Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is taking a break tonight, but the show promises to return with a vengeance — and “Closure” — next week.
While it’s maddening to have to wait an extra week as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. amps up its own storied insanity, it might also be a good thing.
The show has been running at breakneck speed for the past eight weeks, with each new episode leaving life drastically changed for its characters — and fans. Between all of the drama with Fitz and Simmons, all of the intrigue with Coulson and Price, all of the tragedy with May and Andrew, and all of the mind-wrecking revelations of Hydra and the Inhumans… it’s kind of nice to have a week off!
Especially as the final two episodes before the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. midseason finale promise to be as dramatic, intriguing, and mind-wrecking as the whole series put together.
Episode 9, titled “Closure,” teases a terrifying (and long-awaited) confrontation between Ward and Coulson.
“Ward’s campaign for revenge brings the S.H.I.E.L.D. team to their knees,” ABC says, “and Coulson proves he will do anything to settle the score.”
Related: Ming-Na discusses May’s heartbreaking predicament on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Juan Pablo Raba returns as Joey in episode 9, and Tyler Ritter will guest-star as Thomas. Given the episode title, it seems very likely that “Thomas” is Ward’s younger brother — he of the well-drowning incident.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. introduced his older brother, Christian, last season. Ward tortured a confession out of Christian and then burned him alive, along with their parents, so it’s hard to say what kind of welcome Thomas will get.
Incredibly, the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. midseason finale actually seems even more ominous than next week’s episode. Episode 10 is titled “Maveth” — the Hebrew word for death, which Fitz found written on the Monolith scroll back in the premiere.
“S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra go head-to-head in a battle that will change Coulson’s world forever,” ABC warns. “While Daisy and her team of Inhumans fight to keep Hydra at bay, Coulson and Fitz take the ultimate risk.”
So, you know. That’ll be fun.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×09, “Closure,” airs on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9:00 p.m. on ABC.