Reviewed by K-Ci Williams.

This episode continues to build upon the success of each preceding episode, and by way of developing series arcs quite a lot, has seen it become one of my favourites of the season thus far. Fitzsimmons is easily my favourite part of any Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. episode or story, but their romantic entanglements have always been put to the side to focus on more current issues facing the team. It was therefore intriguing for me to watch the episode and start with the pair having a conversation about buying their first home together. Wow! Over three seasons, a total of more than sixty-six hours of the series later, they are taking a large stride in their relationship. It would have been nice if this officially happened at the beginning, but it gave the means for Daisy to make it back to her team. How nice was it for Daisy to turn to Simmons in her hour of need?

“We had to kill you, just a little bit” – Dr Radcliffe; vying for best line of the episode. He brings so much light-hearted comedy to the series, even in dark times.

There was a small interpersonal exchange between Agent May and Dr. Radcliffe’s A.I model Ada, which I found particularly interesting. She translates her Chinese and the whole scene was fantastically played out, which continued into the scene where Agent Simmons confronts Fitz about her being an LMD. The pace of this show just won’t let up, and I’m loving it.

It was entertaining to see a more developed and mature characterisation of Daisy’s relationship with Simmons, especially following the events of last season. I initially thought Simmons had sold her out, by giving the other agent a flash drive and telling her the truth about Daisy, but the revelation that she is the boss made this reviewer cackle. How far she has come and how much things have changed; Simmons now has higher access privileges than others.

Not only does Simmons have higher access, she also has a newfound strength in both her actions and her assertiveness as a leader. I found myself getting angry with Daisy for thinking she could, as Simmons described, pushed everyone away before crawling back when she needed something. It isn’t fair, and I agreed with every word Simmons said. She has developed a backbone, although I’d argue one would after spending weeks on a deserted planet.

Stray Observations:

• The ghosts came back: where is this Book they speak of? I don’t really care for this storyline at the moment but I’m sure I’ll love it once it picks up a bit
• Robbie vs Hellfire was a battle I had no idea would happen and because I wasn’t expecting it, I loved it
• More to do for Elizabeth Henstridge this week

Coulson wins with the best line: “Fight fire with fire, that’s a saying isn’t it?”

The highlight of the episode for me has to be Coulson and Mack essentially drag racing against Robbie, something that proves this series is not pulling its punches – it has plenty more blows to strike. The stunt choreography for this episode was grandiose and big in spectacle, and I’m gradually becoming an advocate for Ghost Rider being a part of this show. He brings not only a refreshing change in storylines, but also a pretty high-profile excuse to bring action to the forefront.

Agents of SHIELD is on a roll and I hope it doesn’t let up.

Verdict: 8/10