"Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." Recap: "Failed Experiments"

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

I'm not sure exactly what changed in the writer's room this season for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. but this new direction the show has suddenly taken over the last few weeks is simply phenomenal. Every single episode has become enthralling and fascinating, the characters have never been more vibrant and I am loving every single second of it, because I am dying to know how this whole mess with Hive is going to end. 

This week was another incredible entry in this stunning storyline and as it turns out "Failed Experiments" decided to add a couple of new wrinkles to the fold as well, since this particular tale not only delivered us Hive's backstory and the unveiling of his master plan for planet earth; but it also felt the need to challenge a couple of the characters on a whole new level, by posing the question to both of them...how far would you go to save a friend or a loved one? The answer to that question turned out to be pretty surprising, but before we get into that portion of the plot, let's talk about Hive and his plan. 

As it turns out, thousands of years ago, Hive was nothing more than a simple hunter who found himself trapped by the Kree for experimental purposes. They wanted to know what would happen when you combine human and Kree DNA with a little blast of Terragen for good measure and the end result was the nightmare we have come to know as Hive. Why is this so important? Because Hive wants to recreate this process on earth...in order to change every single human being on the planet into an Inhuman...thereby allowing him to control the planet, and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the reveal of Hive's master plan. We've always had the feeling world domination was on his agenda from the minute he landed back on earth...but to do it in this fashion, to ensure zero resistance from mankind is actually pretty freaking genius on his part. Horrifying, but genius.

That incredible plan however, paled in comparison to the story line that came from Mack and Lincoln this week. I made mention a moment ago that this episode explored exactly how far someone would go to save those they love and these two gentlemen helped answer that question and their solution was to go as far as you freaking can. Mack literally took a beating to within an inch of his life from Daisy to prove a point that there was still good in her. Did he get his point across? We'll come back to that. Lincoln on the other hand also risked life and limb by trying out an anti toxin designed to cure Inhumans of Hive's parasites that nearly killed him. These two little storylines were simply heartbreaking to watch. This season has been so focused on the disasters happening around S.H.I.E.L.D. I think we've all forgotten how much the characters matter to one another and the rest of us so this was the sound reminder that the show's relevance begins and ends with its characters.

With that in mind, there is still one glaring concern in my mind from this episode...the fact that Daisy wasn't bothered in the slightest by Mack's attempt to reach her. He did everything right, and let's be honest, his gambit should have worked. Instead Daisy came within seconds of crushing Mack's internal organs and well...at this point; with the anti toxin turning out to be a failure, and the Kree screwing up their chance to take down Hive, I really have no clue how our intrepid agents are going to be able to defeat this creature, and save Daisy for that matter. She is truly intertwined with Hive and the fact that she is willing to let her own blood be used for the conversion of mankind shows her loyalty will never fade with Hive still functioning, and the question that remains now...is who will lose their life in the looming final showdown to kill Hive and save Daisy. Until next time. 

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