Arrow versus Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Arrow IS a better show, yes. But the reason it works is because (1) they keep finding ways to bring in other DCU characters and locations, both as name-drops and shoutouts AND in person, and, more importantly (2) they have split the narrative into past and present, with one directly affecting the other on an episode-by-episode basis. If it was all in the present, it might drag a bit in some episodes, and theyd have to add new scenes and try to do more in the time they have. This way they can always jump back and then jump forward if they need to keep the audience on their toes. AOS cant really do this on a consistent basis, mostly because its such an ensemble piece. Youve got six people on the bus, and while its clear Coulsons the focus, the other five really need their moments or theyll get lost in the backwash of Coulsons narrative. So we need to stay in the present, which means the ability to add an intriguing subtext via the past is not there. Subtexts they CAN use is, of course, Marvels huge universe, full of name-drops and shout-outs. And they really need to get with more cameos and the like. But what this show really needs is an identifiable enemy. IMHO, they missed a chance in the first episode to do a last minute reveal to the audience that the people behind that blast were actually Hydra, with perhaps a version of the now-famous make up for your failure scene from Nick Fury: Agent of Shields first issue. That way WED know, and know what to look for, and all the old-school fans would have gone crazy with drooling delight. Instead, theyre sticking with the mystery of Centipede. Which is also good in a way, as its keeping us guessing. But it means we had a few episodes there we lost some traction (and, yes, gave the haters and trolls something to come kvetch about). The last episode got us on track in that regard. Hopefully it will continue.
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 18:39:15 +0000
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