Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Review: The New Deal (Season 7 Episode 1)
After a good long wait, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has finally returned for it’s seventh and final season. Knowing this is the end is bittersweet, because it’s bitter that the show is ending, but sweet that fans get to enjoy a final season.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 7 Episode 1, “The New Deal,” begins the end for the beloved heroes by sending them after the Chronicoms and into 1931, before S.H.I.E.L.D even exists!
“The New Deal” is a lot to take in, simply because it takes awhile to get an update on every single dangling thread left by the Season 6 finale. Coulson coming back as an LMD, May and Yo-Yo being out of commission, and of course, figuring out what the Chronicoms are planning, takes a ton of exposition to get through.
The time travel angle is interesting. Time travel is becoming more common among science fiction stories, and seems particularly relevant to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. after the time-bending twists in Avengers: Endgame.
The creators have admirably not shied away from the race and sex discrimination that takes place in the 1930’s, acknowledging struggles for both Mack and Daisy while they’re out in the field. I imagine that as May and Yo-yo resume field work, there will be issues for them as well. These details are a great way for a wild science fiction story to feel true to life, and it works.
Not to mention Daisy getting a few shots in makes for some great moments.
I can’t say that I’m completely sold on the season taking place in the 1930’s. “S.H.I.E.L.D. saving HYDRA” feels a little corny or out of place when spoken out loud.
In practice, though, everything feels natural. Coulson (though a different version of himself) is nerding out about history and making corny jokes, Daisy is kicking butt, Mack remains a strong leader, Deke is making sarcastic quips, and the cast’s chemistry is rolling on all cylinders.
Phil Coulson: When he gets there, there’ll be a whole new deal. Am I right?
Really, the best part of “The New Deal” is that no matter which wild premise they’re encountering next, the cast’s chemistry and the show’s heart remain in tact. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. remains the same show at its core, and so while the premiere feels a little jarring in certain moments, it’s obvious this is the same show that we all know and love.
A few stray thoughts:
- Patton Oswalt returns to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to play ancestor to the modern day Koenig siblings – Ernest Koenig, speakeasy owner. What a treat.
- It’s good to see most of my favorite characters, but I’m going to need Leo Fitz to report for some FitzSimmons content STAT.
- Enoch feels like a C-3PO-style addition to the team, but in a great way.
- “I’ll do anything for you guys.” Episode 1 going straight for the heart with these Coulson quips. It’s great to have him back, even in LMD form.
- Overall, I’m excited for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to be back!
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 Wednesdays at 10/9c 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.