Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

[InternationalFunboy]

Oh ye of little faith!

Arrow may be the apple darling of a DC lover's eye now, but I have been told it sure didn't start that way. Gotham has its share of detractors and The Flash seems to be starting out slow also, although the little bit of the pilot I caught was fair.

SHIELD has a better anchoring going into S2 than S1 thanks to its structure being firmly established with everyone's emotional targets being fully exploited and a centralized villain source that affects the whole universe it exists within. This really started up during the second half of S1, but now shit just got a bit darker after the events of CapAm 2 and they haven't forgotten how that movie worked. There's also been a ramping up of the Marvel comic book elements into the show sans the cornball factor. There's no Scorch throwaways (as of yet, hopefully), but we can enjoy better actual canon characters bringing noise like Absorbing Man.

Plus, it's just getting started. There's likely to be a lot of Easter Eggs to be hatched during the fun. If the arc of change goes for this season like it did last season, but on the current level, then I expect nothing but fun times on up until it crossover segues into Age Of Ultron, which is casting B.J. Britt as Agent Triplett if IMDB cast page is to be believed.

Bah! The show makes me mental. It's a show about periphery. All salad and no steak. I don't recall that they paid off a single plot point in S1 that originated in S1...and that is because the climax of S1 took place in another movie.
So much of these new eps center around Coulson as the new director of Shield, rebuilding it, and NO FUCKING WAY HAS FURY HANDED OVER SHIELD no matter what state it's in, so Coulson and the rest are pawns, which would be great if they would FINALLY set up this team to go rogue and subvert SHIELD along with Hydra and AIM, etc.. But keeping them loyal to SHIELD is a story that has no legs. At what point do they realize that SHIELD and Hydra are the same thing? Is Coulson really bright or special in some way? They keep implying he is but so far he's just a boring company man. Hasn't Fury basically maneuvered him into being an incubator for some alien DNA or whatnot? Is that a guy you have long-term plans for?

But, well...I guess all that said I'm not tuning out yet. But I think I might let the eps roll, then binge them later. I might understand the connective tissue a bit better. Week to week I'm having trouble even remembering what happened last ep or caring.

 

[Sean Renaud]

Oh, I easily buy that Fury handed over SHIELD. He's kinda got shit to do and can't be arsed with this shit right now. My only issue with SHIELD honestly is that they are a little too bad ass but only a little.

 

[IrezumiKiss]

The last two eps alone had LOADS of steak! They've been all entrees and no appetizer, if anything!

Replicating the cloaking tech stolen back from Hydra and vikking a Quinjet to use it with? Which they've used in field ops at least twice to their benefit? While being seriously understaffed, underpaid and mentally stressed out? And dealing with Mr. Mustache Talbot on the side? That ain't a bowl chopped tomatoes and a few leaves of iceberg lettuce!

 

[IrezumiKiss]

A lot of major Marvel shit went down today, so let's get it all out:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1DdD8tCUAE4b2k.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1DfNjjCMAASogp.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1DnYcvCcAAlRYw.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1DeoTFCMAAbe8V.jpg

Marvel Unveils ‘Captain America 3: Civil War’, Chadwick Boseman As ‘Black Panther’, ‘Captain Marvel’ & More

UPDATED: Marvel Studios is unveiling its Phase 3 superhero slate right now at the El Capitan theater, where it just officially announced Doctor Strange, which will have a November 4, 2016 release date. (We broke the news yesterday that Benedict Cumberbatch was the choice to front the new franchise.) Also new to the Marvel line-up is Black Panther, which has been slated for November 3, 2017 and will star Chadwick Boseman; Captain Marvel, a superhero which has gone by several monikers but this one is the Carol Danvers version, meaning this will be Marvel’s first female superhero pic; and The Inhumans set for November 2, 2018.

Marvel president Kevin Feige said Boseman, who showed up for the presentation as did Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans, will be introduced in Civil War “in costume.” Downey and Evans did a bit onstage at where they were fighting over who gets Black Panther on their side.

