Ranking All The Marvel Cinematic Universe Franchises From Worst To Best
8. Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Series: Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. (1-3) , Agent Carter (1-2)
Upcoming: Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. (4)
The prospect of the MCU coming to TV was, at first, an enticing one. That masterful, cross-movie storytelling, but straight to your screen of choice every week rather than biannually in the cinema! Unfortunately, despite having Joss Whedon (who is more experienced in the small screen) leading the charge, it started very limp; episodes were sub-X-Files monster of the week jaunts with the odd reference to Iron Man. What a dud. Well, it is ABC.
The show did improve as it moved on, reacting to the events of the movies (the HYDRA reveal following The Winter Soldier was intense) and after a season or so of buildup finally emerged as a smart storytelling source full of interesting characters and twists. Still, this was after many people had turned off, and for those who did stick around, it was still lumbered with the weight of being an MCU runt.
After all, while Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. introduced the Inhumans, Secret Warriors and, coming soon, Ghost Rider, it feels totally disconnected; the events of the show have no impact on the movie world, solidified by Kevin Feige stating Agent Coulson is still dead in the films. This isn't a universe expansion, but an average 22-episode time-filler at a time when TV (even of the superhero variety) is having a renaissance. Unnecessary and failing to live up to its original promise.
Agent Carter had a stronger innings to begin with, but an iffy Season 2 put it on the same level.