Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Review: Adapt or Die (Season 7 Episode 6)

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has mastered the art of intertwining their stories and creating callbacks to past stories. 

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 7 Episode 6, “Adapt or Die,” references several past arcs from the series while starting to grow some of the seeds planted earlier in Season 7. 

For instance: Nathaniel Malick is a throwaway figure from HYDRA history, but becomes a primary antagonist on “Adapt or Die.” Since he isn’t supposed to be alive in the current timeline, his personality is able to come alive, creating layers to the history of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and a new story simultaneously. 

Then there are Season 7 seeds starting to grow. Coulson being an LMD and May’s new superpower both come into play in a major way. Either of these could have become a throwaway, whether that’s just a reason to keep Coulson alive or shake up the characters. 

Instead, May’s superpower is utilized to give the team a fighting chance against the evolving Chroncioms. This works to fully form May’s arc, but also helps keep the plot moving. Ming-Na Wen has always been an asset to the series, but her ability to navigate from nonchalance to other emotions and then back again displays her full, fantastic range.

Probably the worst part of “Adapt or Die” is that the characters are separated from each other. They’re working in groups of 2 or 3 on separate missions to thwart the Chronicom efforts. 

But of course the larger theme is one of sacrifice. Mack must be willing to sacrifice his “parents,” who turn out to be Chronicoms. Simmons is sacrificing her knowledge of where her true love, Fitz, is hiding. 

Sousa sacrifices his own discomfort with the future to make sure Daisy is OK. Coulson once again makes the ultimate sacrifice to save his team and many other lives. 

Melinda May: He’ll come back. He always does.

The nobility of the team really shines here. They all know that they’re serving something greater than themselves. Really, that’s what makes them so compelling (and what makes Sousa such a great fit on the team). 

Showing the S.H.I.E.L.D. team as a compassionate, noble group not only further distinguishes them from the Chronicoms (even though they’re evolving!) but is an important lesson for the current times that the production team couldn’t possibly have predicted. Only the conscious efforts to save the world by noble and compassionate people will save the world. Repeatedly.

The action on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is never boring, but it’s the heart of the show that really keeps fans coming back for more. “Adapt or Die” really captures the heart of the show.

A few stray thoughts:

• Even Deke’s nobility shone through, but he still serves his best function as comic relief. “What was that, and just guessing but how’s it going to kill us?”
• Finding out about Simmons’ memory chip breaks my FitzSimmons loving heart. Hopefully that nonsense will stop soon because I need some FitzSimmons. 
• The look May gave Stoner when she shook his hand? Hysterical.
• Maybe I’m just tired of the regular time, but I’m enjoying watching Enoch and Sousa much more than the rest of the gang. They’re all great, but Enoch and Sousa are excellent scene-stealers.
• “I’m where I need to be.” Never leave us, Daniel Sousa.

What did you think of this episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

40 Favorite TV Couples of the Decade