Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ‘Devils You Know’ Review

S.H.I.E.L.D.'s resources are focused on finding the one murdering inhumans, but the culprit is always a step ahead. Meanwhile, Fitz is realizing Simmons' experience on the alien world may have affected her more greatly than he expected.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Devils You Know starts with the new ATCU/S.H.I.E.L.D. tag-team (with the help of their former self-replicating ally, Alicia) tracking an inhuman couple believed to be the next target on the mysterious Lash's hit list. Despite having an operative at the ready, Lash makes his move and brutally slaughters the two inhumans, as well as Alicia's replicant. Running low on leads, Daisy discovers some records pointing to a Dwight Frye. Known as Bazooka in the comics, he should have the power to emit explosive blasts from his hands, but having Daisy around probably makes that redundant. Instead, he has the power of detection, acting as a "diving rod" with a painful, negative reaction in the mere proximity of other inhumans. Their attempt to rescue him, however, was all for naught with Lash still making his grand entrance and murdering Dwight, the team helpless to stop it.

Hunter finally gets the encounter he's been waiting for since he held the bleeding, tortured Bobbi in his arms. After all the beatings and initiations, he finds himself in the new Hydra's covert armory and the place Grant Ward has set up shop. His timing, however, could not have been worse considering the warehouse full of armed assassins and Hunter completely on his own. As expected, once he and Ward lock eyes, a shootout ensues, one for which he is hopelessly under-equipped. Luckily, he gets some thrilling heroics courtesy of none other than The Cavalry! May swings into action, but hits an unexpected roadblock when Ward reveals his henchmen have Dr. Garner cornered, ready to attack. Hunter, unwilling to allow Ward to gain the upper hand again, still moves in on him, but is unable to take him out, resulting in Ward's escape.

It's hard to imagine Fitzsimmons incapable of recovering from any turmoil they run into as resilient as they've proven themselves to be, but lately its been nothing but obstacles for the beloved scientists. Despite her best efforts, Simmons is unable to keep the truth from Fitz. Confiding only in Bobbi about her desires to return to the alien world, she was hoping her secret would be safe until she pieces together a method of harnessing a stable wormhole. Unfortunately for her, Fitz happens across her astrological and historical research about the Monolith and has no choice but to not only inform him of her plans, but possibly recruit his help.

Devils You Know wasn't terrible, but it was nothing too thrilling. We're still just getting bits of info as to what the plan for the season is, but nothing concrete. The only thing new about Lash is that he might be able to take human form. The inevitable showdown between Hunter and Ward was cut short with a hostage situation, despite Ward clearly having the bigger, badder team at his side. There's still no clue as to why Simmons wants to go back so badly, but the inhuman theory still seems pretty viable. During her psych eval with Dr. Garner she says, "I'm not one of your inhuman patients", which could be a classic Joss Whedon red herring. From an optimistic perspective, this season still looks hopeful. There is a running trend for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to have a slow start every season, so let's hope this one follows suit and starts gaining some momentum if it wants to establish a larger audience.