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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Turn, Turn, Turn (2014)
Different Ratings for Different Levels
At the highest level, someone is working not only as a show runner, integrating the overall plot line for the series, but as a universe runner. Turn, Turn, Turn integrates beautifully with Captain America: The Winter Soldier, which should be seen prior to this episode. Not only is Agents of SHIELD flowing as a single, coherent plot line (for the most part), the Marvel on-screen universe is well integrated as story lines intertwine.
Of course, when any motion picture comes along with which an ongoing show is so tightly intertwined and major pieces of the universe shift, the show itself must shift, which may be a positive thing for AoS. It may provide more of a goal for the show to strive toward.
On a more detailed level, however, the show itself was rough in patches. The writers didn't seem able to push forward the plot without following the Cartoon Villain Handbook, resulting in a couple rounds of monologuing. Rather than showing the audience the story, letting us put the pieces together and making us feel a part of it, they must instead explain the story to us. While that's far easier for the writers to do, it's also far less satisfying for the audience to watch. There were also just a few moments in the choreography that were rather unrealistic such as when major figures perform a cool-looking maneuver that leaves them completely open and all-too likely to be shot. That last one, I'll admit, may be nitpicking for a comic-book universe.
Additionally, there were a few moments when the tone shifted wrongly. First, one character had to wrestle with his emotions at an inappropriate and unlikely moment as well as in a way that failed to fit characterization. Second, the resolution was painted over with slow-motion scenes, facial close-ups, and dramatic music that were forced. Music should heighten the emotional content of a scene, not dictate it.
So at the level of the integration of Marvel's on-screen universe, this was a nicely put together and excellently timed piece, and if that were all I were attending to, I'd give this 8/10. But at the level of the individual episode, I can't escape it's flaws, which would have rated it 5/10.
It will be interesting to see where they take things from here as they pick up where Captain America left off. But more than anything, that opening sequence really needed more cow bell.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Yes Men (2014)
A Comedy of Errors that Isn't Particularly Funny
The title of this episode must be referring to the people who approved the script. Yes Men is chock full of inconsistencies and sloppy writing thrown in for dramatic effect or to push the plot along in a clunky fashion. It is essentially a standalone, filler episode that doesn't actually add anything to the plot, save for a slight bit at the end that doesn't really fit with prior characterization. It's such a mess and so unnecessary to the overall series plot line that viewers simply ought to skip it entirely.
Lorelei's powers only work on men, so let's send in a team of ... men. That seems strategically sound. Knowing she can seduce him, Ward stands around, gun at ready, and ... never fires with his new, exciting gun that was introduced for no apparent reason. Rather than an Asgardian referring to the realm as Midgard, it's always "Earth" or "your world", which is fairly inconsistent. And why exactly are we supposed to feel threatened by a woman gathering a bunch of bikers? You would think SHIELD could handle a handful of guys on Harleys.
The characterization of both Coulson and May is also off at moments, which further detracts from the episode's coherency. Perhaps that was an attempt at character development, but if so, it was far too abrupt to feel realistic. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has had it's ups and downs in this first season, but this might just be one of its lowest points. Hopefully the season can end strong, or at least stronger than this.