Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has entered its fourth season with renewed energy. Coulson is back in the field, Quake is on the run, and Ghost Rider is bringing the heat in more ways than one. The NYCC Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. panel delivered the series stars and executive producer to The Big Apple alongside an early screening of the third episode of season four.
Vengeance Has Arrived
The panel began with executive producer Jeph Loeb taking the stage wearing a Ghost Rider mask. Robbie Reyes was on everyone’s minds as the presentation began. When actor Gabriel Luna took the stage, he got a hero’s welcome from the crowd. Not that the audience didn’t cheer just as loud for Clark Gregg (Agent Coulson) and Chloe Bennet (Quake).
They took some time to discuss just how the special effects work to replace Luna’s head with a flaming skull. Luna and Loeb spoke highly of the special effects team for placing a shroud over his head, wrapping it with lights, and then somehow turning it into Ghost Rider’s skull. For his part, Gregg was “stoked” that Ghost Rider had joined the show, though not at first. He wondered how a magic-based character would work in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s scientific world. Plus, Gregg threw some slight shade at the not very well received Ghost Rider films.
“Strange” Days Ahead?
Both Clark and Chloe had some hints for what the fourth season would bring. Coulson is adjusting to being an agent again. Meanwhile, Quake is on a rebellious streak on the run with Ghost Rider. Clark then hinted at Life Model Decoys, and maybe even some “strange” magical stuff happening. But how exactly will Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. connect with the upcoming Doctor Strange film is left undefined (for now)?
Clark then talked much with the audience as the Q&A began, saying he felt Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was announced in New York and that the series was “born” there. Clark also took a moment to shout out to his famous wife in the audience, Jennifer Grey, who then got a huge round of applause. Gregg’s love for the fans continued to show in a quick video they played for the room. All three of the actors went around NYCC dressed in full body cosplay and interviewed fans about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Then they shocked the fans by revealing who they were talking to. The funniest moment had to be a fan saying they stopped watching the show and then Clark Gregg convincing him to give it another chance.
There was one last fan question that really had the room buzzing. A bright Marvel zombie asked when S.H.I.E.L.D. would finally go to Hell’s Kitchen. Meaning, when would these spies investigating superheroes finally meet Netflix’s Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage. It’s a question so many fans want to be answered, but Jeph Loeb only reply was “Stay tuned.” Could this finally be a hint towards the crossover every Marvel viewer wants?
How’s The Next Episode?
Finally, the panel closed with a viewing of Tuesday’s upcoming episode. Jeph Loeb swore the audience to secrecy for all the events in the episode, but I’ll give a few hints. This tense episode follows both Reyes and Quake around L.A., as Coulson and his team deal with massive blackouts and Inhuman threats. It’s an exciting episode that easily entertained a crowded room full of the show’s biggest fans. As Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. continues this new, grittier season, we’re eager to see this streak of quality continue.