Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 'Aftershocks' Review: The Best Human is an Inhuman

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. had an explosive mid-season finale that led to some shocking developments for Skye and Tripp. Even though an entire season of a separate show aired in it’s place, S.H.I.E.L.D. still carries the steam in it’s second year to captivate fans. Marvel continually manages to pack a lot of intrigue within the span of just one episode.

Without further ado, let’s move on to a spoilery discussion of tonight’s midseason premiere entitled ‘Aftershocks.’

Open the terrigen mists.
From here on out S.H.I.E.L.D. is going to have to start cranking up the effects budget for all these Inhumans.The opening scene involving the mysterious background on the Gordon character further fleshes out his backstory on the show. We finally know that Gordon is trained to comprehend his own Inhuman powers. The information would have been useful a couple of episodes ago when the character was introduced.

About those Aftershocks.
The million dollar question now is: what’s next for Skye – or should we say Daisy. The team is still reeling from their past events of what happened in the temple. Coulson once again functions as the force of reason for the entire show, and reminds the audience of the loss of Tripp. His death was somewhat ambiguous, and it’s sad to see him go, even if we are at the point with this show where the cast could stand to be thinned out.

Fitz finds humanity in a dark corner.
Mack and Fitz find some common ground in the poor ways that they have both been treated in the course of the show. They have some nuanced bits of development making a strong case for why these two cast members are taking up screen time. Skye ends up manifesting her powers in the middle of a squabble between Mack and the rest of the group. Coulson even get’s at Mack’s throat stating that Tripp wouldn’t be bitching in a shockingly frank display of how he feels. These moments are generally reserved for other agents, but seem appropriate given Coulson’s tough situation.

A successful twist.
In the middle of planning their attack on Hydra, Coulson and May are intercepted by a group of rogue agents. Then, they are shot and killed...supposedly. This is a really good twist that that this season has been chock full of.

Reyna searches for salvation.
Reyna’s new form is quite different that Skye’s – she looks scaly and upset. When she unites with the Doctor. Her reaction to the form that was granted to her is quite sad. She gave her life to become an Inhuman and nearly lost it in the same day. Reyna is seeking her own solace through suicide, that’s when Gordon from the beginning bails her out. Reyna needs to find some peace in her new form before she can be fully redeemed as a character.

A relationship gets complicated and deadly.
Morse and Lance Hunter finally get their reunion and continue their relationship that had become so dour such a long time ago. Or so we thought, as Morse is revealed as a liar towards the conclusion of the hour. This gives their dynamic some added nuance that will likely payoff in later episodes. The two almost sign their own death warrant as well, or they would have if they didn’t give Fury’s car from Captain America: The winter Soldier a joy ride.

Enter inhumanity.
Fitz dubs Skye as an Inhuman in nature. I really have to commend this show for sticking with Fitz’s brain damage problem, the plotline truly has made him a much more nuanced character. He tries to force Skye into seeing her own true powers. Fitz makes a smart play in rescuing Skye, her character now has so many dimensions and so many threads in common with Ward.

This episode kicked off things off with a much needed bang.