Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Review: Collision Course Part I (Season 6 Episode 8)
It’s about time this happened, but all of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s Season 6 stories have finally started to converge.
As such, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 6 Episode 8, “Collision Course Part I,” may be the most aptly titled episode they’ve ever aired.
Each story is literally on a collision course for the others.
Fitz and Simmons are hurtling toward Earth with Izel, who seeks the Kree monoliths and has already destroyed Enoch’s home planet in the process.
Izel is the very same villain that Sarge and his crew are looking to stop. Because Sarge lost his family to the shrike species, he’s willing to do whatever it takes.
Because they’re involved with Sarge and distracted by how he looks, the rest of the S.H.I.E.L.D. team (including Deke) is also now hurtling toward Izel’s landing spot, unaware that Fitz and Simmons are aboard that vessel.
Again, “Collision Course” may be the most aptly titled episode of the show’s run thus far.
“Collision Course Part I” is far more exciting than its predecessor. It’s hard to know exactly how well it stacks up as a complete story until Part II airs, which makes evaluation difficult.
But, the converging stories no longer feels like wheel spinning and instead feels like it’s going places. Rather than keeping viewers on the hook with plot revelations, it gives real answers.
The anticipation, instead, comes from the stories converging. Rather than using answers as a means of keeping viewers on the hook, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. creates excitement by pushing the characters forward into new situations.
Instead of “who is this person?” they ask “who is the bad guy and what are they motivated by?” which is ultimately far more compelling.
I also think it’s safe to assume that they’ve only entertained Sarge’s notions by now because he looks like Coulson and shares his DNA. Nobody who doesn’t look like him gets as long of a leash. This reads much better than trying to push fans toward the who and why of it, and makes the stakes higher in the convergence.
So, assuming that “Part II” doesn’t delve into plot driven wheel spinning, “Collision Course Part I” sets up the two-parter to be a strong, compelling convergence of stories.
A few stray thoughts:
- Obviously, they’re shelving the “who is this Sarge guy” until the other conflicts come to a head, which is a good thing. It’s compelling, but not enough to drive an entire episode.
- I live for Mack and Yo-Yo’s positive interactions. They’re meant to be together.
- Speaking of relationships I live for: Fitz being jealous of himself and his previous wedding night is both confusing and hilarious.
- Deke also finds some love on “Collision Course Part I,” but I can’t decide whether that’s good or bad.
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.