Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. “Parting Shot” was written by Paul Zbyszewski and was directed by Michael Zinberg. This was another action-packed episode, but most importantly, it marks the breaking off point for the spinoff series Marvel’s Most Wanted. I was really disappointed to see Adrianne Palicki (Bobbi) and Nick Blood (Hunter) exit S.H.I.E.L.D. so soon. No doubt the show has to turn its attention to setting up for Civil War, but Palicki will be missed for her fight skills which are always a joy to watch and Blood will be missed for his one liners – it’s all in the delivery. Palicki and Blood also had to go and shoot the pilot for Most Wanted, and even they can’t be in two places at once!
The episode moves back and forth between the attack on the Russian “sanctuary” and Hunter and Bobbi’s interrogation by Inspector Duval (Ivo Nandi) of Interpol. We learn in the first scene what is going to happen – three highly decorated Russian officials will be murdered on Russian soil – but not how it happens. Bobbi maintains her steely coolness throughout. I loved her asking for a cheeseburger with crispy curly fries!
Hunter is his usual smartass self as he covers the entire episode with a vacation quest for mushrooms to make soup – which we see he actually did gather and bring back to the Zephr later in the episode. In fact, there’s a nice moment when Bobbi and Hunter are reunited after the interrogation when Hunter says to her that he could use a cheeseburger, and she replies there won’t be any where they are going.
We flash back to 34 hours earlier and Bobbi and Hunter are following Malick (Powers Boothe) after stowing away in his jet. The rest of the team is providing support from the air. Coulson (Clark Gregg) is convinced that the “sanctuary” is actually going to be a prison compound for inhumans.
Flash forward to that night and Bobbi and Hunter are watching the compound. It’s hilarious as Hunter and Fitz (Iain DeCaestecker) go off on a tangent about some environmental documentary until Coulson tells them to talk about it later – I loved the embarrassed look on Fitz’s face! Hunter is keen to go in and assassinate Malick. He is still looking for revenge. Coulson tells him, “That’s a big no” as it would start a war.
It’s clear that they are setting up the exodus all the way through the episode, and there’s a nice dialogue throughout about Hunter’s basic issues with S.H.I.E.L.D. – he’s more focused on the individual while S.H.I.E.L.D. has to remain detached and think about the bigger picture. I’m looking for these same themes to be picked up in
Civil War.
As the Bobbi watches the compound, Hunter stares at her. He tells her its nice, them being there alone – a little nice foreshadowing there. The two realize after some discussion that they’ve never been away on a vacation together. Bobbi says, “This is the job. You make sacrifices.” But Hunter isn’t happy with the job. He had to work with Creel who killed two of their friends and now they aren’t allowed to kill Malick – the final head of HYDRA! He says he needs a break, and Bobbi asks if he means a vacation or something else. I wonder if this is a theme we’ll also see in
Most Wanted. Bobbi is clearly going to miss S.H.I.E.L.D. and the spy game, but I’m betting Hunter isn’t.
The two see an inhuman being held captive in the compound just before they are taken captive by Russian soldiers. Hunter tells them they are lost and on vacation picking mushrooms – the story he sticks to throughout. We learn that Bobbi is fluent in Russian as she tells the soldier, in Russian, that she doesn’t think he’s an idiot – just slow. There’s a short but intense fight with Bobbi and Hunter the winners, allowing them to make their way back to the Zephyr to report. And of course, Hunter has his mushrooms!
Bobbi and Hunter learn that Russian cabinet ministers have also arrived at the compound. May (Ming-Na Wen), Daisy (Chloe Bennet), and Mack (Henry Simmons) are waiting for the two. Bobbi shocked to learn that she is the only one who is fluent in Russian: “Guys! Seriously, we’re spies! I thought we all learned languages…” Proving once again, that Bobbi is the best spy amongst them. Did I mention how much I’m going to miss her?! Mack once again coins the best nickname, calling her Rosetta Stone. May briefs them on their mission profile – in and out, low profile, no one gets caught.
Flash forward to Bobbi and Hunter taking lie detector tests. Bobbi maintains her cool, steely gaze – super-spy mode. Hunter deflects with his mushroom soup mix. Duval then shows the picture of a dead guy and asks why she killed him. She says she didn’t. Duval responds that she’s saying it was her ex-husband – finally! A confession! And that breaks Bobbi’s cool demeanor. Duval, unfortunately, isn’t stupid. He’s already determined that their weakness is each other. We see Hunter freaking out as he’s dragged away – potentially to face a firing squad.
