I admit, I was pretty disappointed with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. at the beginning. I stopped watching it after twelve episodes because it was slow-paced and I couldn’t really get invested in it or the characters. However, people kept promising me that it got good in the last half, so this past weekend I decided to catch up on the episodes I’d missed before tonight’s new episode. Well, I couldn’t stop watching. I ended up watching nine episodes on Saturday and finishing up the remaining two on Sunday, and I’m so glad I gave the show a second chance. We left off with S.H.I.E.L.D. in ruins – taken over and infiltrated by H.Y.D.R.A. – and with Ward a traitor to his friends. Nick Fury showed up to help the agents clean house, Deathlok was released from H.Y.D.R.A.’s grasp, and Coulson was made the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. We were still left with some mysteries though – who are Skye’s parents? What exactly is the alien medicine that was used on Coulson?

The episode kicks off in 1945 Germany, after the death of Red Skull, and briefly features Peggy Carter and the Howling Commandos. Lucy Lawless’s character, Hartley, is also introduced, one of a few new agents. The public seems to think that H.Y.D.R.A. is gone, but we know better. The plot of this episode revolves around the resurfacing of the very first 0-8-4 (unknown object). There’s some great shipping moments between Fitz and Simmons, Skye and Trip, and horrible tension between former almost-lovers Skye and Ward. The new villain introduced is Absorbant Man, whom I called Disco Ball Man when I first saw him (which I like better, but WHATEVER). This episode is decidedly darker than the overall tone of the show last season, which is something I hope turns around – I like that Marvel is more lighthearted, generally speaking, than DC. This episode was an excellent start to the season, and I’m excited for next week!

Watch Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Tuesdays at 9pm EST on ABC. I won’t be doing night-of reviews of this show every week, because it conflicts with Supernatural after October 7th, but may continue with next-day reviews.