(Yes it is.) I will be the first to admit that I was slightly underwhelmed by the pilot episode of S.H.I.E.L.D. Despite being directed by Joss Whedon, the whole thing seemed rather lacklustre after the thrill-ride that was The Avengers. Additionally, in my opinion as a long-time Marvel fan, it's rather odd that a show about a government agency that exists in the same universe as the X Men NEVER makes mention of the existence of mutants. This made me worry at first for the ability of the show to introduce original plot ideas. Now that we're 12 episodes in, however, I am no longer worried. The show is quite entertaining. While I'm really excited for the possibility of awesome future guest-stars (Tony Stark/Captain America/Bruce Banner/Black Widow), the show is NOT lacking in star-power. Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, and Clark Gregg light up the screen. As back story is revealed the show gets better and better. I especially draw your attention to episode 111, in which we finally discover how Agent Coulson was brought back from the dead. S.H.I.E.L.D. has identified and fixed any kinks in its storytelling from the pilot. I like each new episode better than the last, and I am officially hooked.