Marvel’s already been planting clues of Black Panther’s involvement in Phase 3, Feige teased today. It’s a huge get for Boseman, who emerged in larger than life leading parts playing Jackie Robinson in 42 and James Brown in Get On Up. He’s repped by Greene & Associates and Management 360.

Meanwhile, Captain Marvel will mark Marvel’s first toplining female superhero. Although a standalone Black Widow film starring Scarlett Johansson has been rumored – or just hoped for by fans – Feige said for now Marvel’s plan for Black Widow, and Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk, will be relegated to key roles in the Avengers films. Feige added that a writer and director will likely be announced soon before they cast the lead.

Here’s Marvel’s updated release slate:

May 5, 2015 – Avengers: Age Of Ultron
July 17, 2015 – Ant-Man

May 6, 2016 – Captain America: Civil War
November 4, 2016 – Doctor Strange

May 5, 2017 – Guardians Of The Galaxy 2 (previously July 28, 2017)
July 28, 2017 – Thor: Ragnarok
November 3, 2017 – Black Panther

May 4, 2018 – Avengers: Infinity War – Part I
July 6, 2018 – Captain Marvel
November 2, 2018 – The Inhumans

May 3, 2019 – Avengers: Infinity War – Part II

http://deadline.com/2014/10/new-superhero-movies-marvel-titles-release-dates-captain-america-3-black-panther-captain-marvel-864131/

 

[SDLRob]

That is a really interesting selection.

Hope the Cumberbatch as Strange rumours are true...

 

[Paendragon]

Hope the Cumberbatch as Strange rumours are true...

That would be phenomenal.

 

[IrezumiKiss]

That is a really interesting selection.

Hope the Cumberbatch as Strange rumours are true...

That would be phenomenal.

My hope is that they briefly cameo a lot of these future cupcakes in Ultron somehow, just to get your mouth watering. Strange got a on-screen text mention in Winter Soldier when the S.H.I.E.L.D Insight Helicarriers were targeting potential hostiles (to Hydra) in NYC, so it'd be sweet to throw out more easter eggs.

Thor's smirk disappearing when Cap manages to jiggle Mjolnir a little:

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--5ZhH_VQL--/czcj4g26m57v73lp9gc8.gif

This movie's gonna fucking rule. Might as well cancel out all of May 2015's openings.

 

[Sean Renaud]

Captain America can't wield Mjlonir? Bullshit. I thought that was a huge wasted moment from the first movie honestly. They threw in that Hulk couldn't lift it and was clearly confused. I spent half that movie calling for Captain America to pick it up. Like completely casually not realizing he's not supposed to be able to. Maybe during the lab seen I was expecting him to walk over, pick it up look it over and set it back down with nobody noticing and Cap never making a big deal about it because he doesn't know it's a big deal. Either that or for Thor's weapon to be knocked away at some point and for Cap to toss it back to him. Something sufficiently heat of the moment where Thor would raise an eyebrow then shrug and go back to beating Chitari.

I'm of mixed feelings about Black Panther. I like him as a general rule however I can easily see him getting shat on by the fans especially if Falcon doesn't become Cap II. Because powers and abilities wise he's VERY similar to Captain America. That actor is only signed on for a few more movies and Civil War ends with Cap getting taken out by a goddamn sniper. So Black PAnther being in Avengers Infinity Wars in Cap's old spot. . .which is the natural fit for him mind you could be very bad. Especially amongst the "why they gotta make heroes in flavors other than vanilla" crowd. You know the guys who got pissed that Spidey was black(ish. I think he's actually half black half cuban for what it's worth) and threw a shit fit over black Captain America and She-Thor a few months back.

By the by, totally called Civil War and I predict that the end of Avengers: Age of Ultron will end with some kind of super hero caused damage or that Ultron is made by heroes or both. (Also the trailer shows Hulk vs Iron Man) So I assume that will be part of it but that the government which still will probably be anti-S.H.I.E.L.D. at the time and now the Avengers will be on the shit list.

