Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. “The Singularity” was written by Lauren LeFranc and was directed by Garry A Brown. The action in this episode ramps up as the storyline moves towards the release of Captain America: Civil War. The movie has already been released in Europe but won’t open until May 6 in North America, so I’m really curious to see how the series will connect to the movie. I think most importantly, however, that this episode will be remembered for seeing Daisy (Chloe Bennet) and Ward – aka Hive (Brett Dalton) reunited in a sense, but even more so for the final payoff as Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) and Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge) finally take their relationship to the event horizon.
The episode picks up in the aftermath of Daisy’s exit. There’s a terrific walk through with Mack (Henry Simmons) that turns into a walk and talk between him and May (Ming-Na Wen). I’m really loving these walk and talks this season. We learn definitively that neither Joey nor Elena were infected, but they’ve been sent to the cocoon for safe keeping. Mack asks how Coulson’s doing – everyone knows what Daisy meant to him – and May tells him, “No one comes to me with their feelings.” Which is just how she likes it!
Mack and May both agree that Daisy didn’t want to hurt them. She locked them in by breaking the doors so that they couldn’t follow her. We also learn that Coulson had a bad break to his leg. Mack thinks their grounded, but May tells him there’s another way out – but it’s risky and dangerous – and then she grins! I love May!
Coulson is on the zephyr readying it – rather than resting in the med bay. He tells them all that Daisy is still one of them. Hive infected her and took her hostage. He tells the team that they’re going to stop HYDRA from building an inhuman army – and then he tells them to strap in as May takes the zephyr out sideways through the roof!
Hive has taken Daisy to the place she used to go to find peace, overlooking Los Angeles. Daisy knows that Hive has Ward’s memories. She tells Hive she’s glad Ward is dead. She also comments on how different he is from Ward – and that she can feel it just being around him. The emptiness she’s always felt is gone.
Fitz describes the effect that Hive has on Daisy like an addiction. Lincoln (Luke Mitchell) confirms that Daisy told him she was happier than she’d ever been and wanted to share it with him. Simmons adds that the parasite floods the brain with dopamine and the inhuman feels invincible and essentially is – icers won’t work on them.
Fitz and Simmons believe that their best hope in finding a way to “disinfect” Daisy is Holden Radcliffe (John Hannah). I adore Hannah, so I’m very much looking forward to his arc on the show. He is a lead researcher on parasitic organisms, but he’s also a rumored trans-humanist. I loved Gregg’s face as he says “a what?” Trans-humanists use science and technology to transcend the body’s physical limitations. Coulson sends Fitz and Simmons with Mack to find Radcliffe.
Fitz and Simmons have the most awkward conversation about the complications that sex may have for their working relationship. They are interrupted by May who hands Simmons a gun and tells her to remember her training. Simmons is reluctant, but May tells her to trust her gut. She’s confident that Simmons will know if she needs to use it.
Hive realizes that Coulson will come after Daisy because Coulson wants to protect her. Hive sees this as a failing, that Coulson doesn’t know how strong Daisy is. Of course, he’s still calling her Skye so she corrects him, telling him that she changed her name to the one her parents had always intended for her. Daisy stops herself, confused as to why she’s even telling him. Hive tells her – connection. They are one organism now. Hive tells Daisy that humans think he wants an army, but with a common purpose, there is no need for war. There will be no more war of pain. It’s time they took back the planet and made it the home Inhumans deserve. How creepy was it when Daisy laid her head on his shoulder?!?!
Fitz and Simmons pose as top-level geneticists out to make a sale in the black market the trans-humanists have set up. I loved Mack suggesting they’d need something other than lab coats and the two of them getting insulted! Fitz has a set of cybernetic eyeballs to get Radcliffe’s attention – and Mack is disgusted by them! They establish the hotel as the rendez vous point.
Lincoln is determined to come with May and Coulson to retrieve Alicia (Alicia Vela-Bailey). May says absolutely not, but Coulson says it’s okay as long as he agrees to wear a vest with tiny bombs all over it! Lincoln is not happy to wear a suicide vest – but Coulson points out that a suicide vest is one you control – I loved Lincoln’s horror as he said, so a murder vest then! But Coulson points out that if Lincoln does get infected they’ll have to take him out.
Fitz and Simmons look terrific as they infiltrate the bar. Fitz has glasses on so that Mack can do surveillance. Mack is shocked that most of the people are not what they appear to be – we see lots of modifications.
May wants clarification on what Coulson wants of her. Coulson tells him that May is always quick to the trigger. He does not want her to shoot Daisy. But May points out that Coulson gave her the trigger switch for Lincoln’s vest. Coulson tells her that Daisy isn’t Andrew, which seems like an unnecessarily low blow. May tells Coulson she’ll do what needs to be done, but he shouldn’t act like his hands are clean.
