(Marvel Studios 2015)

Summary: Inhumans have begun popping up all over the globe now that the Terrigen strain has been released into the ozone. Phil Coulson, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., is leading a task force to detain these Inhumans before they unleash unknown catastrophe on the world. However he meets opposition from all sides including the U.S. Military. Things are not the same and this is a tale of a changed people.

 “Purpose in the Machine”

Directed by Kevin Tancharoen; Written by DJ Doyle

[SPOILERS!!]

Review: I am under the impression, and I have been since season 1, that this series really does get better with every episode. Purpose in the Machine perfectly orchestrates where this series is in terms of risky business and no longer playing it safe. And that’s absolutely working in the show’s favor. This episode not only sees Ward finally start getting interesting again as a prospective leader in reviving HYDRA, but we also get to see a stellar character arc for Fitz as he goes all out in saving Simmons from that world she was transported to and, to my blatant surprise, is successful.

I think the biggest shock that came out of this episode for everyone is that not only was Simmons rescued but the Monolith also destroyed. Obviously the story of these two is not done yet, well at least for Simmons, I really have no idea on the Monolith, but I’d be lying if I said I had expected this storyline to reach even this point this early in the season.

We also get to see Daisy use her quake powers again, which is always awesome – I’m just loving the actual use of powers on this show – and we get the return of Professor Elliot Randolph, the Asgardian from season 1 that saw May and Ward come in contact with a rod that gave the both lifelong anger issues.

I really enjoy his character, and I also really hope he sticks around for a while, as he’d be a great asset to the team. Hell, could you imagine Coulson’s “Secret Warriors” having an Asgardian on the team? I know that won’t happen, but hey wishful thinking am I right? It was also really cool seeing the episode starting in the 1800s, and then seeing our heroes take a trip to an old English Castle that really gave a Frankenstein feeling to the whole “Rescue Simmons” plot point.

Now, returning to Prof Elliot, it does bother me that it took Fitz figuring out the Monolith was a portal to another world for anyone to finally realize he was the guy to call. I mean, for months Fitz has been trying to track down anything he can which is tied to the Monolith and you didn’t call in the guy who’s been around for centuries to ask him about it? Adding to that, last year Sif was on the show again and knew all about the Inhumans… so why did you never call in this guy before now? It’s just one of those wrinkles in logic that fails once you start thinking about it.

I am still happy to see him back… hopefully not just for this episode. You know who’s also been sorely missing? Agent Koenig(s). I need him (them) to come back and grace us with his (their) presence yet again.

It was also really nice to see what’s going on with May, and the fact that she’s taking care of her father is really telling of her character. Someone who longs for family and loved ones, but also knows she can never truly have them. Making up for lost time when her father needs her the most… or at a time when she needs him the most. Like all good parents though, he steers her in the right direction to go finish what she needs to. Even if that means taking out Ward permanently. I truly fear for her and Hunter.

There’s one last addition that was made this episode: Werner von Strucker, Baron von Strucker’s son enters into cahoots with Ward to help bring HYDRA back to life. I’m truly not sure how this character is going to work out and not be annoying as he’s that typical spoiled, white rich kid who literally never earned any of his money in this life. So this character is going to prove difficult in more ways than one this season.

Overall though a stellar episode, and I’m so looking forward to what else this season has in store for our dear agents. I fear for all of them.

Final Score: 4.5 Franken-Monoliths out of 5

Derrick is a born and raised otaku with a love for comics, anime, manga and movies. The full list is pretty long, but that’s just the basics. Stories set in space are his bread and butter.

You can find more of his writing at IndieComix.net

@KazekunForever