What HYDRA's Return Means to Marvel

Written by John Edward Betancourt

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

It's funny how one simple plot twist can completely change everything when it comes to a story.  From the characters you've known, to something as far reaching as the past and the present, such a move can add so much to the story.  In the case of the return of HYDRA in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the ramifications from what we learned in this motion picture...leave me a little uncomfortable.  

Let's recap quickly.  HYDRA was essentially never defeated at the end of Captain America: The First Avenger.  They were quickly integrated into the newly founded S.H.I.E.L.D. and well, they've been with us essentially on every single Marvel adventure.  Think about it now.  At what point have they not touched one of our favorite characters in some form or fashion?  You have Senator Stern who clearly was more than just a jerk and it is obvious now he had other intentions for Tony Stark's suit.  

But what else has HYDRA had their hands in?  Well, some of this will serve as speculation but it's important speculation to say the least.  Especially when it comes to The Avengers.  Granted, Loki was most certainly the villain, but let's be honest. HYDRA was always watching. They were up close and personal with many of the world's greatest heroes, observing and undoubtedly getting an idea of their weaknesses.  Their reach in this film goes further since now we know what happened to Loki's staff, courtesy of the end credits sequence in The Winter Soldier.  

Not to mention this raises more questions for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. when it comes to HYDRA's role on the show.  In fact now that we know where loyalties lie and who the Clairvoyant really is now, it makes you wonder if HYDRA's interest in Coulson's resurrection is all part of a bigger plan.

If anything, it makes the Marvel universe a scarier place because let's be honest.  HYDRA always has a plan. As the saying goes, cut one head off, two more take its place.  Now we are left to wonder who will be the next leader of HYDRA and what their next move is and what's worse...now that they are out of the shadows and into the light, we will be seeing more of them in upcoming Marvel movies, because clearly...HYDRA is here to stay.

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