Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. – Emancipation Review

As the third season of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has started coming to a close, the stakes have only gotten higher. And Hive continued to have the upper hand, despite a valiant effort from S.H.I.E.L.D., in “Emancipation." Try as they might, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents just couldn't seem to free themselves from the threat of Hive. The episode started with a mini-nod to Captain America: Civil War, but wouldn't have confused or spoiled those who haven't had a chance to catch the film yet. The hat tip simply mentioned that the government was trying to accumulate a list of Inhumans, along with their fingerprints and an analysis of their power. To begin creating this list, Talbot decided to visit the S.H.I.E.L.D. base to get a closer look at their operations. Coulson was surprisingly open to this, and gave him a nice tour that included meeting Elena, Lincoln, and Lash. The rest of the episode was dedicated to Lincoln trying to escape the base with Daisy’s help. She had been watching him and hacked into the S.H.I.E.L.D. security to keep an eye on things. She helped Lincoln MacGyver his way out of his cell with the help of a mirror, a roll of tape, a lunch tray, and a number of other random objects. Even though I was against them working together, they did make a pretty great team. In between all this escaping, Daisy was donating her blood to Hive’s mission. Hive rounded up a few more “volunteers” to test this new concoction. Of course it went horribly wrong, but at least their faces didn’t (completely) melt off this time. Instead, they turned into creepy creatures that looked a lot like updated versions of The Gentlemen from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, only they didn’t float. As far as I could tell, they didn’t talk either, which really turned that creep factor up a few notches. Dr. Radcliffe was worried Hive would be upset, but he seemed pretty okay with it and even requested more. So that should make for a nice showdown in the finale. Back on Lincoln’s escape mission, he made it to the roof, but Mack beat him there and tackled him. Lincoln responded by electrocuting him, which was so painful to watch. Mack cannot catch a break. He was still healing from broken ribs and fingers from last episode. Just when I was giving up hope on Lincoln, it was revealed that they actually pulled an old switcheroo and managed to send Lash to Daisy instead of him. Only May, Coulson, and Lincoln were away of the mission, which is why Mack got in the way. Once Lash got there, it seemed like he might be the one to take out Hive, but instead he got distracted by saving Daisy. He was able to take the Hive parasite out of her and save her, but in the process he was killed by James. So it was kind of a win. Daisy made her way back to S.H.I.E.L.D. and didn’t seem any worse for wear, but the only potential weapon against Hive was now destroyed. And he’s still making more of those melted-faced Inhumans. At the very end, it was also revealed that Hive is probably going to use the warhead he stole from the military to send the Inhuman-creation concoction out into the world via a shock wave. Going into the finale next week, things still aren't looking great for S.H.I.E.L.D. Does anyone have any predictions for who will die next week? I’m still hoping it’s Lincoln, even though he really managed to prove himself this episode. Overall thoughts: - This was a really smart episode. I loved the creation of Wards creepy army and the whole switcheroo with Lincoln. Both clever plot points I didn’t seen coming. - I also loved the little scenes between Elena and Mack. I definitely ship it. If Lincoln doesn’t make it next episode, maybe Elena can become a permanent member of the team. She really balances out his tough exterior. - It was also nice to see some payoff from having Lash lurking in the background all season. I was kind of sick of having him pop up at odd moments, but now it all makes sense that he was meant to come through for them in the way. -This strong episode made me really excited for the finale. I hope they keep this momentum going. Do you think someone will actually die?