I expect them also to drop some legal friendly talks about the X-men. Something where Quicksilver and/or Scarlett Witch making a mention about their father being a bad ass or magnets or something they can legally say. Unlike mutant.

 

[pointless]

well, he's no beta ray bill.

 

[InternationalFunboy]

Captain America can't wield Mjlonir? Bullshit.
...
I'm of mixed feelings about Black Panther.

I'm with you on the former. Of course Cap can lift Meow-Meow. And plenty of other folks can too, which I think is the point. It's keeps THOR honest. It's a godly weapon indeed, but the hammer doesn't make the man, so to speak.

I'm way into the Black Panther movie! I remember the character being sort of one-dimensional back in the 80's and somehow I missed all the rich history that now exists with Wakanda, it's dealings, and existence as a technical and educational mecca, only.....they don't let anyone in. I think the Panther movie should be a political thriller, Oliver Stone style, when that name still made movie buffs' hearts beat fast. Maybe Curtis Hanson can finally emerge from that Eminem black-list and make a scary thrilling political movie with spy elements.

 

[pointless]

of course. it's his belt that really matters.

 

[Setanta84]

I'm betting money Katee Sackhoff is Captain Marvel. Chadwick Boseman, Vin Diesel and Sackhoff were all rumored to be cast in Marvel projects at around the same time. Boseman has been confirmed as Black Panther, Diesel just released Guardians of the Galaxy, and Captain Marvel is announced in the lineup.

 

[IrezumiKiss]

The rule as I understand it is that Mjolnir only lets those who are "worthy" pick it up. Given that Cap is sort of a clean-cut honor-driven chap, it kinda makes sense that he could budge it a bit when Hulk is all rage.

I don't know what Thor: Ragnarok will entertain, but maybe paired with Captain Marvel they might go the female Thor route somehow?

Also, I wanna see more of the Nova Corps that Guardians revealed. There's lots to exploit with that, along with the mystery of Peter Quill's non-Terran father.

Speaking of parent mysteries, they went in a little bit with Skye's poppa and mama last night. Since it's established that she's part alien, I'm kinda-sorta calling her being half-Kree.

 

[Sean Renaud]

Probably half Kree. I mean there aren't that many blue aliens and that thing that they found back in Season 1 is probably is a Kree.

I'm with you on the former. Of course Cap can lift Meow-Meow. And plenty of other folks can too, which I think is the point. It's keeps THOR honest. It's a godly weapon indeed, but the hammer doesn't make the man, so to speak.

I'm way into the Black Panther movie! I remember the character being sort of one-dimensional back in the 80's and somehow I missed all the rich history that now exists with Wakanda, it's dealings, and existence as a technical and educational mecca, only.....they don't let anyone in. I think the Panther movie should be a political thriller, Oliver Stone style, when that name still made movie buffs' hearts beat fast. Maybe Curtis Hanson can finally emerge from that Eminem black-list and make a scary thrilling political movie with spy elements.

Actually until "recently" the Hammer did make the man. Literally. That's how Beta-Ray-Bill happens. If you can lift the Mljinor you get all the powers that come along with it. But yeah Thor is never the only one who can use it.

I love Black Panther, for the reasons I listed I'm less than sold America will love him. But hey that's no reason not to try. A political thriller could be a great way to go with it though.

 

[pointless]

The rule as I understand it is that Mjolnir only lets those who are "worthy" pick it up. Given that Cap is sort of a clean-cut honor-driven chap, it kinda makes sense that he could budge it a bit when Hulk is all rage.

I don't know what Thor: Ragnarok will entertain, but maybe paired with Captain Marvel they might go the female Thor route somehow?

Also, I wanna see more of the Nova Corps that Guardians revealed. There's lots to exploit with that, along with the mystery of Peter Quill's non-Terran father.

Speaking of parent mysteries, they went in a little bit with Skye's poppa and mama last night. Since it's established that she's part alien, I'm kinda-sorta calling her being half-Kree.

he's wielded it in the comics. this much i know. when where why? no clue. i just know he's done it. it's not honor, really. he does shit for the right reasons. he's just an all around good dude.

