The Mystery Deepens in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., ‘Window of Opportunity’

“Window of Opportunity” Plot Summary:

S.H.I.E.L.D. searches for answers as Sarge (Clark Gregg) and his crew continue to wreak havoc on Earth. Elsewhere, in deep space, Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) and Enoch (Joel Stoffer) find themselves in a jam.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. isn’t rushing out of the gate this season, instead carefully leaving clues for viewers to pick up on. So far we know Sarge is from space and he’s a DNA match for Coulson. His team also keeps mentioning reincarnation. Whether this means he’s actually a reincarnated Phil Coulson remains to be seen, but it sounds like he had a past life, and the name Coulson “rings a bell.”

Coulson was always sort of a goofball, so Sarge gives Clark Gregg a chance to show off his range. He’s surprisingly menacing. He also has a sort of swagger. Of course, he and his crew’s get up and the episode’s use of slow motion help.

While Sarge’s plan is nothing special, some of the situations prove to be engaging. This culminates in a creative fight scene between May (Ming-Na Wen) and his underlings, in which May use objects around her to fight a much larger opponent. Even after all this time, the show has not slacked off in the choreography department. The series still has fights that makes the series feel worthy of the title Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Unfortunately, this week’s episode has a lesser plot bogging it down. While his storyline reminds us that this Fitz is not the Fitz who died last season, I just don’t care whether he saves these laborers he inadvertently condemned to death. Sure, it makes sense that he would want to prove to himself that he’s a good person, since he lacks the character development of last season’s Fitz. However, it essentially trudges up a storyline we already saw play out. These laborers also sold him out earlier on when they discovered he was from Earth. Compare them to the much more relatable gas station and jewelry store clerks Sarge’s team almost kill. They’re normal people and therefore garner more sympathy.

This week also ends on a frustrating note, with Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) and Daisy (Chloe Bennet) exiting a wormhole only moments too late to catch Fitz. It would admittedly be too easy if they found Fitz two episodes in, but it’s a trope I could have done without. Oh well, at least next week should be fun, based on the promo.

I could give this installment a lower score, but it’s not a bad episode; it’s just setup. Plus it’s only two episodes in and I’m feeling generous.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Good)