Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 4×06 revealed Ghost Rider’s backstory, and may have introduced a major comics character while they were at it.
In last night’s episode, titled “The Good Samaritan,” Robbie Reyes poignantly explained the story behind his transformation into Ghost Rider. Contrary to the fact that he seems to be alive and well, Robbie actually died when he was thrown from his burning, bullet-riddled car.
But not before praying for a chance to right those terrible wrongs — a prayer that was answered by a man riding past on a motorcycle. A man whose head just so happens to be on fire, and who passes that bizarre manifestation on to Robbie.
In other words, a guy who distinctly resembles Ghost Rider’s first and most famous incarnation: Johnny Blaze.
Blaze, with his iconic motorcycle and chain, has been a popular Marvel character since 1972. The character was notably portrayed by Nicholas Cage in those Ghost Rider movies that we all try not to think about, and many fans hoped that Blaze would make his debut in the official MCU on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
That initially seemed not to be the case, as showrunners Maurissa Tancharoen and Jed Whedon chose to explore the Robbie Reyes version of Ghost Rider, created by Felipe Smith. But now, with Robbie’s mysterious “Samaritan” in play, it seems like anything is possible.
The powers that be at Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. have declined to say whether or not the man on the motorcycle was Johnny Blaze, and no actor has been credited for the role. Given Robbie’s desire to rid himself of the Spirit of Vengeance, it seems possible that the Blaze-esque “Samaritan” may prove to be more than just a potential Easter egg.
Come back, motorcycle man! Robbie — and the audience — have a couple of questions to ask you.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns on Nov. 29.
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