IR TV Review: MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. - EPISODE 7 ("The Most Excellent Adventures Of Mack & The Deke Squad") [ABC-S7]

Finding reflexivity in a slightly new tone has been the tome for this season for "Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D." Sometimes the stories go off in their own trajectory but with this "The Most Excellent Adventures Of Mack and The Deke Squad" it pushes a little farther in terms of tone. Now without giving too much away it might have to do with a more analog angle from all points but the way in which the violence is approached is different as well. This is in homage to some classic 80s tropes. But then the episode is completely full of them. Without giving anything away it works within the states of characterization whether it be throwbacks to "Rambo', "The Lost Boys" or many others. There is an aspect of characterization to it though and no matter how wild it gets, the episode winds around to that thought that created it in the first place but also takes the time travel angle into impact beyond the simple plot mechanics. A lot of what the episode ultimately shows is tongue in cheek which is nice that the series is able to do. While there is plot progression, this episode is more character based. And one could swear that a new team member is someone that be can recognized but alas, it is not, especially with a throwback line to a certain 80s song.A-

By Tim Wassberg