Desperate for information on the season premiere of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.? We feel you! Here are seven spoiler-free facts you might want to know.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2, episode 1 is finally airing this week on ABC! Want the details of what happens in the premiere? Well, we can’t give you that – but we can offer a few observations to tide you over until Tuesday.
The official summary for the episode, titled “Shadows,” offers some context for the clues below.
“Coulson and his team are now wanted fugitives with limited resources,” the summary says, “but that’s not stopping them from keeping the world safe from powerful and unseen threats everywhere. However, with new members they hardly know, will S.H.I.E.L.D. ever be trusted again?”
1) Peggy Carter has plans
Though her appearance in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2, episode 1 is brief, fans will get a welcome peek into Peggy Carter’s mind. Let’s just say that the brilliant British agent hasn’t been letting World War II wrap itself up – and she has no intention of doing the same during peacetime.
2) Going dark isn’t (just) a metaphor
The phrase “going dark” is employed several times during “Shadows,” but it isn’t just talking about mission status. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. itself has gone dark, in its attitude, its ideology, and its imagery.
Coulson’s edges are sharper, the team dwells in deeper shadows. The challenges they face bite deep, and draw blood. Though the team is holed up at a base called “the Playground,” Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2, episode 1 makes it clear – playtime is over.
3) Your FitzSimmons questions will be answered
What really did happen to Fitz at the end of last season? What state of mind and body is he in? How has Simmons responded to his situation, and how is the team at large facing this challenge?
“Shadows” answers all of these questions – though not in the ways you might think…
4) Everyone has been up to something
It’s not just Fitz and Simmons who have been challenged over the hiatus; every one of our agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. have been busy since we last saw them. Coulson, of course, is now the Director of the organization, fighting tooth and nail to keep it alive. Skye has gained new skills and a new mentor, and May has unexpected responsibilities.
And yes, even our traitorous friend Grant Ward has been occupied – and not just with growing that hardcore beard.
5) The new guys are good
And by “good,” we don’t necessarily mean the “on the side of the angels” kind of good. But the new characters introduced in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2, episode 1 – Isabelle Hartley, Lance Hunter, Carl Creel, and others – are all dynamic, complicated, and deliciously competent.
Where they wind up falling out along the path of righteousness remains to be seen, but “Shadows” promises it will be fascinating to watch them get there.
6) Stick around until the end
If you’ve been watching since season 1, you know the deal; like every Marvel film, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ends with one final stinger scene after the big logo hits. But it’s worth repeating here because, trust us, you do not want to miss the last scene of the season premiere.
And that’s all we’re gonna say about that.
7) Groot gets a shout-out!
…Sort of. Pretty much. Basically. That’s our opinion, and we’re sticking to it.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2, episode 1, “Shadows,” will air on Sept. 23 at 9:00 p.m. on ABC.