Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Review: Leap (Season 6 Episode 10)
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has been teasing/promising answers regarding Coulson’s doppelganger, Sarge, since the first episode of Season 6.
On Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 6 Episode 10, “Leap,” the answers to questions like who Sarge is, who Izel is, and what their goal is finally start to come into a clearer picture.
Not a multiverse doppelganger, but a monolith-created clone. Sarge, it turns out, was created by the monolith as a copy of the real Coulson, and vaulted to the other side of the universe at a time in the past (the monoliths control creation, space, and time).
Sarge and Coulson share DNA, looks, and memories, because they’re pretty much the same. Just with slightly different experiences over the last 100 years or so.
Furthermore, Sarge and Izel are of the same people, the bodiless Shrike.
This isn’t what I expected to find out about Sarge and Coulson’s connection, but it both makes sense and creates a sense of intrigue going forward.
If Sarge has Coulson’s memories, he’s essentially a second chance at having Coulson, right? Coulson has effectively been the heart and soul of the show for 5 seasons before his end. If they can bring him back, shouldn’t they?
Perhaps they’ve dragged the answers about Sarge out for too long, but overall “Leap” is a wholly satisfying episode.
What “Leap” gets right that some others have gotten wrong is the balance of a high-stakes action and intrigue with revealing plot details.
Izel hopping from body to body creates an almost horror movie like experience. No character ever knows if the other is possessed by Izel, which makes things exciting.
On Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., main characters can sometimes cheat death, but (spoiler alert) Izel killing Davis gives the story some real stakes. Davis, we hardly knew ye.
“Leap” seems to be pretty fun for the actors, too. Each one in turn gets to play against their normal character and leap into another character for a moment (pun intended).
Overall, “Leap” works. It works as a thrilling body snatching adventure, and as a reveal for Sarge’s origin/connection to Coulson. It’s exciting, and still there’s upward momentum heading into the last part of the season.
A few stray thoughts:
- If the Shrike are somehow moved or destroyed, perhaps that’s a pathway to Coulson’s consciousness essentially being reborn?
- I’ve totally forgotten about Enoch at this point. What is he up to again?
- Season 6 has done an excellent job with small references to previous seasons. This one includes Daisy sending a small part of her salary to Lincoln’s sister.
- Fitz and Deke’s relationship continues to be very fun.
- This is the first meaty episode that Clark Gregg has had this season, and I’m here for it.
- Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. announced at Comic-Con that Season 7 will be the last. Though I’m sad, I’m excited for the possibilities.
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.