'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.': The Secret of Coulson's Resurrection Revealed
Take it from Clark Gregg, who plays Coulson on “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," and who told us he wouldn't let his daughter watch this week's episode: This one is grim.
Chiefly because of two main scenes: one with Mike Peterson, who survived the explosion at the end of last episode and is now covered with burns and missing a leg; and another where Coulson's brain is being rebuilt by a terrifying robot while he moans, “Please let me die. Please let me die.”
[Related: Clark Gregg Preps Us for a 'Very Intense Episode' of 'S.H.I.E.L.D.']
There had been a lot of fan speculation that Coulson was a robot or a clone following his death in “The Avengers." The actual explanation for his resurrection turns out to be much more disturbing than that. Ron Glass reprises his role as Dr. Streiten, who explains that Nick Fury “had a team of scientists working around the clock using procedures that no good doctor would ever allow.”
So the mystery is explained — though we still don't know why Fury thinks he's important enough to do that sort of awfulness to him. We're not sure what else S.H.I.E.L.D. wiped or changed in his mind. (Did Raina, the girl in the flower dress, seem more familiar with Coulson than maybe she should have?) Questions were answered, but more remain.
Watch a scene from tonight's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." right here:
Clark Gregg live-tweeted the episode on both coasts and you should definitely watch the episode with his commentary if you can.
“@AgentM: That was a damn fine looking sleeper hold, @clarkgregg. U could win a WWE title with that! #AgentsofSHIELD” rear naked choke BJJ
— Clark Gregg (@clarkgregg) January 8, 2014
“@kevinbinversie: Clark Gregg's got it tough. All these flashback scenes getting a massage. #AgentsOfSHIELD” I'm a hard worker
— Clark Gregg (@clarkgregg) January 8, 2014
In honor of tonight's shocking new episode of #AgentsofSHIELD - It's a magical brew. http://t.co/zoDCR1UZfH
— Clark Gregg (@clarkgregg) January 7, 2014
As for the rest of the Internet… the response was mixed. Some bad:
My reaction to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s explanation for @clarkgregg not being dead anymore... http://t.co/C9S46mL4sM #FizzVsComics
— Michael Scally (@FizzVsTheWorld) January 8, 2014
Some baffled:
OK so S.H.I.E.L.D.s solution to being lame is to get really macabre and heavy. Not necessary a bad thing, the show needed SOMETHING.
— Timothy O'Neil (@timoneil5000) January 8, 2014
But mostly positive:
Holy cakeballs! Agents of SHIELD was absolutely splendid tonight! Cannot wait for next week's episode! 😁
— Winona Mavis~ (@Winnie_04) January 8, 2014
This latest episode of Agents of Shield I just..... my feels have never hurt this bad before. *curls up and dies*
— Tumblrite Peach (@TheNotQuiteSane) January 8, 2014
...Okay Agents of #SHIELD Ill stick with you
— Chris Flaherty (@ChrisFlaertweet) January 8, 2014
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is only getting better and better, tonight's episode was amazing... and the next Ahhhh!!!
— Rose Gonzalez (@NotTheAvrgRose) January 8, 2014
It looks like as long as secrets continue to be revealed on "S.H.I.E.L.D.," the audience will stick around. And if next week's previews are to be believed, Coulson's revelations will lead him to give Skye some uncomfortable truths as well... so good news all around.
"Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.