MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. “Face My Enemy” Review

Following “Making Friends and Influencing People” does the fourth episode do enough right to keep things going in a positive direction? Read on to find out.

The official description from ABC:

Coulson seeks to unlock the mystery of his alien writing and is attacked by a trusted ally. Meanwhile, with the team trapped, Fitz might be their only hope.

Well Marvel you continue to have my attention as, what I once considered to be a failed universe extender, continues to exceed my expectations. It’s clear that Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. knows itself as the second season pushes its players toward some very interesting intersections which will no doubt carry some fascinating revelations all while keeping the world change from Captain America: The Winter Soldier alive. Add in a script that builds on what came before while setting the course for what happens next and you have the recipe for a series that demands audience dedication.

“Face My Enemy” focuses in on a rather simple plot. There’s a 500 year old religious painting that survived a fire but also holds some alien markings on its back and wouldn’t you know it? Both Hydra and S.H.I.E.L.D. want it! The two opposing forces converge in a series of spy games that lead directly to some solid character development. It has to be noted and said that part of the reason year two has been working so well has been it’s capable expanded crew, with specific shutouts to Lance Hunter (Nick Blood), Antoine Triplett (B.J. Britt) and Alphonso ‘Mac’ Mackenzie (Henry Simmons) who keep the Bus live with entertainment.

This was without a doubt an episode that highlighted the strengths of Ming-Na Wen (Melinda May) while her relationship with Director Coulson (Clark Gregg) got some necessary attention. The rest of the seasoned cast fared well as Chloe Bennet (Skye) embodied an agent who wants to know more while remaining loyal to her friends and mission. Iain De Caestecker (Leo Fitz) is a delight to watch whether he’s interacting with a figment of his imagination (Jemma Simmons aka Elizabeth Henstridge) or the people around him. A few familiar faces kept the show engaging but the absence of Brett Dalton (Grant Ward) left a hole in an otherwise sturdy affair.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. “Face My Enemy” is yet another fine example as how this cinematic universe, even as a weekly television show, manages to carry weight. Recommended.