The agents in space continue to fight for their lives in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×07, and we have a few hints for what’s to come.
FitzSimmons times to savor
The episode, titled “Together or Not At All,” doesn’t have much time to give the finally-engaged lovebirds of science anything by way of a private moment. Still, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×07 manages more than one instance of intimacy between Simmons and Fitz that feel positively luxurious, considering how long they’ve been apart.
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It’s not all fun and games — there’s quite a bit of pain to be had. But this week’s episode also allows for a few of those patented FitzSimmons fuzzies that we’ve all been missing so badly.
And oh, it feels so good.
Palace intrigue
On the complete opposite side of the power equation, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×07 also takes the time to peel back some of the many layers of Kree society.
I know, I know. Just what you’ve been waiting for! But seriously, this week’s episode springboards off the Kree drama of last week to punch home the very human elements of the blue side of the story. Thanks to the presence of his bloviating brother, Kasaius and Sinara are each forced to take stock of what they really care about, and make a few critical choices to that end.
Don’t worry, there’s no risk of drowning in sympathy for the Kree. But Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×07 does effectively personalize the stakes on the baddies’ end, and furthers the fascinating dynamics among the rulers of this little husk of Earth.
Tess is missed
Offsetting the more complicated emotions from the blues in “Together or Not At All” is the development of young Flint. After Tess’ horrifyingly sudden death at Kree hands, Flint finds himself not only gifted with power, but also burdened with responsibility he never dreamed of.
(Yes, that’s a Spider-Man reference.)
Luckily for Flint, he’s fallen in with exceptional company. The agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. are not about to let this kid walk his road alone, and that might end up being a good thing for everyone involved.
The next level
Among the many (many!) pressing concerns in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×07 is the whereabouts and well-being of Agent May. For better or worse, May is not alone out there on the roach-infested surface of Earth — not by a long shot.
And what she finds out there among the darkness and ruin seems very clearly to be the next stage in season 5’s progression. Just like May, the story is nearing the surface.
But like May, things are always a bit darker than you expected.
Bonus hint: We can’t go back to three!
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 5×07, “Together or Not At All,” airs Friday, Jan. 12 at 9:00 p.m. on ABC.