Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Review: The Totally Excellent Adventures of Mack and The D (Season 7 Episode 7)
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is really pulling out all the stops for the final season. It’s taking the show in new, weird, and fun directions. And it WORKS.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 7 Episode 7, “The Totally Excellent Adventures of Mack and the D,” traps Mack and Deke in 1982 while the rest of the team is propelled further forward in time.
“The Totally Excellent Adventures of Mack and the D,” while an awesome but perhaps too long episode title, presents a premise I was apprehensive about before watching. Mack and Deke are good characters, but have never been my favorites.
It turns out, however, that Jeff Ward and Henry Simmons make a fantastic odd couple and “The Totally Excellent Adventures of Mack and the D” makes for a silly, fun, and heartwarming episode.
An episode loaded with 80’s references at first glance seems like nothing more than a distraction or a side quest for two characters.
But this 1980’s set episode provides Mack with something he truly needs — space and time to grieve. Finding out his parents had been killed and Chronicoms had taken their bodies clearly can take its toll on a person, and instead of being forced immediately into the next mission he’s given 20 months away to process and grieve.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. embracing its silly side really works out for “The Totally Excellent Adventures of Mack and the D.” Deke started a band to cover up his new S.H.I.E.L.D. team, and Coulson was stuck on an old tube TV. Even the Chronicom threat continuing into 1982 creates some silliness with killer 80’s robots.
This silliness works much better than anticipated. Deke’s goofiness matched with Mack’s seriousness presents many comedic opportunities, but the serious character development isn’t lost either.
Aside from Mack having time to grieve, Deke’s softer side shows when it’s revealed he’s been checking in on Mack and his brother after they passed. Mack has previously written Deke off, but warms to him by the end of their 20 month separation from team S.H.I.E.L.D.
Is “The Totally Excellent Adventures of Mack and the D” a little too silly? Perhaps.
But, mostly, the silliness works in favor of the entertainment value and there’s enough serious moments to balance the episode into a fun, unique trip to the past for Agent Shaw and Director Mackenzie. Mack’s stoic grieving process needed to soften, and an 80’s romp with Deke is the perfect remedy.
A few stray thoughts:
- Coulson being “alive” was a foregone conclusion, but I think the way Clark Gregg is used is particularly great on this episode.
- Listen, these side quests are great but can you PLEASE TELL ME WHERE FITZ IS? Thanks in advance.
- I am low-key hoping for a return of the 80’s S.H.I.E.L.D. team. Couldn’t they just come on the Zephyr with everyone? Or at least the Chang twins?
- There are many great 80’s references on “The Totally Excellent Adventures of Mack and the D,” but my favorite is definitely the 80’s songs that Deke “writes.” Brilliant, and funny.
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.