Episode 21 is in the books and we're all set up for the big finale. First, I have to give credit where it's due. That was by far Ward's best episode and it isn't even close. Brett Dalton played cold and conflicted much better than any other character moments he'd had before and really made the most of his spotlight in this episode. It looks like we have plenty to see next week to close out the season, including a fight with a room full of Deathloks, a showdown with Coulson and Garrett (who is all jacked up on alien juice), and a visit from Nicholas J. Fury. Let's get to the notes...
- Loved Tripp's Howling Commandos suitcase and Coulson's "OMG a Hypnobeam" moment. Good stuff.
- +1 chuckle for Coulson accidentally slipping into Fitz's accent.
- This show has to get some directors for next season that are more comfortable with action. Action pieces are slow and low-impact like the zip-line sequence, fights are sloppy and hard to watch... It's one area they really need to step their game up. I don't need a huge budget, but I do need better camera angles and editing to make that stuff jump.
- "Get ready for a large file transfer." And... cue the filing cabinet out the window. I couldn't help but like that one.
- John Garrett is a Deathlok which holds true to the John Garrett of comics becoming a cyborg (although not necessarily a Deathlok).
- The whole segment of flashbacks with the dog in the woods cross-cut with Jemma and Fitz locked in the container really did play well. Kudos all around.
- The moment of Ward sending FitzSimmons into the ocean was spot-on perfect and one of the best of the whole season. Every note rang true and I'm glad Brett Dalton got that moment. He basically told me I can shove it.
- Nice to hear the Six Million Dollar Man shout-out from the writers with Quinn's "better, stronger, faster" line.
Predictions
- Fitz and Simmons won't die. Duh. I don't think I'm ruining anything for you there, right?
- I HOPE this isn't the case, but... I feel like there is a chance Ward programmed in a fail-safe that helps Fitz and Simmons escape their box. (I really, really hope not because that totally negates the great scene from tonight and steals the one cool moment Ward's character ever had.)
- Skye is at least half Kree (alien), but I already told you that.
We'll see you next week for the big finale. There should be plenty to talk about.