How long do you think Coulson has been waiting to say "take me to your leader" in his life? At the end of this week's episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Coulson surrendered to Mack and Bobbi Morse. First he escaped their custody, and now this? What is going on? The S.H.I.E.L.D. Director is clearly working towards something big, but his erratic behavior is making even me nervous. No part of his mission seems accomplished, and yet he's ready to go back home.
Tuesday's episode was all about reunions, following on the heels of Skye's recent family gathering. Even Agent 33 reunited with her face! Most importantly, Agent Coulson made Grant Ward an offer that he technically couldn't refuse, but I could see why he might want not to take it. If Ward hooked Coulson's rogue S.H.I.E.L.D. team up with Hydra leaders Baron Von Strucker and Doctor List, he would give him a blank slate. Because this is a science fiction series, Coulson of course meant that literally. He offered to put Ward through the Project T.A.H.I.T.I. treatments that wipe your memories. Would this be a good way to get Agent Ward back on the show and "forgive" his misgivings? Sure, but that seems like more of a price than a reward.
Grant Ward took the deal, but never intended to go through with the T.A.H.I.T.I. treatment. While the plan was to use Ward and Kara's recent capture of Sunil Bakshi to infiltrate Hydra, it was Grant Ward who pulled the strings. At least, I think so. It was difficult to tell how much control Bakshi was able to exhibit over his own actions. That said, when he went in with Mike Peterson as his bodyguard/back-up, the silver-tongued Hydra operative offered up Deathlok to Hydra as a sign of trust. You know, normal stuff you do with a human (and part robotic) man.
As it turns out, Hydra was tracking the Inhuman Gordon's movements, which lead them to Skye. This was convenient, as it brought three major factions on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D together for a big showdown — Hydra, Coulson's S.H.I.E.L.D., and the Inhumans. I'm still confused as to how the team got out of that, but Coulson seemed non-plussed when Mack and Bobbi arrived to investigate the aftermath.
It seems to me that Coulson knew he was running low on resources, and he now has a team set in place to do his bidding while he goes back on the inside. Sure, Bakshi might have Deathlok now and Ward is as unpredictable as ever, but he's going to need manpower and firepower to take down Hydra now that they're back out in the open.
Image: Kelsey McNeal/ABC
