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So, this is the episode stretch where I actually started getting invested in the characters. At this point, I'd actually have watched the episodes without Cap 2 inspiration. I felt the characters were developing more fully, everyone was becoming more focused, and the stories were getting tighter and holding together from episode to episode. Plus, they're starting to pull together as a team, which always works for me.
Oh, and setting up The Clairvoyant as an enemy has become a fascinating touch.
--
Small disclaimer: I've been spoiled for certain post-Cap2 aspects of the AoS via tumblr, so some of my questions and thoughts are going to reflect that.
1.11 - The Magical Place
One thing that does tend to bug me about this series so far ais that the interrogation scenes are highly unrealistic. I know that they're probably not allowed to show the degree of violence that would be expected in a situation like this, but still. The ease with which they 'break' the bad guys is positively pitiful. (Sorry, but it is.)
On the other hand, I really like (as in 'admire') Reina's methods - far more effective and terrifying than torture or violence. She's helping Phil get what he wants - the truth about T.A.H.I.T.I. And if the Claivoyant just happens to also get what he wants...where's the harm in that? That's far more terrifying to me than the open violence of the SHIELD team - it's really painfully crude.
I'd kind of like to see a psychological inquisition: the kind that peels back the layers of someone's psyche - although perhaps that's coming later in the show? Possibly used against the good guys? Judging by the .gifs?
I really adored the interactions between the team. The way Melinda got Skye off the plane in order to give Skye free rein. The way Jemma, Fitz, and Ward gave her the tools. And how Skye impersonated Melinda to get at the guy with the information they needed. Yes, it was simplistic in logistics and execution, but the dynamics worked so well now that they're actually pulling together.
Victoria Hand. Why does she remind me of someone? *checks IMDB* Nope. Can't find anything she's been in that I recall... I like her no-nonsense approach. I particularly like that, in MCU, she seems to be filling the comics role of Maria Hill (at least Maria Hill's initial portrayal in comics), which is to say the hardlining hard-ass commander who suffers no deviations and demands that people toe the line.
I still want more Maria Hill, though!
Wait, isn't that why I'm catching up?
Question: did anyone think that Coulson was about to kiss Skye's hand when he took the bracelet off? Or was that just me?
1.12 - Seeds
I mentioned, last episode, just how much I was enjoying the interaction between the team? Yes? Well, this time, I really really love the interactions between the team.
The little rivalry between Operations and Technical, Jemma and Skye turning on Ward and saying that the Tin Man has a heart after all, Fitz and his interactions with both Simmons and Donnie... And then Melinda and Phil's conversation down in Mexico. So much love!
When I initially watched SHIELD, I admit I harboured a fondness for Phil/Melinda. But right now, I'm not seeing it. I'm seeing this absolutely platonic relationship of pure trust between the two of them. Phil's conversation with Skye several episodes earlier about what happened to Melinda had an element of protectiveness, and that same protectiveness is coming out in Melinda about Phil. He means a lot to her - and his good opinion means a lot to her. Which is why she tells him about Ward.
The 'twist' of Skye as the object of unknown origin? That was good. Telling her about who she is? That was better. I really love how Phil's discovery of what was done to him - just how far it all went - is informing his attitudes now. He used to follow the book, the procedures (well, most of the time). Sometimes he'd throw the book out the window, but he'd stress the importance of the procedures. And now, having found out the secrets of what was done to him, he won't keep Skye's secret from her. That was a nice scene cinematographically, too - the silence of the conversation, with only the background music slowly rising as Skye starts to cry.
And then the 'reveal' where Phil explains that she wasn't crying out of grief, so much as understanding. That was an 'oh my heart' moment.
Donnie's realisation of cryogenic powers is fairly insignificant to that. I mean, plotwise, it's probably going to be relevant in the future (given that he's been transferred to the Sandbox and from the spoilers I've picked up off Tumblr), but character-wise, I don't really care about Donnie. I care about Skye. Even if I didn't much to start with.
Confession: I liked the theory of Skye/Ward. Later, maybe, in season two or three, once they're comfortable in who they are and the edges have rubbed off. Then again, given the spoilers about Ward's allegiances, maybe not. But that scene where Skye is standing at the Wall (and that first glimpse we got of the Wall, where she mentions Bucky Barnes: hoo boy!) and touches Linda Avery's name, then the camera pans to Ward. That nudged me into "ooh, this could be interesting" territory.
Particularly in view of: a) the next episode and the 'confrontation' between Coulson and Ward, and b) Ward's allegiances.