Again we flash to 29 hours earlier – and the team infiltrating the base. Hunter is paired with May, and he wants to just take out the soldiers. She asks what part of low profile doesn’t he understand. They find the guy from the picture dead under a tarp.
May and Hunter go on to talk about their different perspectives. It’s not surprising that May would share Bobbi’s view. Hunter points out that he would take a bullet for any ONE of the team, even May who he knows doesn’t like him. But he wouldn’t take the bullet for S.H.I.E.L.D. May explains that S.H.I.E.L.D. is about sacrifice – not for him or her but for the greater good. Hunter realizes what May has sacrificed herself, and he finally apologizes to her.
Daisy has to hack the Russian system with a Russian keyboard – which was funny, but really rather stretched credibility. I realize that coding may be coding, but Russian is also Russian… Bobbi is undercover as a soldier, and they learn that the Prime Minister (Endre Hules) is shutting down the sanctuary because it’s supported by his main rival. The also learn that the inhuman is General Androvich (Kristof Konrad). Daisy is impressed – the first inhuman politician!
Malick tells Petrov (Ravil Isyanov) that they are at the tipping point. The inhumans are the key to their survival, and that the inhumans need a leader – but not the Prime Minister. It’s time to let the General loose! Coulson realizes that they are planning a coup – confirmed by the arrival of the Prime Minister.
Bobbi is stopped by an FSO Agent (Roman Varshavsky) as she’s tailing Malick. He wants to know where her tie is – she’s out of uniform! She tells him he has a good eye and a handsome fact – and then she easily takes him out. I adored Palicki’s little straightening of her hat as she stood back up! In case you forget that she really is the complete package who can do the fights, the drama, and humor!
Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) has finished the autopsy on the body they found. There’s no outward physical marks on the body, but he was killed by having his neck snapped. Meanwhile, Mack also sees something on the video feed. Fitz and Simmons come to the conclusion that the General can manifest a sentient dark force – it’s not just his shadow.
May and Hunter secure the Prime Minister while Bobbi, Daisy, and Mack go after the General. I loved Mack wanting a distraction and Hunter replying, “I have an idea, but it involves May hitting people” – while May gets a huge smile on her face!
We get another great fight scene, this time with May and Daisy doing most of the work. I adore that this show most often showcases the fighting prowess of the formidable women on the team!
When the Shadow attacks, it knocks Mack out and Bobbi’s batons and Daisy’s powers just blow through it. Simmons tells them that they can’t defeat it because the General can always manifest another one. They are going to have to stop the General.
After the Shadow comes out of the floor and knocks Daisy unconscious, it goes after the Prime Minister – and Hunter. Mack, who is still woozy himself, says he’ll take the unconscious Daisy back, leaving Bobbi to rescue the Prime Minister and a now unconscious Hunter. She doesn’t hesitate in simply walking up and shooting the General. Bobbi and Hunter are both taken into custody – and the last shot of Bobbi is on her knees, hands in the air, frantically trying to get a response from Hunter that he’s ok.
Flash to the present and Bobbi and Hunter have been handcuffed together in the same interrogation room. Hunter says if there’s a way out, he’s not seeing it. Bobbi responds that maybe everyone shouldn’t make it out. There is a silent agreement between the two. Does it matter that one is protecting S.H.I.E.L.D. and the other is protecting the members of S.H.I.E.L.D.? In the end, the result is the same.
Cut to the observation room and the President (William Sadler) is there, denying that they are S.H.I.E.L.D. The Prime Minister is also there and says they are in a new arms race – for powered individuals. The President points out that the Prime Minister should be grateful for the help in stopping the coup. The Prime Minister tells him that all that matters is appearances, and he needs someone to take the blame for the deaths of the three Russian officials. And then Coulson is there. The President says that he is with the ACTU.
Coulson goes in to talk to the “prisoners” and as soon as Fitz jams the observation signal, he drops the act. He has an escape plan for Bobbi and Hunter. They’ll get new id’s, but they won’t be able to be in the field anymore. Bobbi and Hunter aren’t having any of it. Bobbi says, “We can’t,” but Hunter points out that they’ll “expose all of you.” Once again, Hunter is focused on his friends while Bobbi is focused on saving S.H.I.E.L.D.
