It got off to a rather average start plot-wise and the second episode didn't exactly take things up a notch (even with Samuel L Jackson on board) but that doesn't mean ABC doesn't see a lot of potential in Joss Whedon's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In fact, they're so happy with how the show has performed thus far that they've picked it up for a full series.
Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the first episode (as a massive Buffy and Angel fan it was kind of hard not to, what with so many familiar faces popping up) but I couldn't help but think it was all a bit Buffy The Vampire Slayer heads to Smallville and meet the Marvel Universe along the way. All the pieces were in place from the Giles-like Coulson to the Scooby Gang S.H.I.E.L.D team and even the David Boreanez-esque Brett Dalton as Agent Ward. I complain but you know I'll still be sitting down to watch it when the next episode airs. Fact.
As per Deadline, the show has proven a rather massive success in the ratings, premiering and US TV's "highest-rated drama debut in nearly four years". It may have dropped a dew of those viewers along the way but it still tops the list of new shows for the 2013-14 seasons among 18-49-year-olds, so Whedon is most definitely doing something right.
The series will now run for 22 episodes (instead of just the original 13) and is the third new offering to be picked up for a full series. Fox's Sleepy Hollow (which has yet to hit our screens but is apparently quite the hit) and NBC's The Blacklist (which currently airs on Sky Living of a Friday night at 8pm) are the only other shows to make the grade so far.
So, we guess this new team will indeed be around long enough for us to fall in love with them and have our hearts ripped out when Whedon kills one or more of them off unexpectedly and mercilessly before the year is out.
We'll start taking bets on who it'll be as the series progresses.
Catch Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D on Channel 4 every Friday night at 8pm or on RTE Two on Sunday nights at 8pm.