During the first 'Asgardian' episode, I was worried that they were setting up a Skye/Ward/Melinda triangle. Which they still might, at this point. Although I don't think it's too likely. Apart from that offer of a shoulder to lean on - which could easily be seen as a friendship thing - Skye seems to be seeing the team as her family - she's not ready to go into romantic territory with any of them right now. Which, phew.
On the other hand, Fitz and Simmons really do need to work themselves out. I just hope it's done well.
Query: if Skye is an oh-eight-four are we going to find out what that actually means by the end of the season? A big season cliffie as we realise exactly what she is?
1.13 - T.R.A.C.K.S.
Lots of great 'team' moments in this - I liked the unusual teaming-up of Skye & Fitz, Coulson & Jemma. And then Coulson & Ward and the conversation about May. I really enjoyed the moment between Coulson and May when she's injured - there's intimacy there, but it doesn't have to be sexual. They're familiar - they're family in a way and while we've been seeing how important Phil is to Melinda in the last episode, this one really shows how important Melinda is to Phil, too.
Oh, and someone really needs to tell Jemma that while it's good to have all the backstory in her head, she doesn't need to tell the audience all of it. One of the rules of worldbuilding; know your world, but infodump sparingly. *giggles* Jemma's like a newbie fanfic writer when it comes to playing a part: she wants to tell you everything! And I'm pretty sure Phil's never going to let her out in the field like that again...
Back to the storytelling in this one - I liked the Rashomon effect, bringing everyone's POV to the party, and overlapping the scenes with visual cues. The Night-Night gun (wtf? I wasn't paying attention when Fitz named it - is it to do with the farewell of "Nighty-night" and knocking people out?) with the temporary freeze? Interesting. (And possibly dangerous. Imagine dust getting in your eyes while they're frozen open. Ick.)
I knew that Skye gets shot; so that was expected. I suspected it would be Quinn, but was worried that Quinn might order Mike to shoot Skye - and then was intrigued when he said "That's not in my orders."
More on the team interactions. Ward brings up his relationship with Melinda; Phil makes it clear that he doesn't approve but isn't going to take any action - unless Ward fucks up. I did like the "You'll spend the rest of your life watching the Abomination's cryo-pod in Alaska." So they do have the Abomination on ice somewhere... (What isi it about keeping people on ice in the MCU. SRSLY.) And the scene where Ward walks in on Coulson and May? Was really really good. A nice complicated people-interaction moment, with no rights of way and no clear outs.
The team going in to find Skye was heartbreaking - but not as much as Phil finding Skye. I'm not sure why she was crawling to the door - trying to get out somewhere so she could be found, maybe?
Ward saying he doesn't blame himself for Skye's injury was an interesting moment. Because there wasn't anyone else to blame, although the structure and camera focus at that moment probably suggested he blamed Melinda. The thing is, the only person there is to 'blame' is Fitz, and he wouldn't have been of use infiltrating the mansion. Plus, in a contest of wills between Fitz and Skye? I'm going to back Skye every time. Sorry, Fitz. You're cute, but headstrong dominance is not one of your traits.
Anyway, that conversation between Ward and May is where knowing Ward's allegiances comes in handy. Which then begs the question of what the Clairvoyant (who, frankly, I'm now expecting to be Zola) knows about Skye? And how he lost track of her all these years. Is this all part of A Cunning Plan, Baldrick?
Finally, Mike Peterson is really turning into the whipping boy of the AoS corner of the MCU.
1.14 - T.A.H.I.T.I.
I'm kind of all typed out at this point.
The team waiting for Skye to come out of surgery: that was powerful and well-done. The muted colours. The changing poses. The surgeon coming out in her scrubs (weren't they a litlte bit clean to have just come out of surgery?) and the "I'm saying you need to call her family. Get them here as soon as possible." "We're her family," moment. *sobs*
More interactions: Phil touching Jemma's shoulder: "No, you were great." Fitz and Simmons sitting so close in the waiting room - and then separating out. The way the camera lingered on each of their expressions. May letting loose on Quinn because she's so angry about what he did to Skye. Ward and Triplett - friends and fighting - kind of echoing Phil and Bill Paxton. Fitz and the trio of Operative Guys - Phil, Ward, and Bill. (I'm sorry, what was his name, who cares, he's Bill Paxton!) This was a testosterone-heavy episode: I'm guessing that the women were prepping for the next episode? (a.k.a. "Agents of SHIELD: The 'Hathor' episode" - cf. Stargate SG1) Jemma and her concern for Skye; nothing in common, really, but she can't imagine life without her. Female friendship FTW!