 

[Bacigalupo]

And now: A teaser trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv2NRpG76Pg

 

[IrezumiKiss]

And now: A teaser trailer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv2NRpG76Pg

Niiiize.

Can't wait to see the other forms of the remaining stones.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1ET5maCUAATh99.jpg:large

 

[IrezumiKiss]

10 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching Marvel's Agents of SHIELD

Marvel's Agents of SHIELD has pulled off a better trick than turning a helicarrier invisible: This Avengers TV spin-off has quietly gone from "pretty decent" to "brilliant, must-watch television." If you're not watching the Agents of SHIELD, here are 10 reasons why you should absolutely start.

1) Now is the perfect time to pick it up

Sure, it seems daunting to launch into a show that's already been on the air for over a year — but luckily, now is a great time to dive in. Agents of SHIELD more or less reinvented itself at the end of its first season, in the wake of the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. There is some mythos involving Phil Coulson and Skye, but it's mostly pretty self-explanatory — mostly what you need to know is that the evil ex-Nazi organization Hydra infiltrated SHIELD and now what remains of SHIELD is disgraced and on the run. If you absolutely want to get caught up, though, here's our guide to which episodes from season one you need to watch.

2) This show has managed a few genuinely clever twists

It's rare that a TV show pulls the rug out from under you as deftly as Agents of SHIELD has, on a few occasions. There have been a few really startling reveals, towards the end of season one and going into season two, which have helped make the characters a lot more interesting and set up the sense that anything can happen. It's also gotten closer to being more like a comic book on television, with a decent mixture of standalone plots and arc/soap opera storytelling, with enough twists to keep you coming back. Most of all, it's turned into a show that's not afraid to take some big risks.

3) One of the most brilliant villains on TV

One thing this show lacked early on was a really compelling baddie — and with season two, that's been fully remedied. Not only do we have Hydra in the mix, with their Nazi superscience ruthlessness, but the Hydra head is a genuinely chilling figure, the ruthless Whitehall. (He's played with intense nastiness by Reed Diamond, formerly of Journeyman and Dollhouse, who invests this brainwashing-happy Nietzschean maniac with so much conviction, I didn't recognize Diamond for a few episodes.)

4) The best spy-vs-spy action since Alias

Again, this is something I was hoping for from this show early on, and we're finally getting it, in spades. The showrunner and one of the writers are both Alias veterans, and undercover missions and snooping are a big part of this show's wheelhouse. But with an opposing secret organization (a Kaos to the good guys' Control) there's a lot more scope for the show to have fun with capers where the opposing sides try to outwit each other. There are double agents and undercover operatives and traitors and secret plans and covers being blown, and all that good stuff. There's hardly ever enough good "spy vs. spy" stuff on television, so this show is giving us something fairly unique. (Now that Nikita is off the air.) Which brings us to...

5) It's one of the few genre shows that's NOT about superheroes

Lately, it feels like every other new science fiction show is about superheroes — it's the hottest new genre. And oddly enough, Marvel's only broadcast TV show is one of the least superheroic things on TV right now. There are no costumes, no secret identities, no origin stories and no saviors — it's closer to Torchwood than Arrow. If you want to see a straight-up show about mostly regular people doing their best in a world of superscience and aliens, this is it.

6) We're finally exploring the dark corners of the Marvel Universe

Again, that's something we were hoping for from this show all along, and it's delivering more and more. Because the movies have laid claim to the big guns, like the Hulk and Thor, this show has no choice but to spend a lot of time delving into the grungier, more minor characters. Like Deathlok, Mockingbird and the Absorbing Man. The sort of characters who will never get their own movies, but who are often the most fascinating thing about the comics.

7) Tortured characters who've EARNED it

That second part is important — this team was far too well-adjusted for far too long. But now that they're starting to get put through the wringer in a major way, it feels totally earned and it's impossible not to sympathize with their misery and dysfunction. Plus the huge status-quo change after the second Captain America movie means that these folks are underdogs now, which is always way more interesting to watch than a team who are on top of the world.

