‘Agents of SHIELD’ season 2, episode 5 review: Elizabeth Henstridge shines in key Simmons story
Going into Tuesday night’s new episode of “Agents of SHIELD,” we were presented with a story like no other regarding Agent Jemma Simmons. She was stuck for many months (or 4,722 hours to be precise) in a mysterious world thanks to the monolith, and the entire hour revolved around her struggling to learn if she could get out.
This was as brilliant a story as the show has ever put on, and it was in many ways proof-positive that the show has the heart and the power to carry a story that is not nearly as reliant on breakneck action and an enormous cast. Until a small appearance from Fitz at the end of the hour, the only two characters were that of Jemma (played brilliantly by Elizabeth Henstridge) and Will, a mysterious man with NASA ties who has been stuck on the planet for well more than a decade.
Through their time together, Simmons and Will forged a life, understood one another, worked together, and even fell seemingly in love. (Yes, we know that may bum some ‘shippers out.) It all felt completely natural, and their relationship was symbiotic in that she needed him to adapt to the world, and he needed her to give him something resembling hope again. He was her brief light in an unending darkness, which was changed the moment that Fitz managed to rescue her. This is why she needs to go back; she owes him a debt for what he did, and as dangerous as this world may be, she’s willing to risk it.
This episode of “Agents of SHIELD” was a story of survival, a story of caring, and above all else a story of understanding. Fitz had to understand Simmons struggles even though there may have been difficult moments, but in the end he does. Not only that, but he seems ready to help her get Will back home.
May this be the show’s finest work to date? We’re considering it so. Grade: A.
What did you think about this episode of “Agents of SHIELD”? Share now with a comment, and head over here to see what you can expect from the show next week! Also, you can sign up here to get some additional TV news on everything we cover via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)