Coulson Lives. Review: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D - “Pilot”

Season 1, Episode 1

Air Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 8/7c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“Don’t ever tell me there’s no way.” – Agent Coulson

Coulson Lives.

Prior to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, I had two questions on my mind. First: Could someone follow the show without having seen the film The Avengers or any of the other Marvel films. Second, how well would the S.H.I.E.L.D writers explain Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) being alive given he died in The Avengers.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is the TV sequel to The Avengers and it is over flowing with references which is no surprise given that both the television series and the film were written and directed by Joss Whedon. While new viewers may miss many of the references, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is also its own show and the further the season progresses, we’ll get to know these characters and that will allow casual fans will be drawn in. For new fans, Agent Grant Ward (Brett Dalton), an experienced agent who likes to do things on his own, sums it up what S.H.I.E.L.D is about. “S.H.I.E.L.D stands for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division… It means were the line between the world and a much weirder world. We protect people from news they aren’t ready to hear. And when we can’t do that, we keep them safe.”

Meet Fits and Simmons. Together they’re “Fitz Simmons”

The “Pilot” introduces us to many new characters like Leo Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) and Jemma Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge). These two work together so much as the engineering and bio-chem team they are referred simply as “Fitz Simmons”. Then there is Melinda May (Ming-Na Wen) who has a shadowy past and seems to want to avoid working in the field because of it.

The real treat for Marvel fans is the return of Coulson, who is back in full swing. Gregg’s return has to be one of the world’s worst kept secrets in TV history especially since we see his first appearance in almost every commercial. It’s hard to believe that a bit part back in Iron Man (2008) could evolve into his own spin-off show in spite of his tragic demise in the film. Almost every scene that Gregg is in can simply be described as fun to watch. I doubt I was the only one laughing as the interrogation scene takes an unusual twist that I have never seen before. You can tell Gregg is having a blast being back in a familiar role just by looking at the smile on his face in almost every scene particulary his first as Grant is talking to Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders).

Grant: “Uh ya. I’m clearance level six. I know that Agent Coulson was killed in action. Before the battle of New York. Got the full report.”

Coulson: “Welcome to level seven” [emerging from the shadows.] Sorry that corner was really dark and I couldn’t help myself. I think there is a bulb out.”

Coulson may be alive but there is more to the story that neither we, the audience, nor Coulson himself knows. It will be interesting to see how much we learn about what really happened after he was killed and how he reacts to finding out.

Smulders reprising her role from The Avengers

Smulders reprising her role helps blend the movie and the TV show together into the same universe. While she won’t be a series regular, it helps establish Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D into the Marvel Universe.

Not only is the writing great but the music and special effects bring the show up to a level where it fits right next to The Avengers.

The modern incarnation of the Marvel Universe dates back to 1961 giving the writers a lot of stories and characters to pull from. Marvel has done an amazing job at creating a universe that intertwines through its films and now TV. I can’t wait to see what other characters and possible guest stars we will be seeing this season. Tweet me @staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”

For more on the show, go to http://www.agentsofshield.com/

Follow Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D on Twitter, as well as some of the cast: <Grant> Brett Dalton, <Coulson> Clark Gregg, <Simmons> Elizabeth Henstridge, and <Melinda> Ming-Na Wen

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Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.