Kyle’s Review

Last week’s episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. set up “4,722 Hours,” so we shouldn’t be surprised that this week gave us everything Simmons experienced while she was off-planet, but I would’ve liked if we had these tidbits sprinkled throughout the season instead of upchucked in one episode. Still, “4,722 Hours” was a good episode and Simmons’s behavior over the past episode or two was explained.

The man Simmons encountered on the alien planet not only befriended Simmons but further complicated Simmons and Fitz’s relationship. (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. hasn’t named the planet yet but since the planet is a sentient being—maybe—this planet may be a little used but awesome comic book reference: we’ll let you know in our secrets page.) While there isn’t a direct Marvel comic book link with the name Will Daniels, the name the man stranded on the living planet gives Simmons, I’m not convinced Will told Simmons the truth. There’s more to this world and the abandoned man.

“4,722 Hours” had layers. That’s not surprising given that this week’s episode focused on a character without powers. I’ve said in the past that Daisy (aka Quake, aka Skye) needed more opportunity and layers, and I hope Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. gives her a similar treatment that it gave Simmons this week. And just because “4,722 Hours” gets into Simmons psyche doesn’t mean that it skimped on action. This planet—whether it is or isn’t what I think it is—is one foul beast. It messed with our protagonist physically, mentally, and psychologically.

As long as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. builds their characters in a manner like the ones used in “4,722 Hours,” I could see season three as its best season. Perhaps with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. laying the groundwork for Inhumans, we’ll see the show progress Marvel’s cinematic universe rather than playing second fiddle to it. In other words, “4,722 Hours” was a great episode despite only featuring one main cast member. Give us more episodes like this, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..

Want to learn more about this week’s mysterious planet? Here’s a link to our Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. secrets page. Thank you for reading.