You have to give Agents of Shield some credit, they’re taking the “decades theme” to certain levels and I do appreciate it at times. “Out Of The Past” might just be the best episode of the season so far despite a certain problem that is now on board, and still out there. Also, poor Enoch!
Let’s get right to it, the episode focused on Agent Sousa, who as Coulson narrates (via epic Noir styling both visually and narratively) is about to die according to the Shield history books. Which is an interesting note given what we know about the timeline via the MCU, but again, AOS is not in the MCU, so whatever.
Anyway, they’re off to try and keep history going by making sure he gives a keep package to Howard Stark, and then let him die. Or will they? The questions of “rewriting history” again pop up, but this time with a friendly face and not a mortal enemy.
The use of past and present to paint a fun picture of what to do was nice. From Deke meeting Wilfred Mallick once again and using his saving of him to save him now was a nice touch. Though I highly doubt Mallick would’ve just let him live. He is Hydra after all.
As for them saving Sousa in the end, I’m of two minds on this. On one hand, it was a clever Sleight of Hand. However, they have Sousa’s body, as he is still alive. So what did Shield bury? And are you telling me that NO ONE wanted to see his body? Like Howard? Or Peggy? That just seems a little…too neat. Also, what are they going to do with him now? Yes, we’re going to find that out, and I’m glad he’s alive. But there’s a difference between “alive” and alive.
Speaking of which, Agent May’s condition was expanded upon, as we now know her own emotions are suppressed and she “receives” them when she’s touching other people. Which is a curious thing, but one that could prove fruitful in the remaining episodes.
Ironically, the best part of the story in my opinion was Enoch! Yeah, I can’t believe it either. The use of him being at the bar, listening to a typical patron, and not being cared about by the various Agents leading to his, “I am alone” speech was tragic. Granted, he’s not my favorite character, but still, that was sad!
In the end, “Out of the Past” played some clever beats as they paid tribute to the Noir stylings of the genre. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, and there are still major questions as to what is to happen next. But for now, it’s better.
Todd Black
Todd Black is reader of comics, a watch of TV (a LOT of TV), and a writer of many different mediums. He's written teleplays, fan-fictions, and currently writes a comic book called Guardians (guardians-comic.com). He dreams of working at Nintendo, writing a SHAZAM! TV series, and working on Guardians for a very long time!
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