Review: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Pilot)

After the superhuman success of last year's Avengers Assemble (or Marvel's The Avengers in the US), it was inevitable that Marvel Studios would spread their mythology over different mediums, so over the past year they put together a TV spin-off. It finally aired this week, naturally with Avenger's director and geekdom hero Joss Whedon taking directing and co-writing duties. Thankfully it does not wear Marvel firmly on its sleeve, but rather establishes itself as an interesting franchise in its own right.

Narrative is rather vague in the pilot, focusing more on establishing character relationships and the show's overall themes: Highly classified agency S.H.I.E.L.D. seek to monitor and control activities of humans with enhanced capabilities - referred to outrightly as 'Superheroes'. For the pilot, they investigate a hard-on-his-luck, single father Mike Peterson, who shows increasing super strength and agility, to stop him harming others as well as himself. Along the way, new agents are recruited and old ones reassigned.

Coulson: The new face of indoor shades

The episode showed an interesting and commendable sense of overall direction. Despite being set in the world of Marvel, the related superhero films and characters are only lightly referenced. Not even Nick Fury is featured. The most obvious link is Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg), the ringleader of operations and by far the best part of the program (it's not much a spoiler to say he is no longer dead). Not only does he show a dry, yet heartwarming sense of humour, there are moments when he shows intense professionalism and authority, mixed with humanity and concern. You almost feel saddened that he wasn't given bigger screentime in the Marvel movies. The chased superhero Peterson wears no fancy uniform, just a hoodie. CGI elements are impressively minimal (except for a cringe-worthy final shot, but we'll try to forgive that). Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is a show about superheroes, without actually being a superhero show.

The set up ultimately has elements of espionage (Spooks), crimelab drama (CSI) and supernatural drama (X-Files). The script is largely mature while being snappy and fun at the same time. Action sequences, though brief, show impressive stuntwork rarely seen on television. The scenes within the workings of S.H.I.E.L.D. feel fresh and intriguing. These are aspects that successfully grasp our attention.

Unfortunately, at times the writing and direction waver in its tone quite jarringly, as though the studio were unsure how best to approach the superhero elements. It could have taken more inspiration from Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy (albeit with a lighter tone), exploring the identities of superheroes and villains in a believable, real world way. This is done to a small extent with Peterson's rather tragic personal story, but the script feels incredibly self-aware. Peterson, as well as S.H.I.E.L.D recruit Skye, are well aware of comic book archetypes, (which feels odd since they are essentially living in a comic book world anyway), and they both speak as if they are running a commentary on the subject. For example, when he is confronted by a certain authority figure, he claims (word for word), "You are the bad guy, I am the hero." When the origin of his powers are described as a disaster, he states, "No, It's an origin story." These sort of lines and hints pepper the episode, spelling out the themes in such a glaringly obvious and baffling way, as though the audience does not understand basic comic book concepts that have been around for decades (why would you be watching the show if you didn't?).

Being the pilot, perhaps this is just the show's way of establishing itself. However, as much of this talk comes from Skye, it makes her quite frustrating and almost unlikable, when we are clearly meant to feel the opposite. She is however an interesting, multi-layered character with possible potential in future episodes. Two British scientists Jemma and Leo give nothing to the show except their knowledge and conveniently built technology (and a bit of diversity) - hopefully they will actually gain voices. Melinda is the show's combatant. Super-spy Grant, despite being described as having bad people skills, is very engaging and charismatic - it is a shame he is given less screentime than Skye, though all his scenes are well done. It is disappointing that the characters are so hit and miss, despite the character element usually being top form in Whedon's works.

Ultimately, despite its uneven tone, the episode was entertaining and fresh, opening up plots and relationships with future potential. It is a spin off with a strong sense of self, which does not require seeing Avenger's Assemble to understand it (though you should have seen it by now anyway). Roll on next week, and let's hope Agent Coulson does not leave us too soon.

7/10