Lincoln accosts Alicia while Daisy and Ward pay a visit to James (Axle Whitehead). Lincoln tries to tell Alicia what Hive is and that they can protect her – but Hive has already been there. We get a terrific fight scene between two Alicias, Lincoln, and May. However, Alicia isn’t giving up. Alicia kills one of her selves and Coulson shoots the other to save May. Hive is with the original Alicia who is happy to have made the sacrifice.
Hive knows that James didn’t give up the entire artifact. When James tries to stall, Daisy tells him he talks to much and breaks a terragen crystal, starting his change – completely unconcerned about whether he survives it. James breaks out – in a really aggressive way. He seems to be some kind of Firestarter – which both freaks him out and delights him. Hive assimilates James, and he immediately gives up the location. The object is the only thing that can destroy Hive!
I loved how this scene cut seamlessly to Simmons saying, “Well, that’s a rather ominous thing to say!” When Fitz asks to see Radcliffe, they are accosted by Anon (Camille De Pazzis), who Mack informs them has been heavily modified! I love how much this freaks Mack out. Anon wants to know if they have an appointment. Anon offers to take the case to Radcliffe, but Fitz insists they will deliver it personally. Anon tells them to wait in the bar.
Meanwhile, Lincoln is upset over Alicia’s death. Coulson tells him that he’s taking him out of the field until Fitz and Simmons find a cure. Lincoln is struggling without Daisy. Coulson says he’s taking Lincoln out to keep him safe because that’s what Daisy would want.
Coulson apologizes to May. She points out that she cares too. Coulson admits that he took advantage. Daisy has always longed for connection and family – and Hive has only heightened those feelings. He thought her could give her those things with S.H.I.E.L.D. May points out that Coulson is NOT her father. He acknowledges that but adds that she’s the closed thing he’s had to a daughter.
Daisy’s use of her abilities send the team to South Dakota after her.
Fitz and Simmons take a moment in the bar. They are awkwardly nursing drinks when Fitz asks Mack if he’s getting interference. Simmons backs him up, and the two go off comms. And of course, Mack knows exactly what they are doing! The two take a moment to discuss their relationship. Fitz says that their friendship is linear, comfortable, but deviating from the path will bring about exponential change. Simmons understands that Fitz is saying that sex will be like the event horizon for them – and she thinks it’s quite beautiful. It’s exactly the kind of geeky conversation you would expect – and love – from these two! Simmons suggests that they should just stop talking and do. And then Anon is there and they are back online – and on the move.
Anon presents them with a live human specimen to test their technology on. Radcliffe will want a demonstration! Simmons and Fitz are fairly freaked out. Simmons points out that it is highly unethical, but Fitz counters that they’ve done worse for their employer – he also asks Mack to weigh in. Mack tells them if this is the only way to get to Radcliffe and he’s their way to cure Tremors, they know where he stands – go for it.
Fitz is taken aback when Simmons jabs the needle directly into the eyeball! However, it’s actually Radcliffe himself under the surgical clothes, and his eye is a prosthetic. Simmons clearly passed his test! Radcliffe tells them that he’s selective about who he works with. He believes that art and science are intertwined. The Devil and God is in the details. He never wants his work to be visible.
May tells Coulson he’s a stubborn bastard as he insists on coming to James’ even on his crutches. They find the hole where they unearthed something. And use it to avoid being blown up when James’ booby-trap blows. And how freakin’ cool is the shield in Coulson’s hand?!!? And I loved Coulson’s explanation: “I thought it would be cool if the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. had a shield!” Let’s not forget Coulson’s fanboy crush on Captain America!
Coulson finally admits that his leg hurts a little, and May suggests maybe he should get a cybernetic one – Coulson’s response is that “it’s too soon…”
Radcliffe recognizes the eye as HYDRA technology and they know that they are on comms with someone. As soon as the comms go offline, Mack immediately jumps into action. Simmons is whisked away, but Fitz incapacitates his guard and insists that Radcliffe hear him out. Fitz appeals to the scientist in Radcliffe, promising to get him the science and discovery behind the inhumans and the other world. First though, he needs Radcliffe’s help to save his friend.
Daisy interrupts Fitz and Radcliffe, and Simmons runs into Hive. James has some fun with flaming drinks before Mack shows up looking for Daisy. Once again, Mack gets the classic quip. James who’s just been introduced to the trans-humans asks Mack what his muscles are made of – and thank you for almost always wearing a t-shirt Mr Simmons! Mack just shrugs and says, “Me?” like that isn’t more impressive than manufactured ones! After pinning Mack down, James asks for Mack’s opinion on possible “superhero” names – or supervillain? He likes Inferno – but doesn’t love it, and Burning Man was ruined by the “desert hippie fest.” We get a nice special effect as Mack throws right back at James and escapes.
