SERIES REVIEW – Well folks, it’s that time of the year again. Captain America is returning to the big screens tomorrow in Hungary, and a few other countries have already seen the movie. The reviews are in, and sadly Batman and Superman were beaten to a bloody pulp at the box office. However before we jump into the frays of who wins between Captain America or Iron Man, let us turn back time a bit and see what is Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is exactly.

 

The series was created and helmed by Joss Whedon, to finally have a foothold in the TV series market. With an astounding 12 million viewership, the first few episodes were watched by a huge amount of people. Then the viewership dropped to a steady four to six million people, and unfortunately too many found the first few episodes to be cliché or boring. Which in a way I have to agree with them, as it seems too generic, and the twists are a bit forced. However the production quality of the series is top-notch, and unlike CW’s Arrow or The Flash, most of the action can take place in daylight and do not shy away from superhero costumes.

Welcome to Level 7

Season One for all intents and purposes is a rough ride in the beginning, and I can fully appreciate why it is such a slow burn for the first fifteen episodes. While Arrow and Flash constantly throw C, D, and even lower minor villains into the fray (with fun guest stars such as Mark Hamill), Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. had a bit of a problem. It was being tied too closely to the

It was being tied too closely to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which meant a lot of restrictions had to be applied regarding plot, villains, characters, and even guest characters or actors (Mind you this is now also happening in the CW shows due to DC doing their own thing). Even with all these problems plaguing the first half of the season, it eventually picks up, finds its place, and becomes one of the most enjoyable superhero tv series of all time (in my opinion).

The story is rather straightforward Coulson from the neat little short movies, and from Avengers is „SURPRISE” alive and well. Intends to lead a squad of SHIELD agents to uphold the new chaotic world after the „Battle of New York.”  You have Coulson the leader, Agent Grant Ward, a specialist who likes to work alone, Agents Simmons and Fitz two fast-talking scientist, plus May the „silent” pilot of the group. Yes, I know the character descriptions are pretty cliché, and sadly, in the beginning, they lack depth, but as the show goes on, it adds more layers to each of the characters. The plot lines are also affected by the movies, and Captain America Winter Soldiers is one of the best examples.

The effects are movie quality production, and the fight scenes are well done. Costumes are also great and did not feel too out of place. The budget and quality are high, and luckily this is not diminished over the seasons.

Out of the Shadows and Into the Light

The series is now three seasons in and a fourth confirmed. The question remains ( since I did not wish to reveal too much from the plot), is the show worth watching? Yes, most definitely, the show is a slow burn in the beginning quickly becomes one of the best „Spy” shows. It is especially important, and a must-see for Marvel fans, as for two times now the shows intersected with the two big movies. Fun TV show for everyone… except maybe for children as the show can get brutal.

-Dante-