‘Agents of SHIELD’ season 3, episode 3 review: Coulson, Rosalind, and the Fitz / Simmons crisis

Through the majority of “Agents of SHIELD” season 3, we have seen a situation brewing between Rosalind and Coulson. The two are leading rival organizations that each have a defined goal: Figuring out a way to bring in Inhumans. The difference is that they each have their own ideas about how to handle it.

Bringing in Lincoln was the main situation for Tuesday’s episode, and this proved to be rather problematic as SHIELD interfered right when Daisy was close to bringing the guy in on her own. She had agreeing that he wanted to at least work with her, and hopefully that remains the same right now.

Meanwhile, Coulson reached a tentative agreement where he would offer his services to Rosalind to help prevent any further conflict between the two, and to people like Lincoln who don’t deserve to be at the center of torment. The dynamic between the two characters is political and layered, and we give much of the credit to Clark Gregg and Constance Zimmer for that.

The episode ended with a variety of important cliffhangers, including Lance arriving at Ward’s door and the stage set for more Hydra conflict. We cannot say that this was a surprise, but most of the episode won’t. This season right now is firmly in slow-burn mode, with the exception of all things Simmons. Fitz wants to wine and dine her following her time away, but she’s still suffering from the PTSD of it all. Not only that, but there is a part of her who still wants to go back and finish whatever purpose she started there. Suffice it to say, but this is far more complicated than was let on, and it may be the right spot in an otherwise slower week for the show. Grade: B-.

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