Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Season 4, Episode 7 Review

'Deals With Our Devils' marks Agents of SHIELD's first big dive into multiple dimensions, in what appears to be a tie-in to Marvel's Doctor Strange released last year. While at first faking Coulson, Fitz and Robbie's deaths seems a bit silly for a show that's so good at killing its main characters I'm tempted to place several thousand pounds on Ward's return, the revelation that they are in fact stuck in an awkward dimensional gap is interesting. This of course connects to the scientists' ghostly demeanor, and while the sepia filter is a little uninspired, the episode does some clever things with this idea, and it is shot very well to create this double-effect. If there's one big problem I have with this is that it deviates away from the main narrative somewhat, taking up the best part of the episode on this. I don't mind story-of-the-week episodes, but so close to this pod's finale is a bit annoying if I'm honest.
I do also feel that the sub-plot following Simmons' investigation into a terragenesis patient - as well as Radcliffe and Ada's work - were a little side-tracking as well, but for the most part the episode delivered some interesting character drama with Mack and May's different attitudes towards Coulson's 'death', and Daisy's take-down of the gangsters was pretty badass.
I also liked the way 'Deals With Our Devils' showed the Ghost Rider as a separate identity to Robbie, manifesting itself in Mack. It shows the dual nature of Robbie, and in some ways frees him from guilt with his murders. And him doing an actual deal with the devil that he'd murder those the Rider deemed guilty is an interesting set-up for a potential solo series...right Marvel? Solo series? Sounds like an idea...
Overall, a clunky episode that disrupts some of the narrative flow of the season, but works well on its own merits - and who can say no to Agents of SHIELD's fiery friend doing his badass thing?

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