Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D Review: The Other Thing (Season 6 Episode 5)
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has an uncanny ability to keep viewers on the hook. The stories they tell are satisfying, but simultaneously tease and foreshadow more interesting developments to keep things flowing.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D Season 6 Episode 5, “The Other Thing,” does just that. There are some reveals about the new creatures and about Sarge, the plot and characters keep moving and there are just as many questions as there are answers.
Plus, don’t forget about some really sweet character moments as May has flashbacks to her time with Coulson.
The only real issue with “The Other Thing,” is that at times it can feel busy. There’s May and Sarge, Mack and Yo-Yo, Daisy, Simmons, Fitz, and Enoch, and many of them have separate threads slowly intertwining.
Ultimately, though, it all works toward the same story reveals and builds to the same character moments, so overall it works.
The entire story with May and Sarge is both compelling and devastating. All of the tidbits that Sarge reveals make the story of these Shrike creatures more compelling, and the side quest with Deke at least make sense.
But really, the highlight of the May/Sarge scenes are the flashbacks she has to Coulson and their time in Tahiti. These scenes are sweet, a little sad, and add to the mystery of the similarities between Coulson and Sarge.
At this point, the shared DNA and mannerisms suggest that Sarge is Phil Coulson from alternative timeline or universe. Particularly since this could tie back to Avengers: Endgame.
Since Fitz and Simmons are also going to be tackling a time-travel project, perhaps that will be a catalyst to further connecting these two stories…and maybe seeing the real, Earth-1 Coulson again?
Amidst all of this action and plot reveal, though, are truly excellent character relationships. Simmons willingly stays to help Fitz, so her teary goodbye to Daisy is a rough one.
Similarly, Mack and Yo-yo going through the loss of Keller from different perspectives is an interesting choice. Mack is upset from the director’s perspective, since it happens on his watch. Yo-yo, obviously, from a romantic perspective.
Week in and week out, the most impressive thing about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is that the performances are consistently good. Every single actor on this show gives a performance worthy of attention, and they all bring their A-game for “The Other Thing.”
A few stray thoughts:
- If I was ever going to get into a street fight, I’d want Melinda May on my team. Goodness gracious.
- This episode was directed by Lou Diamond Phillips, which is interesting.
- “The Other Thing” frames Enoch as a traitor, but I have a feeling he’s going to end up doing something heroic.
- Judging by next week’s preview, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is giving Clark Gregg a lot of chances to play flashback Coulson. That’s a good sign for those of us missing Coulson, right?
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.