8) Complex relationships (that mostly aren't romances)

This is another area where Agents of SHIELD has advanced by leaps and bounds in the past six months. The relationships between the major characters have gotten more complicated and layered — the love between Agent Coulson and his right-hand woman, Melinda May, is particularly fascinating. And as Leo Fitz, the team's techie, has gotten into worse shape in the wake of his drowning at the end of season one, his relationship with his lab partner Gemma Simmons has gotten a lot weirder — but he's also started to have really interesting relationships with a lot of the rest of the team. And then there's Grant Ward, who used to be the team's sharpshooter and is now something a lot stranger and darker, and who has a relationship with the young Skye that's by turns creepy and sweet. There are hints of romance here and there, but for the most part these relationships are more like friendships — with real, solid, personal conflict. At its best, this show feels like it's about adults who are navigating difficult terrain together.

9) It might enhance your enjoyment of the Marvel movies

This show suffered in its first season from having to wait for the second Captain America film to come out and disrupt its status quo. So Agents of SHIELD is mostly standing on its own, and that's a wise move. But at the same time, we might be moving towards a situation where some developments in the TV show could enhance your appreciation for the upcoming movies. In particular, we've seen characters like Maria Hill and Nick Fury show up on television, and we know that they're going to be in at least one of the movies that's coming out soon. The world after the fall of SHIELD is going to be a very different place in the movies as well as on television, and the TV show is where we're learning more about how that world actually works. So if you're one of the many people who enjoys Marvel's movies right now, then you really ought to be keeping up with the show. (And watching Agent Carter, the Captain America spin-off show that takes place after World War II.)

10) It's not afraid to laugh at itself without spilling over into comedy

That's the other great thing about Agents of SHIELD: It's nailed the tone that it needs to have. The humor is "clicking" a lot more, and is coming out of the characters more than it used to. The quippy, zany tone isn't overwhelming the story or action, nor is the show wallowing in darkness — in fact, the show's mastery of its chiaroscuro action-adventure tone is a big part of what's made it so downright watchable lately. So hey — there's another Agents of SHIELD on tonight, and if you've drifted away from this show, it's worth giving it another shot.

http://io9.com/10-reasons-why-you-should-be-watching-marvels-agents-of-1651787340


...and here's Reasons #11-#100:

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--jyPvkY6p--/s9pi3n0q7kgiwja0dbc6.gif

 

[Sean Renaud]

Man I love that gif. I should go add it to the dance sean thread just so I can find it the next time. Cus sooner or later I'm gonna interact with Vette again and that will be fabulous.

 

[Bacigalupo]

Avengers get wood.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w75cwgEjnQ4

 

[Paendragon]

Anyone else find Ward much more interesting now?

 

[Sean Renaud]

Well sure, but I didn't mind him before. Him being Hydra was a legit swerve I didn't see until it was in my face and considering how pissed everybody is (with good damn reason I might add) with him he really did give those punk ass bitches a fighting chance.

 

[Paendragon]

Well sure, but I didn't mind him before. Him being Hydra was a legit swerve I didn't see until it was in my face and considering how pissed everybody is (with good damn reason I might add) with him he really did give those punk ass bitches a fighting chance.

He went from being a generic "superspy" to a character with real depth. I like the fact that you're not entirely sure who is being honest, him or his brother (great casting with Tim Dekay from White Collar").

 

[Sean Renaud]

He went from being a generic "superspy" to a character with real depth. I like the fact that you're not entirely sure who is being honest, him or his brother (great casting with Tim Dekay from White Collar").

I'm entirely sure. Granted it's more because of narrative causality but I'm certain he was telling the truth and his brother is just a greedy politician who wanted very much to kill his brother (or possibly set him free) because it'll llook good when he runs for President. If all thsi shit doesn't build into Civil War I'm gonna fucking riot.

 

[Bacigalupo]

Attilan.