TV GUIDE: Ask Matt: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Face Off, The Middle, Suits, True Blood
Aug 26, 2013
by Matt Roush
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... Question: My question is about the new Joss Whedon show that has one of the most convoluted names I've ever heard: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. I am a Whedon fan to the max, having watched every episode of every TV (and Internet) show he has ever done, and enjoyed them thoroughly. I am not, however, a moviegoer nor a comic book reader. I cannot remember the last theatrical production I've seen, and the only comics I read are the Buffy/Angel follow-ups. And that leaves me concerned about S.H.I.E.L.D. Every article I read, and even the just-released preview, mentions events that happened/people who existed in one or more theatrical movies, and many articles mention future movies that will tie into the events on the show. Since I never watched those movies — and most likely won't watch the future movies — am I going to be totally lost when the television show premieres?
If I'm confused before it starts — I'm hearing the main character died in a movie, and may or may not be human in the series; that it takes place after the "Battle of New York" — what's going to happen when the show premieres? I currently watch Arrow and watched all of Smallville so have no problem with comic-book spin-offs, but I'm concerned this series is going to be geared to moviegoers who already know the mythology. Have you seen the premiere and can you alleviate my fears? — Karen
Matt Roush: If you can follow the mythologies on a show like Arrow, and if you're coming to S.H.I.E.L.D. for Joss Whedon (as I imagine many will, including yours truly), I think you can trust him not to leave you in the weeds. S.H.I.E.L.D. does take place in a pre-existing universe, but the conceit here is that these characters are operating in the margins of that world, not in the celebrity spotlight where Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America, etc., exist. This show will live or die on the ability of Whedon and his team to make this new crew of non-super-powered agents appealing on their own merits, which seems very likely based on the pilot episode — which is largely about assembling the team under the leadership of Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson (so likable an actor and character it shouldn't take any newbie long to embrace him — and how he survived his resurrection from the Avengers movie will remain a mystery to even longtime fans for a while). There will undoubtedly be references that will seem alien to a Marvel novice, but no more than what we see in the various DC Comics adaptations. And honestly, if you're that worried about it, how hard would it be to do a little homework and check out The Avengers? Because of this beat, I don't always have time to see a lot of movies, but when Joss Whedon's name is attached, I do try...
Agents of Shield cast includes Clark Gregg, Ming-Na, Brett Dalton, Elizabeth Henstridge, Ian De Caestecker and Chloe Bennet.
Agents of Shield premieres Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 8/7C on ABC.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AGENTS OF SHIELD COMIC-CON 2013 PANEL
Agents of Shield Facebook
Elizabeth Henstridge, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker, Clark Gregg, Ming Na and Brett Dalton
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A NEW SERIES VIDEO PROMO FOR 'AGENTS OF SHIELD'
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