Mike Gold: The SHIELD Gambit
Marvel has a bunch of great characters that have never been able to hold down their own books for any length of time, yet manage to play a continuing major role in the Marvel Universe. At least three of them, Nick Fury, the Sub-Mariner and Doctor Strange, are at the top of my personal pantheon.
Therefore, I was pleased to note that when it came time to build the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU; sounds like a college) they put SHIELD at the hub. To me, that meant they got it. They understood what we fangeezers knew since Fantastic Four Volume 1 Number 12: cancelled comics count!
I thought the Agents of SHIELD series was a great idea, as long as it stayed within the MCU’s tight continuity. I saw it in my mind’s eye as a modern-day Man From UNCLE, which is ironic as SHIELD was created to capitalize on UNCLE’s success. In that, I was not disappointed. Yes, the first half of the season moved slowly, and it seemed overcrowded. But each week I saw enough to appreciate that they still got it…
…as long as “it”doesn’t mean ratings. The numbers were not dismal, but they weren’t anything to text home about. But they still got it, and they fixed it, piggybacking on the storylines in this year’s Thor and Captain America movies…particularly the latter.
Over the past two months, the show has propelled to the top of my list. I watched last night’s season finale, pissing off my schizophrenic editor for deadline jumping. I wanted the season to go out with a bang.
Not a problem. Most storylines were resolved, a few were started, there were a couple of surprises, and a sweet more-than-passing performance from Samuel L. Jackson. Clark Gregg was strong, witty and always in-the-moment; Ruth Negga is amazing in a role that requires enormous strength through subtlety. Nice season finish.
One thing more, since I’m still gushing. For those who saw the Marvel One-Shot Agent Carter mini-movie, Cap’s 40s flame will be getting her own mini-series. I loved the One-Shot (and in fact, I like all the One-Shots) and I’m looking forward to the show.
Yep. I’m in fangeezer heaven!
My hopes for Agent Carter are quite high, as not only will it be about the building of SHIELD, but the rise of HYDRA. I think they could do worse than to get Bradley Whitford back and have him be one of the first moles in the company.
And who doesn’t think they’ll so a time-travel based crossover?
All I know is they’re doing a show with a strong female character in the lead.
Yup. And, as we’ve seen from the pilot, one that doesn’t take any shit.
Then again, in that timeline they haven’t invented Samuel L. Jackson yet.
I’ve been loving Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD too! It’s a great look inside the Marvel universe from the perspective of non-powered individuals, and reminds us that it isn’t only the superheroes who matter.
I keep hearing about these One-Shots, but I’ve never run across them. Where does one find those?
The Marvel One-Shots are on the DVDs – or, at least, the Blu-Rays. For example, on Iron Man 3 there’s an entire short sequel to that very movie, starring Ben Kingsley in (IMHO) one of his most compelling performances.
I’m sure they’ll release a separate DVD of them when they have enough. And THAT DVD will have an original One-Shot as well. As will the Agents of SHIELD box set.
I love those mini movies too. But the Ben Kingsley One Shot is on the Thor Dark World DVD. Iron Man 3 has the Agent Carter One Shot.