Coulson want sot know what other options there are. Bobbi points out “We took an oath. To BE the shield.” Hunter chimes in “To protect those in danger.” Still underscoring their different perspective on the same outcome. Bobbi goes on, “Now S.H.I.E.L.D., this team, is in the crosshairs and the right thing for us to do is take the bullet.” Coulson asks “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” And Bobbi confirms that they’ve discussed it, and it’s time. Coulson promises to have their things sent to them.
The feed goes back on line and Coulson immediately switches back into his role. He admonishes them, “And frankly, you should be more careful making your vacation plans next time.” Bobbi looks up at him and says, “We’re so sorry, sir” – and it’s clear that she isn’t playing a role here but apologizing to her commanding officer.
Duval, the Prime Minister, the President, and Coulson are in the interrogation room with Bobbi and Hunter. Duval is not happy, but concedes, “So, you don’t work for S.H.I.E.L.D. or any US agency?” The President confirms, “No. And they never will.” Thus confirming that there’s no going back for the two. Frankly, this turn of events seemed pretty flimsy to me. And I’m betting, if
Most Wanted doesn’t do well, they’ll find a way to bring these two back into the fold.
Coulson, however, is still our Coulson, and he can’t let it entirely go without a bitch-slap to the world leaders. He tells Hunter and Bobbi: “One last thing. I’d like to thank you both for your bravery and for the sacrifice you made…. Giving up your vacation. And whether anyone will ever admit it or not, you saved the Prime Minister’s life and managed to wipe out his entire opposition, so well done.” The President does not look happy! Coulson then turns to the Prime Minister and says, “Wouldn’t you agree, Prime Minister? Seems to me, they’re free to go.” Coulson’s parting shot.
I loved that Coulson once again steps up and stands up for his people. Bobbi looks impressed, and Hunter looks shocked. He was ready to give his life for the others, but he also fundamentally doesn’t get that Coulson may have to be about the big picture, but he’s always going to care about the individuals. It’s not insignificant that we see Coulson rubbing his now much more human looking hand early in the episode, and he’s back in his suit – with tie! – in this final episode. And what can we make of Bobbi being missing her tie earlier in the episode?
Coulson returns to the ship and has to break the news that Bobbi and Hunter aren’t coming back and have been disavowed. He tells them that Bobbi and Hunter never cracked, not even for each other. Mack, in particular, who has history with the two, is shocked and upset, but everyone is unhappy about this turn of events.
The final scene in the bar was just so well done. Bear McCreary provides an incredible score that weaves in and accentuates the wonderful emotions. Bobbi and Hunter are in a bar, trying to decide where to go and what to do. It’s clear there is a “suit” watching them from the bar. The waitress (Julia Aks) comes buy with two shooters, and then two more, and two more. They’re parting shots from the team.
Bobbi and Hunter look around and slowly see the entire team spread throughout the bar – it’s a spies’ farewell. Simmons, Fits, May, Daisy, and Coulson, salute the two and bottoms up before filing out. Bobbi and Hunter share a last salute and drink with Mack, who can only take a small sip because he’s so choked up. Coulson is the last to leave the bar. Our parting shots of the team…
In the final teaser scene we are introduced to Malick’s gun-toting daughter, Stephanie (Bethany Joy Lenz). She knows all about “you know who” and is eager to meet him. She knows that he’s going to change the world. I’m curious to see what part she will play going forward! And of course, they too have their parting shots.
What did you think of the episode? Were you as disappointed as I was to say goodbye to Bobbi and Hunter – at least for now and on
S.H.I.E.L.D.? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
About the Author - Lisa Macklem
I do interviews and write articles for the site in addition to reviewing a number of shows, including Supernatural, Arrow, Agents of Shield, Agent Carter, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, The X-Files, Defiance, Bitten, Killjoys, and a few others! I'm active on the Con scene when I have the time. When I'm not writing about television shows, I'm often writing about entertainment and media law in my capacity as a legal scholar. I also work in theatre when the opportunity arises. I'm an avid runner and rider, currently training in dressage.