Daisy takes out Anon and sends Radcliffe off with Alicia. Fitz tries to talk to Daisy, telling her she’s not herself. And then Daisy uses her power on Fitz. She tells him to stop trying to save her. She tells him that she finally has a family and he doesn’t need to pity her anymore. Is this what she really thinks? That the others pitied her? Or is this Hive’s influence?
Daisy tells Fitz that she doesn’t want anything bad to happen to him or Simmons. She tells him that she’s seen the future and that someone in SHIELD is going to die. She tells him that if he loves Simmons, he’ll stop coming after them. She is still vague about the someone she sees dying – or is she? Can we interpret her specifically singling out Simmons to mean that it is Simmons whom she saw die? Even while tears fill her eyes, she tells Fitz that this is his last warning and next time, she’ll snap his neck. Is this an indication that she’s not truly acting of her own free will and that she can break free of “orders” she doesn’t want to carry out?
Simmons is clearly terrified of Hive and backs into a corner. Henstridge is fabulous in this scene as her terror easily reaches through the television screen to land squarely in the viewer. Hive makes it even worse by talking to her as Will. Dalton does a good job mimicking Will’s voice – without going overvboard – it’s very subtle. But you can tell when Hive kicks back in as he says “we, don’t want to hurt you.” Interesting. So the people within Hive are going to influence the collective organism, providing Simmons some protection due to her relationship with Will – who is still part of the larger organism.
I loved how they intercut the scenes between Hive/Simmons and Daisy/Fitz so that you immediately saw the echoes in what they were saying to the two. Simmons tells Hive that just because he stole Will’s memories, it doesn’t mean he gets to be him. She says Will is dead, just before she unloads her gun into Hive’s gut and runs away. She knows it won’t kill him, yet she does it anyway – at least a small attempt to avenge Will.
Talbot (Adrian Pasdar) hilariously keeps calling Coulson throughout the episode, and Coulson keeps dodging his calls – or at least telling him it’s not a good time to talk. Coulson shuts him out – not telling him about Daisy. May is curious, and Coulson tells her he’ll fill her in when it’s a “thing.” Talbot is bent on revenge and takes out HYDRA’s infrastructure. It’s Malick’s intel that lets him do it. Coulson tells May that you can’t mess with a man’s family and not expect revenge – he doesn’t think Aliens get that. And he’s clearly talking about what he’s planning to do in retaliation for Hive taking Daisy.
Mack and Simmons make it back to the hotel first. Mack asks if she’s ok or if she saw Daisy. She tells Mack that she shot Hive – because she always said she’d shoot Ward. Mack muses that “sometimes it’s easier to believe that the world wants you to suffer than it’s got your back.” Simmons tells Mack that he should tell that to Fitz because of his belief that their relationship is cursed.
Mack asks how long they’ve been together, and Simmons denies it – but Mack knows better. I loved him comparing them to Bobbi and Hunter – who pulled the our comms are broken trick all the time! Simmons tells Mack it’s very new – and he says no it isn’t. Let’s not forget that he arrived just after Ward almost killed them – he knows their history and the depth of Fitz’s love.
Simmons is angry when Fitz finally gets back – he of course was looking for her! But of course, it’s worry that make her angry. Fitz tells her they have a lot to talk about… and then they FINALLY stop talking!
In the final scene, James is trying out names on Alicia – and she’s not impressed either. He suggests Hellfire. Radcliffe is almost drooling when Hive explains that he’s the first genetically modified human. Radcliffe says they’ve only begun that type of DNA modification. Hive tells him, “We are one organism seeking change and with your help, we are going to redefine humanity. Permanently.” That’s not creepy at all. He wants Radcliffe to recreate the Cree experiment that created him. And he’s bought them an entire town in which to do it.
Being team FitzSimmons since the beginning, this was a great payoff episode for me. Now it becomes interesting to see if they let them remain together. I will say right up front, that I’m a lot more interested in seeing the two continue as a team and I’m not at all interested in a season-ending cliffhanger that tears them apart yet again! This episode featured a lot of really great special effects. But the thing that really sets this show apart is its attention to the human element through great character development and acting.
Radcliffe seems to be onboard to help Hive. I’m really curious, as I’ve said, to see how or even if this inhuman storyline factors into the movie. According to IMDb, none of the television character will appear in the movie. Now that we have left an entirely Whedon run universe, I suppose that makes sense, but it may make it harder to integrate the universe for viewers. Are you going to see
Civil War? Are you hoping for some crossover between the tv series and the movie, or are you hoping the two now remain separate? What did you think of this episode? Will the team be able to save Daisy? 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.