I have a small thing to say about Triplett's crush on Jemma. While I thought the interaction was cute, I'm kind of...how do I put this...wary of where they're going with the 'almost all male characters who temporarily work with the team will fall in love with Jemma Simmons' angle. (The Asgardian in the first Asgard episode also had a crush on Jemma.) Is this going to be incorporated into the plot at some point - ie. Jemma's secret superpower is being as cute as a kitten and making men want to feel all manly and protective around her? Is this going to be tied in with the next episode with Lorelei? (ie. Jemma has some Asgardian ancestry that works like Lorelai, only it's obvs. been diluted through the ages and just manifests in guys being a little doe-eyed around her.) Or else, is this a bad case of The Jewel Stait Effect.
The Jewel Stait Effect (as I call it) came about where TPTB of Stargate Atlantis were so in love with Jewel Stait - the actress of Firefly fame who played Jennifer Keller - that their Vicarious Geeky Guy Representative ended up with her, she was given several episodes in which she got to star (or, at least, the action revolved around her) while other regulars got pushed to the back, and (I believe) TPTB declared that they'd keep shoving Keller down the fandom's throats until she was accepted.
I like the character of Jennifer Keller and Jewel Stait is a lovely, generous, and talented actress who I fully expect to turn up in Agents of SHIELD at some point. Someone should open a book on that.
However. I do not like The Jewel Stait Effect. I'm hoping it's not in action here with Jemma Simmons/Elizabeth Henstridge, because if it is, I'm going to get so pissed off.
Small niggle: everyone crowded into Skye's little medical pod? Uh, what, no! Give the girl room to breathe and the doc space to work!
The discovery of the alien/thing in the T.A.H.I.T.I. room? Iiinteresting. Is it alive or is it dead? And what does it do to human physiology? How does this affect Phil and his inability to automatically load a gun waaaay back in, oh, Episode 3 or so: "It's just muscle memory"? If Skye is an oh-eight-four, then why? And what will it do to her?
--
tl;dr: slow start, but now I'm very much enjoying this show - all the huzzah!
So. I can watch 1.15 - Yes Men now or I can leave off until tomorrow... It would be so easy to leave off until tomorrow...
Oh, and setting up The Clairvoyant as an enemy has become a fascinating touch.
--
Small disclaimer: I've been spoiled for certain post-Cap2 aspects of the AoS via tumblr, so some of my questions and thoughts are going to reflect that.
1.11 - The Magical Place
One thing that does tend to bug me about this series so far ais that the interrogation scenes are highly unrealistic. I know that they're probably not allowed to show the degree of violence that would be expected in a situation like this, but still. The ease with which they 'break' the bad guys is positively pitiful. (Sorry, but it is.)
On the other hand, I really like (as in 'admire') Reina's methods - far more effective and terrifying than torture or violence. She's helping Phil get what he wants - the truth about T.A.H.I.T.I. And if the Claivoyant just happens to also get what he wants...where's the harm in that? That's far more terrifying to me than the open violence of the SHIELD team - it's really painfully crude.
I'd kind of like to see a psychological inquisition: the kind that peels back the layers of someone's psyche - although perhaps that's coming later in the show? Possibly used against the good guys? Judging by the .gifs?
I really adored the interactions between the team. The way Melinda got Skye off the plane in order to give Skye free rein. The way Jemma, Fitz, and Ward gave her the tools. And how Skye impersonated Melinda to get at the guy with the information they needed. Yes, it was simplistic in logistics and execution, but the dynamics worked so well now that they're actually pulling together.
Victoria Hand. Why does she remind me of someone? *checks IMDB* Nope. Can't find anything she's been in that I recall... I like her no-nonsense approach. I particularly like that, in MCU, she seems to be filling the comics role of Maria Hill (at least Maria Hill's initial portrayal in comics), which is to say the hardlining hard-ass commander who suffers no deviations and demands that people toe the line.
I still want more Maria Hill, though!
Wait, isn't that why I'm catching up?
Question: did anyone think that Coulson was about to kiss Skye's hand when he took the bracelet off? Or was that just me?
1.12 - Seeds
I mentioned, last episode, just how much I was enjoying the interaction between the team? Yes? Well, this time, I really really love the interactions between the team.
The little rivalry between Operations and Technical, Jemma and Skye turning on Ward and saying that the Tin Man has a heart after all, Fitz and his interactions with both Simmons and Donnie... And then Melinda and Phil's conversation down in Mexico. So much love!
