After her dramatic rescue from another planet, Simmons is still reeling from her ordeal and reveals how she had to fight for her life in a harsh new world.

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. shifts its focus as we get to see what Jemma experienced during her time on another planet. It’s a fascinating episode in its style and storytelling.

First for about a quarter of the episode we get Jemma just by herself as she attempts to survive, but also deals with the fact she’s on an alien planet by herself. Not only does actress Elizabeth Henstridge‘s acting kick up quite a few notches, but it also fleshes out Simmons as a character. She goes from a generally interesting, but not used background character, to having a hell of a lot more depth. It’s kind of sad it takes trauma such as this to get her to this point, but at least she’s there.

The last episode ended with her statement that she had to go back to see what happened, and we find out why in what is an interesting solo episode for the most part. She goes from follower to stronger leader, and the ending of the episode sets up an interesting direction for the show, which is great since direction is something I’ve had issues with.

The look of the episode is particularly interesting in its look, relying on blues to color everything. Stylistically it makes what’s probably just normal desert to feel alien. Solid choice.

Overall, easily the best episode of the season and one of the best of the series.

Overall Score: 9