Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Review: Best Laid Plans (Season 5 Episode 9)

While Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 5 Episode 9, “Best Laid Plans” is a well-designed thrill ride, it is only taking on the burden of the season’s story arcs.

The problem is, especially in the later seasons, the show was doing a very impressive job of tying up loose ends. This season, somehow, is failing to do just that.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has expertly weaved together the many threads that make up their stories as they go along, finely balancing plots and themes in perfect harmony while keeping the essence of the show on the fore. Unfortunately, this season is marred by a weak structure, and it’s … a bit messy.

I have previously praised the show for its twists and gripping content. I hate to go back on my word, but if this pod doesn’t pick up fast, I’m afraid the plot will quickly deteriorate at the finish line.

Given that this show has been one of my favorites for a long, long time now, I, of course, don’t want it to fail. Nevertheless, “Best Laid Plans” is exciting and moves the story forward a bit. At least, we know now that the agents are indeed stuck in a time loop — that’s got to be fun.

How do they expect to go back in time and change things when they can’t? Well, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: they’re agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. … that’s got to carry weight.

Alas, one of the best parts of the episode features Mack and Yo-Yo, and their rebellion against the Kree. It seems as if they have won for the time being, but we all know that they’ve just woken up the beast — if Kasius wasn’t already pissed off, it has been kicked up a few notches now.

I’m just glad Sinara’s dead, and that Tess is back!

Sure, Mack and Yo-Yo spend a good deal arguing over their tactics, but I think that has only made their relationship stronger in the present because it’s evident that they’ve worked for it. Also, does anyone else love the surrogate parent thing they have going with Flint? Is it possible he’s actually their biological son?

Oh, and it seems as if Kasius has found himself a seer of his own … but who is it?

According to TV Guide, the reveal is supposed to shock us, which obviously means it’s a character we’ve met before. Whoever or whatever, it’s dangerous, and could “throw a major wrench in the works of the team’s plan to get back and stop the destruction of the Earth.” Of course it will.

I keep hoping they’ll bring Framework Ward back on a flash drive and stick him in a Ward LMD, but he has nothing to do with who Kasius’ seer is … or does he? No, that’s so far-fetched. In all seriousness, who can it be?

Though unsure how, it’s a given that the world of S.H.I.E.L.D. will eventually return to normalcy, and if this is really the final season, I’ll be happy with how the characters’ relationships have evolved over the course of the seasons.

There has always been a family atmosphere on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. — it’s refreshing that they continue to touch on May’s motherly side, because now Daisy finally has a surrogate mother! (Coulson is her surrogate father … duh.)

Let’s not forget Mack and Yo-Yo and their surrogate son Flint … and Fitz and Simmons and … their surrogate son?

Is Deke their son? I thought he was Hunter and Bobbi’s … or is he Ward’s? I must be going nuts.

What did you think of this episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. airs Fridays at 9/8c on ABC.

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