When I initially watched SHIELD, I admit I harboured a fondness for Phil/Melinda. But right now, I'm not seeing it. I'm seeing this absolutely platonic relationship of pure trust between the two of them. Phil's conversation with Skye several episodes earlier about what happened to Melinda had an element of protectiveness, and that same protectiveness is coming out in Melinda about Phil. He means a lot to her - and his good opinion means a lot to her. Which is why she tells him about Ward.
The 'twist' of Skye as the object of unknown origin? That was good. Telling her about who she is? That was better. I really love how Phil's discovery of what was done to him - just how far it all went - is informing his attitudes now. He used to follow the book, the procedures (well, most of the time). Sometimes he'd throw the book out the window, but he'd stress the importance of the procedures. And now, having found out the secrets of what was done to him, he won't keep Skye's secret from her. That was a nice scene cinematographically, too - the silence of the conversation, with only the background music slowly rising as Skye starts to cry.
And then the 'reveal' where Phil explains that she wasn't crying out of grief, so much as understanding. That was an 'oh my heart' moment.
Donnie's realisation of cryogenic powers is fairly insignificant to that. I mean, plotwise, it's probably going to be relevant in the future (given that he's been transferred to the Sandbox and from the spoilers I've picked up off Tumblr), but character-wise, I don't really care about Donnie. I care about Skye. Even if I didn't much to start with.
Confession: I liked the theory of Skye/Ward. Later, maybe, in season two or three, once they're comfortable in who they are and the edges have rubbed off. Then again, given the spoilers about Ward's allegiances, maybe not. But that scene where Skye is standing at the Wall (and that first glimpse we got of the Wall, where she mentions Bucky Barnes: hoo boy!) and touches Linda Avery's name, then the camera pans to Ward. That nudged me into "ooh, this could be interesting" territory.
Particularly in view of: a) the next episode and the 'confrontation' between Coulson and Ward, and b) Ward's allegiances.
During the first 'Asgardian' episode, I was worried that they were setting up a Skye/Ward/Melinda triangle. Which they still might, at this point. Although I don't think it's too likely. Apart from that offer of a shoulder to lean on - which could easily be seen as a friendship thing - Skye seems to be seeing the team as her family - she's not ready to go into romantic territory with any of them right now. Which, phew.
On the other hand, Fitz and Simmons really do need to work themselves out. I just hope it's done well.
Query: if Skye is an oh-eight-four are we going to find out what that actually means by the end of the season? A big season cliffie as we realise exactly what she is?
1.13 - T.R.A.C.K.S.
Lots of great 'team' moments in this - I liked the unusual teaming-up of Skye & Fitz, Coulson & Jemma. And then Coulson & Ward and the conversation about May. I really enjoyed the moment between Coulson and May when she's injured - there's intimacy there, but it doesn't have to be sexual. They're familiar - they're family in a way and while we've been seeing how important Phil is to Melinda in the last episode, this one really shows how important Melinda is to Phil, too.
Oh, and someone really needs to tell Jemma that while it's good to have all the backstory in her head, she doesn't need to tell the audience all of it. One of the rules of worldbuilding; know your world, but infodump sparingly. *giggles* Jemma's like a newbie fanfic writer when it comes to playing a part: she wants to tell you everything! And I'm pretty sure Phil's never going to let her out in the field like that again...
Back to the storytelling in this one - I liked the Rashomon effect, bringing everyone's POV to the party, and overlapping the scenes with visual cues. The Night-Night gun (wtf? I wasn't paying attention when Fitz named it - is it to do with the farewell of "Nighty-night" and knocking people out?) with the temporary freeze? Interesting. (And possibly dangerous. Imagine dust getting in your eyes while they're frozen open. Ick.)
I knew that Skye gets shot; so that was expected. I suspected it would be Quinn, but was worried that Quinn might order Mike to shoot Skye - and then was intrigued when he said "That's not in my orders."
More on the team interactions. Ward brings up his relationship with Melinda; Phil makes it clear that he doesn't approve but isn't going to take any action - unless Ward fucks up. I did like the "You'll spend the rest of your life watching the Abomination's cryo-pod in Alaska." So they do have the Abomination on ice somewhere... (What isi it about keeping people on ice in the MCU. SRSLY.) And the scene where Ward walks in on Coulson and May? Was really really good. A nice complicated people-interaction moment, with no rights of way and no clear outs.
The team going in to find Skye was heartbreaking - but not as much as Phil finding Skye. I'm not sure why she was crawling to the door - trying to get out somewhere so she could be found, maybe?
