series of interconnecting holographic lines only visible to Coulson and Fitz. This is the first time that I've ever seen a portal opening scene being done in that way, so again, major props to the visual direction of this episode.

On the other side of the spectrum, we also get to see the spirit of vengeance given a more individualistic presentation as he possesses Mack in order to escape Robbie's captive state. This is the first time where the vengeful spirit itself is given a strong sense of character which adds another interesting layer to the Ghost Rider mythos. What I liked about this scene (aside from the astounding visuals of the Ghost Rider) was the ironic character twist regarding Mack experiencing something spiritually negative. Being the religious man that he is, I found it interesting that he was the one to get possessed by the hellish entity in the end. You can tell that he was emotionally affected by the experience which shows a great sense of consistency for the character.

Speaking of character twists, the scene where Robbie bargains his own soul with the spirit itself in order to save Mack was not only dramatically powerful, but interesting considering his proposal to extend his partnership with it. Ever since the season premiere, Robbie has been the central highlight of the season due to his interesting solo story, but this scene was by far the most impactful moment showing the type of self sacrificing and driven mentality that he has. I find it compelling that we're both figuratively and literally watching someone face their own demons in some capacity. With the new bargain including Robbie having to settle the spirit's personal scores after his own, perhaps we'll get to fully dive into its character as well as their relationship more deeply.

With amazingly presented science-fiction elements, great performances all around the board, and a strong dramatic backbone surrounding the central characters, this was by far one of the most beautifully written and directed episodes of the entire series. This was the type of episode that I was hoping to get, and despite taking 7 episodes to reach a high point of interest, I'm happy to say that Agents of Shield is officially back on my radar. I'm now genuinely excited to see what comes next considering the cliffhangers and teases being laid out for us.

Bonus Content

1. A New Inhuman

Nothing much is revealed about this character except that he was in the metamorphosis state for 7 months and that his identity is classified. With Simmons being the one to help him break free right before getting forcefully taken away, I do wonder what this introduction will lead to. 

2. Aida Is Officially Revealed

Now that Aida is revealed to be an android to the team, there are several directions that the story can take. Keep note that she's currently the only one under the S.H.I.E.L.D. umbrella that can actually read and process the Darkhold book. 

Rating: 10/10