MALLORY JENSEN
The fourth season saw the return of HYDRA in the form of the villainous Framework led by Aida, Fitz and Doctor Holden Radcliffe’s life model decoy. Played by Mallory Jensen, Aida eventually achieved sentience (as all robots are wont to do in the Marvel universe) and became enamored with Fitz. After her machinations led to her replacing half the team with life model decoys (including a brilliant performance by Ming Na.as her own “double”) the robot built a perfect world for her (and Fitz) where Jemma Simmons was dead and forgotten by Fitz.
True love triumphed (for Fitz) and Aida, ultimately corrupted by the Darkhold that had helped her come into the real world was taken out by Ghost Rider, eternally bound to stop darkness and evil throughout the Marvel Universe. Jensen embraced her role with a gleeful sadism. The actress, known for playing villains clearly had fun playing with every other actor and developed a loyal collection of fans many of whom were even willing to say “Hail Hydra” with a women at the helm of the evil organization.
The moral of the story, from Ward to Aida, is never come between FitzSimmons. The pair seems destined to marry and live out a happy life and anyone who comes between that meets with a disproportionately painful end. Aida may be over, but you can currently catch Mallory Jensen on American Housewife if you miss the actress.
PATTON OSWALT
The comedian is more of a reoccuring character then a guest star but the point still stands that he’s a large part of the show’s humor – showing up to provide a laugh as well as a sincere performance. Eric Koenig (and his many brothers) have been a constant within SHIELD, even showing up after the organization was disbanded. He’s on a level with Coulson as far as humor is concerned, funny, charming, but not afraid to kick some ass if the situation calls for it.
The Koenig brothers were the subject of fan theories for most of the first season (just how many were there? Were they the original prototypes for the LMD?) until one of them was killed by Ward in the beginning of season one. From there they became a helpful and hilarious foil to the rest of the characters, keeping up again with that funny, charming, and ass-kicking performance. Anytime you see Oswalt in the credits you know it’s the return of a much beloved fan character, and a beloved character in the MCU at large.
You can catch Oswalt on Netflix where he has a comedy special and on SyFy’s “Happy!” where the star voices Happy, an imaginary friend opposite Christopher Meloni’s angry and gritty ex-cop turned rescuer. One thing’s for sure, he should return to SHIELD soon, and any return will be a treat.