Last night America saw the second episode of Marvel’s much-hyped (and probably overpunctuated) new TV show, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. While I haven’t seen it yet, this one has a lot riding on it. With the involvement of The Avengers writer/director and all-round geek god Joss Whedon, as well as Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen of the brilliant Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog as showrunners, the expectations are big.
I wasn’t overly impressed with the pilot, which aired last week, but I may have been expecting too much too soon. Uninspired characterisation and jokes that seemed almost, but not quite Whedonesque disappointed me a little. The characteristic wittiness that is expected from a Whedon script seemed to be missing something, bogged down with introductions and clumsy exposition dumps that were clearly there to establish the show’s link to the blockbuster Avengers film.
Nevertheless, I hesitate to judge the pilot too harshly, seeing that it was, you know, a pilot, and needed to set the scene, and especially seeing that favourites Dollhouse and Firefly also got off to slow starts. Those two shows only really began to shine when time allowed for detailed character-based stories, something that TV shows are really great at.
What are your thoughts on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. so far?
Last Updated: October 2, 2013
Rincethis
October 2, 2013 at 15:50
Agreed. The first ep I wasn’t that impressed with. I felt it lacked depth, which I also think I put more weight on because it is Whedon in charge. I’ll see what last night’s is like and base my future expectations on that. I supposed even Whedon needs to acclimatise after his last movie 🙂
Lardus-Resident Perve
October 2, 2013 at 15:52
Was not bad (first ep) but was not that wow either. Will see how the next few go.
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 2, 2013 at 15:55
I enjoyed it, but it was nothing earth shaking. It was one of those episodes that you’ll be happy watching when you want to switch off, not think too hard & just be entertained – and it did that.
Ultimo_Cleric N7
October 2, 2013 at 16:17
Was pretty lame in the beginning ( “Welcome to Level 7″….ugh)
However towards the end of the episode seemed to gain a bit more depth and grabbed me more. Coulson’s speech was pretty good.
All in all, I was left a bit disappointed. I usually give any series 5 episodes before I decide to stay or go. I REALLY hope this pics up. Whedon jokes are all well and good, but without a storyline to back them up, a series will just look like a bad comedy.
SaintsRowNigri
October 2, 2013 at 16:20
I think a lot of people may have been expecting Avengers on the small screen. But I am willing to give this a few more episodes. The pilot did not rock my boat, but seeing Ming Na being badass is never a bad thing…
Alien Emperor Trevor
October 2, 2013 at 20:10
Alrighty, I enjoyed the 2nd episode way more. The fish tank comment was priceless.