"Making Friends and Influencing People" continues Season 2's strong run with a tight, character-driven story that leans into spy tension and internal conflict. It's not quite a knockout, but it's a clear sign of how far the show has evolved.
Plot: 8/10
The episode centers around Simmons working undercover in Hydra, and the premise delivers. Watching her navigate danger without backup gives the hour a consistent edge. Meanwhile, Skye has to make a heavy call involving Donnie Gill, now a threat with unstable powers. The parallel stories raise stakes and show how blurred the lines between right and wrong have become.
Character Development: 8/10
Simmons shines here. It's one of her best episodes to date, with subtle acting and great writing behind her. Fitz continues to deliver emotionally raw scenes, particularly in his confrontations with Ward. Skye keeps getting more complex, and it's paying off. Even Ward is given more texture, becoming less of a plot device and more of a slow-burning threat.
Pacing and Direction: 8/10
The episode moves at a brisk pace, never dragging but also not rushing its character moments. The S. H. I. E. L. D.-Hydra balance is well maintained, and the tension stays high throughout.
Visuals and Action: 7/10
The action is solid, though not a major highlight. Donnie's ice powers look good for network TV, and the shootout is cleanly staged, but the episode leans more on suspense than spectacle.
Tone and Writing: 8/10
The darker themes - manipulation, loyalty, and trust - land well, and the writing isn't afraid to go quiet when it needs to. The moral dilemmas feel earned, not forced.
Overall: 8/10
"Making Friends and Influencing People" is thoughtful, tense, and well-paced. Not the flashiest episode, but one of the smarter, more emotionally grounded ones. A strong continuation of the season's confident tone.
