Marvel guru Donya educates comic-book newbie Michal on all things Daisy Johnson — and what she may mean for the earth-shattering winter finale of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Michal: So I’ve heard a lot about this girl named Daisy Johnson lately. Have you been hearing the same things?
Donya: There’s been some chatter on my Twitter feed, but it is hardly surprising that the conversation for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has taken that turn.
Michal: Why so?
Donya: During Skye’s fever dream we were given our biggest hint yet as to her true origins. Fans of 2001: A Space Odyssey may have recognised the haunting, music box tune that plays during that scene as “Daisy Bell (A Bicycle Built for Two).” Strange coincidence? I think not.
Michal: Oooh. And as I recall, Skye was wearing a flowered dress in that dream sequence! Have there been any other clues that you know of?
Donya: Skye’s father himself could be another big clue, though it may be a bit of a stretch — but bear with me. In the comics, Daisy’s father is Mister Hyde, and was a medical researcher before descending into the depths of insanity. We’re introduced to Skye’s father as the Doctor, which could be a clever play on Mr. Hyde’s literary alter-ego, Dr. Jekyll.
Michal: Cool! So what can you tell me about Daisy Johnson in the comics?
Donya: Originally it is assumed that Daisy is a mutant — the dreaded ‘M’ word that must not be named! — due to her seismic powers.
Michal: Whoa, wait, she has seismic powers? Like she can create earthquakes?
Donya: Yes. And on one very notable occasion, causes vibrations in Magneto’s brain and renders him comatose.
Michal:That’s totally badass.
Donya: Eventually it’s discovered that Daisy isn’t actually a mutant at all, and she has inherited her father’s genetic alterations to his DNA — he injected himself with the Hyde Formula, which gave him enhanced speed and strength.
Michal: That’s hardcore. There is definitely a genetic element to the mysteries on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but at this point it seems to be connected to the Kree aliens. Does comic-book Daisy have any connection to the Blue Dudes From Outer Space?
Donya: This is where the theory may fall down a little, as Daisy doesn’t have any direct connections to the Kree. However, she was very heavily involved as a S.H.I.E.L.D agent, and has one of the highest clearance levels due to Nick Fury’s trust in her.
Michal: Hmm. And did Daisy grow up knowing that she was Daisy Johnson? Or did she have a mysterious upbringing, like Skye?
Donya: Daisy was put up for adoption when she was seven months old, and renamed Cory Sutter. Her true parentage comes to light after she’s interrogated by Nick Fury, following her exhibiting her seismic abilities and getting arrested, after which point he recruits her into S.H.I.E.L.D as an agent.
Michal: That story certainly sounds familiar. So how does Daisy get along with her dad? Skye seems to hate the Doctor at this point, but I still wonder if new revelations might change that.
Donya: In the comics they have no relationship — and there is no love lost from the reverse side either. Mister Hyde doesn’t really care for much of anything outside of his own self-gratification and greed.
Michal: Ahh. I think I like Kyle McLachlan’s desperate love better, then. Does Daisy have any other important relationships? Is Nick Fury her surrogate dad, like Coulson is for Skye?
Donya: I guess you could say that — Daisy has been steadfastly loyal to Fury throughout the years, and has stood by his side, even after he defects from S.H.I.E.L.D. And in return, Fury turns to her when he needs help. Up to, and including, the Secret Invasion from the Skrulls… another pivotal alien race from the Marvel universe.
Michal: I’ve heard about these Skrulls, but I’m hearing more about “Inhumans” lately. I know that’s linked to the Kree too, but does Daisy link up with Inhumans at all?
Donya: She doesn’t. However, this could be the Cinematic Universe’s clever way at getting around the mutant assumption — having us believe that Skye is an Inhuman, but eventually she turns out to be something different.
Michal: Oh man, that would be crazy! (I just taught myself enough about Inhumans not to sound like an idiot!) Are there any other similarities between Daisy and Skye that you can think of?
Donya: Most of the similarities have been covered already, but it is worth noting that though she was incredibly intelligent, Daisy had very little interest in school and performed badly. She eventually turned to petty crime for something to do — which is how S.H.I.E.L.D eventually picked her up. Not too far removed from Skye’s hacktivist origins.
Michal: And does Daisy have any qualities or characteristics that you think Skye might start to exhibit?
Donya: Daisy has always had a bit of a rebellious streak — her seismic abilities initially came to light when she stole some CDs. She’s a fairly confident character, and dedicated to her missions, but also has a tendency toward aggression when stressed. So, while they share some similarities in their teenage-delinquency, it’s hard to imagine a more aggressive Skye — but you never know what circumstances may push her to.
Michal: Speaking of seismic powers for a second, remember how Fitz was talking about tectonic plates in “Ye Who Enter Here”? Is Skye going to save everyone with an earthquake? Or… KILL EVERYONE???
Donya: Daisy’s abilities have been known to be triggered by stressful situations…
Michal: Holy cow. You heard it here first, folks! And now for the final, and most important question: Can Daisy Johnson pull off the fabulous SkyeBangs?
Donya: Close enough?
Michal: Oh, I think we have our answer.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2, episode 9, “What They Become,” airs on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 9:00 p.m. on ABC.