Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D: Top 5 Moments from “All Roads Lead …”

Well, this certainly was a thrilling, though slighting perplexing hour of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. The stuff that worked far outweighed the things that didn’t, which means I didn’t hate the episode. However, we’ve been building toward this massive climax of the Earth’s destruction, and if Yo-Yo truly broke the loop it just feels like it went out on a whimper instead of a bang. You know what I mean? Of course, there are still a handful of episodes left and we’ve got zero clue where the writers are headed. I guess I need to keep my expectations in check. As I’ve mentioned in previous Top 5s, it would be cool to see the planet quake apart as Kasius’ father arrives with his armada. Though with Avengers: Infinity War just around the corner, it’s highly unlikely that would happen without Earth’s Mightiest Heroes being aware. Executive producer Jed Whedon told TV Guide the events of the movie will “definitely catch their attention,” meaning the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. characters, but the show won’t affect the larger MCU. Sadly, I have a feeling the time-loop is officially history and the writers are moving on from here. Enough blabbering and hoping for things that will never come to pass… Let’s jump into this week’s Top 5 moments shall we?

1. We Did It, or Rather… Yo-Yo Did It

Is it possible that breaking the time loop was that easy all along? Did taking out the psychotic blonde really do the trick? What about Coulson having to die? Now that would certainly have been a much more difficult decision to make. I admit I feel a tad bit thrown for a loop by these turn of events. Don’t get me wrong, Von Strucker getting his skull crushed was super cool and I had a feeling either Ruby or her mother were going to die here. Plus, Yo-Yo being the one to finish off the tiny terror who took her arms was pure poetic justice. That said, are the writers implying that Daisy saved Ruby’s life in all the past attempts leading to the destruction of Earth? Why would she do that, if even Ruby’s mother knew the girl was unstable and had gone rogue? Was Daisy the “destroyer of worlds” simply because she saved Ruby’s life? At this point, the puzzle pieces just aren’t coming together clearly enough for me. Naturally, Hale’s compliance in the final moments means The Confederacy is about to step into the action. More on this below. If you’re slightly confused too, welcome to the club.

2. Pent Up Aggression

While I absolutely loved the Daisy/May team up, I was surprised Coulson backed down as leader so easily. I mean, Daisy kept saying I’m only stepping up until we get Coulson back. Now that their fearless leader has returned, she sidelines him? I understand the plot required Coulson stay behind to take care of the Talbot situation. It just felt a little odd the way Daisy took control and was barking orders at everyone, including Phil Coulson himself. That’s just my first impression, I don’t know. Still, watching Quake enter that Hydra base and use her powers knocking baddies left and right was awesome! Agent May definitely got a chance to release some of that pent up aggression during the hour’s best fight sequence. It was almost a shame to see Hale surrender and work side by side with our heroes. The villains have caused so much damage you just want them eliminated already. Personally, I don’t care how damaged by Hydra both Hale and her daughter were. They need to be taken out of play for the greater good. You know?

3. You’re Coming With Me

In retrospect, we should have known that Talbot had been programmed to comply by Hydra. This arc was too “Winter Soldier-y” for my taste, though for a moment I thought the General was responsible for the death of Robin’s mother. The seer definitely recognized the man, right? That might have been interesting, no? Unfortunately, Talbot didn’t accomplish much in the end and Coulson was predictably able to talk him down. Clearly the writers are not ready to let go of the character. He must still have a purpose this season. With his brain all scrambled by Hydra though, is General Talbot much use to anyone anymore? I did think he was going to take his own life, but nope. Hey, perhaps they’ll bring in Black Panther’s sister Shuri to help? After all, she managed to cure Bucky/Winter Soldier/White Wolf.

4. Lemons

Now that we’re so close to the end of the season, looking back it’s incredibly hard to believe how much I disliked Deke at the start. He is, without a doubt, the most pleasant surprise for me this season. The guy’s our comic relief character throughout all the chaos. Not only was Deke’s heart to heart with Coulson and Mack hilarious, but Jeff Ward’s delivery is so earnest and genuine that you can’t help but love the guy. I laughed so hard when Mack called him “lemons.” Wasn’t that just perfect? Do you think he will actually leave Daisy a lemon on her bed? ? Sure, Daisy’s got some feelings for Fitz-Simmons’ grandson, but I doubt they’re romantic. If you look at the fellas she’s hooked up with in the past like Ward and Lincoln, Deke doesn’t really seem like her type. Do you disagree? Think the two will get together before Deke heroically sacrifices himself for the team? Let me know in the comments below.

5. Hale Complies

Okay, so does the final scene mean the cataclysmic event isn’t quite averted? Didn’t the blast that came from a floating Ruby signify a break in the time-loop? Also, wasn’t The Confederacy’s goal to save humanity or are they only interested in a select few people? I might have to go back and rewatch the second half of the season before the finale, because I’m a little fuzzy. I understand Hale’s lost Ruby which motivated the majority of her poor decisions, but allowing the world to end ‘cause her daughter snapped? Yeah, I just don’t get that kind of thinking. General Hale has done a ton of flip-flopping this season, so this move shouldn’t come as a surprise. It’s just that as one of the more fleshed-out characters this season, she doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Anyway, I’m curious to see where things go from here and still hopeful we get some renewal news soon.

What did you think of “All Roads Lead …”? Did breaking the time-loop seem too easy? Were you hoping it was Yo-Yo that finished Ruby off? What did you think of General Talbot being programmed by Hydra? Will Deke and Daisy hook up? Alright, it’s your turn to share your thoughts and possibly clear up some of my confusion. Please go ahead and hit the comments section below. Just four episodes left, guys.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and CTV.