Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Review: Out of the Past (Season 7 Episode 4)
It’s hard to keep a show fresh in a 7th and final season, but Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is really cooking pretty early in their final season.
On Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 7 Episode 4, “Out of the Past,” the team once again has to work with S.H.I.E.L.D. legend Daniel Sousa to try and stop the Chronicoms from changing the timeline. They also make a historical intervention for the first time.
Traveling through different eras is a story that brought some skepticism at the beginning of Season 7, but Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has not lost the fun spirit of the show while telling compelling and exciting stories.
To the show’s benefit, they spent an extra episode in 1955 and answered some questions about Agent Carter‘s Agent Sousa, and still managed to make the events surrounding it exciting. Plus, it’s all told from LMD Coulson’s perspective and in black and white — which works especially well for this story.
A noir style heist is the perfect fit for a story set in the past. It illustrates the legend that centers around Sousa and creates a visual differentiation from the other stories they’ve told so far this season. This particular style choice really works, particularly when contrasted with color after they make their next time jump.
But the best choice Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. makes on “Out of the Past” is simply to help Sousa with what would be his final mission…and to save his life.
Everyone knows intervening in the past can be troublesome, but the team is too disturbed that a great man and founding team member Daniel Sousa is destined for death. So instead of just letting it happen the way it’s supposed to happen, Coulson (who can’t be killed), takes his place and “dies.” Meanwhile, Sousa is knocked unconscious and removed from the timeline.
Bringing Sousa on to the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. present day team is honestly a stroke of genius. They already have one character out of his timeline (Deke), so what’s one more?
In fact, something like this could set up a team of great agents from history. Perhaps an Antoine Tripplett? Deathlok? Non-LMD Coulson?
“Out of the Past” is an exciting episode that sets the stage for some exciting future stories, both evil and otherwise.
A few stray thoughts:
- I felt so awful for poor Enoch. It’s understandable that the team couldn’t get to him in time, but it was still sad to see him be disappointed by patching their calls through.
- Ok. Enough is enough. Can we have Fitz back now?
- “It’s easier to let a bad man live than to let a good man die.” A really compelling moment between Coulson and Mack, ex and current S.H.I.E.L.D. directors.
- Enver Gjokaj is going to be a great addition to the cast. Let’s hope it lasts for awhile!
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.