Captain America: Civil War has smashed into the MCU, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×20 deals with the fallout. Here’s what to expect!
Coulson chooses a team
The fallout from Captain America: Civil War manifests mostly in subtle ways in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×20, though there will be mid-level spoilers in the opening moments. The film’s most important contribution to the story of “Emancipation” is actually a subject not directly raised amidst the misunderstandings and mendacity of Civil War. Still, expect Coulson’s response to firmly settle the question of whether the Director stands on Team Iron Man or Team Cap.
Talbot is the man
Brigadier General Talbot is a gift that keeps on giving on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Though the action and themes of “Emancipation” are moody and complicated (and no one is terribly inclined to humor at this point) Talbot’s trademark blend of bluster, cunning, and hilarious phraseology steps easily into the void — and trust us, it’s needed.
Lincoln makes a breakthrough
The team’s resident fuming Inhuman has become a point of some controversy in the fandom, but events of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×20 might actually settle the Sparky debate. Desperate, love-lorn, and far more dedicated than anyone imagined, Lincoln takes definitive action in this week’s episode that will permanently alter his character’s frazzled arc.
Hive and Daisy make a metaphor
The bizarre relationship between Hive and Daisy has become, even in its brief tenure, one of the most twisted, layered, and darkly fascinating relationships in the series. “Emancipation” kicks up the crazy to a whole new level, in that classic Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. way that might make you throw up in your mouth a little bit… but will also make you think long and hard about exactly what is going on between these two characters.
Two stories end
As the penultimate episode before the two-hour season finale next week, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×20 bears the burden of concluding more than one lingering story. “Emancipation” does so with a moving combination of surprise, horror, and tragedy — but a helping of incredible grace as well.
Bonus hint: A dog is an Inhuman’s best friend.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×20, “Emancipation,” airs Tuesday, May 10 at 9:00 p.m. on ABC.