Ward saying he doesn't blame himself for Skye's injury was an interesting moment. Because there wasn't anyone else to blame, although the structure and camera focus at that moment probably suggested he blamed Melinda. The thing is, the only person there is to 'blame' is Fitz, and he wouldn't have been of use infiltrating the mansion. Plus, in a contest of wills between Fitz and Skye? I'm going to back Skye every time. Sorry, Fitz. You're cute, but headstrong dominance is not one of your traits.
Anyway, that conversation between Ward and May is where knowing Ward's allegiances comes in handy. Which then begs the question of what the Clairvoyant (who, frankly, I'm now expecting to be Zola) knows about Skye? And how he lost track of her all these years. Is this all part of A Cunning Plan, Baldrick?
Finally, Mike Peterson is really turning into the whipping boy of the AoS corner of the MCU.
1.14 - T.A.H.I.T.I.
I'm kind of all typed out at this point.
The team waiting for Skye to come out of surgery: that was powerful and well-done. The muted colours. The changing poses. The surgeon coming out in her scrubs (weren't they a litlte bit clean to have just come out of surgery?) and the "I'm saying you need to call her family. Get them here as soon as possible." "We're her family," moment. *sobs*
More interactions: Phil touching Jemma's shoulder: "No, you were great." Fitz and Simmons sitting so close in the waiting room - and then separating out. The way the camera lingered on each of their expressions. May letting loose on Quinn because she's so angry about what he did to Skye. Ward and Triplett - friends and fighting - kind of echoing Phil and Bill Paxton. Fitz and the trio of Operative Guys - Phil, Ward, and Bill. (I'm sorry, what was his name, who cares, he's Bill Paxton!) This was a testosterone-heavy episode: I'm guessing that the women were prepping for the next episode? (a.k.a. "Agents of SHIELD: The 'Hathor' episode" - cf. Stargate SG1) Jemma and her concern for Skye; nothing in common, really, but she can't imagine life without her. Female friendship FTW!
I have a small thing to say about Triplett's crush on Jemma. While I thought the interaction was cute, I'm kind of...how do I put this...wary of where they're going with the 'almost all male characters who temporarily work with the team will fall in love with Jemma Simmons' angle. (The Asgardian in the first Asgard episode also had a crush on Jemma.) Is this going to be incorporated into the plot at some point - ie. Jemma's secret superpower is being as cute as a kitten and making men want to feel all manly and protective around her? Is this going to be tied in with the next episode with Lorelei? (ie. Jemma has some Asgardian ancestry that works like Lorelai, only it's obvs. been diluted through the ages and just manifests in guys being a little doe-eyed around her.) Or else, is this a bad case of The Jewel Stait Effect.
The Jewel Stait Effect (as I call it) came about where TPTB of Stargate Atlantis were so in love with Jewel Stait - the actress of Firefly fame who played Jennifer Keller - that their Vicarious Geeky Guy Representative ended up with her, she was given several episodes in which she got to star (or, at least, the action revolved around her) while other regulars got pushed to the back, and (I believe) TPTB declared that they'd keep shoving Keller down the fandom's throats until she was accepted.
I like the character of Jennifer Keller and Jewel Stait is a lovely, generous, and talented actress who I fully expect to turn up in Agents of SHIELD at some point. Someone should open a book on that.
However. I do not like The Jewel Stait Effect. I'm hoping it's not in action here with Jemma Simmons/Elizabeth Henstridge, because if it is, I'm going to get so pissed off.
Small niggle: everyone crowded into Skye's little medical pod? Uh, what, no! Give the girl room to breathe and the doc space to work!
The discovery of the alien/thing in the T.A.H.I.T.I. room? Iiinteresting. Is it alive or is it dead? And what does it do to human physiology? How does this affect Phil and his inability to automatically load a gun waaaay back in, oh, Episode 3 or so: "It's just muscle memory"? If Skye is an oh-eight-four, then why? And what will it do to her?
--
tl;dr: slow start, but now I'm very much enjoying this show - all the huzzah!
So. I can watch 1.15 - Yes Men now or I can leave off until tomorrow... It would be so easy to leave off until tomorrow...
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I don't think I'm going to be fully caught up by the next episode, alas: but I want to have my gifsets at the ready for MARIA HILL. (Excuse me, must go squee somewhere soundproofed.)
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There's not much else I can say without worrying about spoilers, because it's obvious that there are a few details that you haven't been spoiled for yet.
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I also saw a gif where Ward kisses Skye (I think; it was just a glimpse and the way it was shot questions exactly how consenting she was), and there's a graphic of Ward and Mike Petersen standing in front of Skye.
Talk about tossing chum in the water!