Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×05, “Rewind,” will tell Fitz’s story through a parallel with an outstanding episode.
Following Fitz’s surprising appearance on the Lighthouse in last week’s episode, “Rewind” will fill viewers in on what our favorite Scottish scientist has been up to since everyone he knows disappeared. This would be interesting enough on its own — no Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fan is going to turn down a Fitz-centric episode! — but this week’s installment is deliberately calling back to one of the show’s most unique and lauded episodes.
Exactly two seasons ago, the fifth episode of season 3 gave Simmons her own starring turn, following her desperate survival quest on Maveth. “4,722 Hours” has remained one of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s most lauded episodes, unique in its intimacy and focus, and anchored in a moving (and nearly solo!) performance by Elizabeth Henstridge.
Now, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×05 is doing the same for Fitz — although he is stuck alone on Earth, while the rest of the crew is in space. (And in the future. Oy!) The show is cognizant of the parallels, having recruited the same writing and directing team (Craig Titley and Jesse Boscho respectively) to bring Fitz’s lonely journey to life.
Abandoned and left only with questions, it looks like “Rewind” will have plenty of juicy moments for Iain DeCaestecker. But luckily for Fitz, he isn’t doomed to wander Planet Earth all alone. Nick Blood returns as Lance Hunter to help Fitz in his seemingly-impossible quest to find his friends and the woman he loves. The promo for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×05 suggests that this is a good thing — the journey will not be an easy one.
Many of the details of “Rewind” still remain under wraps. ABC has released only one image from the episode — Hunter again. Aw, we really did miss that snarky asshole.
Speaking to TVLine, Blood says that since we last saw him in season 3, Hunter has “been up his usual tricks, doing some mercenary work and bickering with Bobbi. He doesn’t necessarily have access to all the bells-and-whistles and gadgetry that S.H.I.E.L.D. did, so he has to use his charm and his wit to break down doors, and call in a few favors from his dodgy friends — who at times are quite unreliable!”
The sneak peek released Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×05 gives us a slightly wider view of Fitz’s circumstances. Suffice to say, our dude is not doing great, but hopefully Hunter will have a thing or two to say about that.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×05, “Rewind,” airs Friday, Dec. 22 at 9:00 p.m. on ABC.