Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Review: Fear and Loathing on the Planet of Kitson (Season 6 Episode 3)
Among other things, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is at times an epic adventure and at other times a beautiful love story.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 6 Episode 3, “Fear and Loathing on the Planet of Kitson,” throws caution to the wind and says “why not both?”
“Fear and Loathing on the Planet of Kitson” is part time hunter adventure, part stoner comedy, and part romantic journey. All of this sounds crazy, but it really works.
Daisy and Simmons become more of a central role on “Fear and Loathing on the Planet of Kitson,” and their search for Fitz nearly stops before the flood gates open.
The show does a good job here of illustrating Simmons as unscrupulous and determined to find Fitz, versus the conflict Daisy feels in caring for Fitz and Simmons but recognizing the increasing impracticality of the mission.
It’s a little easier to root for Simmons than Daisy in this particular situation. But that could be because I’m a ride-or-die FitzSimmons shipper.
Of course, as a viewer it’s not particularly believable that the team is about to turn back, and sure enough Fitz’s trail catches fire right at the beginning of “Fear and Loathing on the Planet of Kitson.” But of course, several obstacles still need to be cleared before a FitzSimmons reunion can (really, truly) happen.
The most interesting of said obstacles is the apparent time hunter searching for Fitz because of the time-tampering going on. The general excitement that fuels the episode comes from a race against the clock for Daisy and Simmons to get to Fitz before this mysterious time-cop does.
Of course the mysterious time-cop can travel by portable miniature teleportation device, which makes this difficult.
The worst part of the entire episode is the stoner comedy element, which was honestly still pretty great. Chloe Bennet and Elizabeth Henstridge don’t get a lot of opportunity to be funny, but perhaps they should actually get a stoner comedy movie?
Daisy fighting those guys while tripping is both hysterical and epic. More please!
They display strong chemistry and comedic chops, and being stoned as an obstacle for Daisy and Simmons creates a masterful build to the climax.
The climax itself is brief but so emotionally powerful. Fitz and Enoch’s escape times exactly right with Simmons’ arrival and FitzSimmons is reunited for an extremely brief but emotional moment. Iain De Caestecker and Elizabeth Henstridge’s chemistry is unmatched, and it reads in this moment. All of the feels.
Which of course makes it all the more devastating when Fitz is promptly nabbed by the time hunter.
The time hunter makes this exciting, FitzSimmons makes it beautiful, and the stoner comedy makes it funny. All told, “Fear and Loathing on the Planet of Kitson” has it all, and really stands out from its predecessors in Season 6.
A few stray thoughts:
- Kitson feels like a hive of scum and villainy if you know what I mean. What happens on Kitson is contagious and burns.
- I’m hoping that the time hunter capturing Fitz but not Enoch we’ll have a more interesting ensemble dynamic.
- Also, I’m hoping for a legit FitzSimmons reunion soon. I’m not much of a shipper but I’m a hardcore FitzSimmons stan.
- Preview for next week shows that “Sarge” and company are after Deke. Why? Are they time hunters too?
What did you think of this episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. airs Fridays at 8/7c on ABC.
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.