15 Greatest Performances In Marvel Cinematic Universe TV Shows
10. Iain De Caestecker And Elizabeth Henstridge - FitzSimmons (Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.)
When Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was going through its early struggles, one character really stood out. Well, technically two characters, but they were very much presented as one: not Jemma Simmons and Leo Fitz, but FitzSimmons.
Their sweet relationship, good nature, and witty rapport quickly made them fan-favourites.
The true strength of their performances, however, lies in the move away from FitzSimmons. After being firmly established as a double-act, it's not easy to then be forced to strike out on your own. They each had their own slight shades in Season 1, but the sophomore year really saw the pair grow as individuals.
De Caestacker in particular shone, as Fitz had to deal with a serious brain injury. He didn't overstate the performance, but instead quietly played the confusion and frustration that came with it. This gave Henstridge her own opportunity to exhibit growth too, playing a more distanced role from the rest of the team.
Her true test, however, came in 4,722 Hours - the fifth episode of Season 3 - of which she was the main focus. In Season 1 an episode almost solely centred on Simmons was unthinkable; here Henstridge is more than up to the task of carrying the entire thing. Since then the pair's relationship has progressed, and whether it's together or apart, they represent the best S.H.I.E.L.D. offers.