Favorite Episodes: Seasons 1
1×6: FZZT
Linsey (@sonjustdont5 on Twitter)
My favorite episode of Agents of SHIELD remains, to this day, episode 1×06 “FZZT”. That’s not to say that the show peaked with its 6th ever episode (obviously it hasn’t), but this is the episode that I tell people they need to get to before they give up (and I should mention that when people do get to this episode they ALWAYS love it). Season 1 of AOS gets a lot of flack from people, but it will always hold a special place in my heart because this was the season where I fell in love with these characters and their stories. “FZZT” in particular is THAT episode for me; the episode where I realized that these were three dimensional characters portrayed by some of the most talented and underrated actors in the business. The Fitzsimmons scenes when Jemma had the alien virus established them as the beating heart of this show; they were more than just the silly science nerds, and Iain and Elizabeth blew me away with their performance. The scene between Coulson and the firefighter where he asks Coulson what it’s like to die and Coulson responds, “It’s beautiful” still gives me chills when I think about it. The relief in the team when Simmons makes it out in the end was the moment that the show established that these were more than just co-workers…this was a family. A family that would have its ups and downs, a family that would add more and lose more, but a family that would do it all together and love each other through every moment. It’s the episode I will always think of when I think of my journey with AOS because it was the moment I fell in love with my favorite show.
1X13: T.R.A.C.K.S
V Donovan
There are so many amazing episodes, but my favourite episode of Agents Of SHIELD is ‘T.R.A.C.K.S’ (1×13) for so many reasons. First of all, the whole piecing together of the episode was brilliant and different and fans weren’t left confused at the end. Secondly, two important things happened: Deathlok officially rose and Skye got shot, both of which had large impacts on the rest of the season and were exciting to watch. The episode started with a standard mission of the week and ended up really tying together many aspects the season and advancing the plot so well. Thirdly, despite the emotional moments at the end, it was a very funny episode. We got iconic lines like, “You’re the least supportive pretend girlfriend I’ve ever had,” “Prostitutes? Plural?” and “Holotable…on! Holotable…activate!” The balance of comedy and drama in this episode made it a standout and fit in well with the overall lighter first season (that I, for one, miss). Lastly, the episode had very heartfelt moments like Fitz silently hugging Simmons or Coulson stitching up May. We really saw so many dynamics of this team and how they could work together and support each other. In 43 minutes, we got so much, and it was all so good, proving that even from the start, this show was very strong and had a lot of potential. For fans who didn’t quit early on, this episode was a treat.
Diana
My favorite episode of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is season 1, episode 13: “T.R.A.C.K.S”. This episode cemented the love I had for the show after “FZZT” started it because it contained everything I hoped for it: found family, friendship, love, creativity, and great lines. It’s an episode where you can expect extraordinary things in small spaces. This episode utilized the characters strong points, whether it be leading by Coulson, astuteness and fighting by May, hacking and initiative skills by Daisy, compassion and knowledge by Simmons and protectiveness and knowledge by Fitz, that by the end they’ve realized how much they are one big family, how much they would do for each and how much this group of misfits found a home. You have humor, cool weapons, great acting and high hopes. It proves to those who gave up early on that this is a show you shouldn’t have given up on, and that it deserves to be remembered for more than for episode 17, “Turn, Turn, Turn,” where it made a connection with Captain America. Don’t get me wrong, 17 was good, but 13 is where Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D shines in the Marvel Universe. 99 episodes later and they still do not disappoint. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has only grown, showing that anything is possible, little pieces solving a puzzle, no matter who you are or where you come from, or where you are going.
1×17: Turn, Turn, Turn
Akshra
S1E017- ‘Turn, Turn, Turn’
The episode that 1) turned the tide for the MCU, SHIELD, the show 2) that gave us the show’s best antagonist 3) provided emotional, devastating depth needed for The Winter Soldier by showing us why we need to care that SHIELD-the organisation that everyone, from the Avengers to a low level meta, trusts- fell.
In one fell swoop, we learn how deep the betrayal goes as we see the repercussions and consequences unfold right in front of our eyes. We live the confusion, the anger, the betrayal and the realisation of the sheer magnanimity of the problem along with the characters. As our now favourite characters, who were busy following orders and saving their colleagues from outside threats, begin to realise that the real threat was inside all along, and no one knows whom to trust anymore, they scramble about trying to find solace in each other, hoping their friends aren’t one of the bad guys. For a very ominous 40 mins, we watch an ancient organisation with the most advanced technology in the MCU, that has the data of every single Person of Interest on the planet, that has a plan for every threat, that our agents have given their life and knowledge to serve, break down from within and is left leaderless.
“Out of the shadows, into the light, HYDRA” was the exact moment all hell broke loose- my favourite moment of the entire 5 seasons of the show. It sneaks up on us just like HYDRA did. The phrase flashes and we can see Coulson realising his entire world- that he helped build piece by piece- has not only fallen apart but also that neither him nor Fury nor the smartest agents in the world realised the hidden threat.