Apparently, it has to do with someone he modeled Aida after. Another woman, named Agnes, who was dying of a brain tumor. Turns out that Radcliffe couldn’t save her – go figure – and that he’s been working with robotics and virtual worlds to build something called the Framework. It’s a place where he wants to download minds in order to let them live forever.
Honestly, I couldn’t think of a more cliché motivation for a villain like this. This is an often used plot point for villains who create androids and the like. There’s always someone they want to save, someone they couldn’t before. It’s well covered ground in sci-fi and SHIELD adding on to it doesn’t help things. Especially after Agnes was so adamant about her distrust and hatred of Radcliffe. Then she jumps in a car with him after seeing him for the first time in years. Weak stuff overall.
The other plotline didn’t help all that much either. The Superior just isn’t a convincing enough villain. In fact, Nadire was much more intimidating and had better motivation for her hate of Inhumans. The idea that she could have kids who were Inhuman being the reason the Superior wanted her eliminated seemed a bit short sighted. You have someone in the government who can help push your agenda, and you get rid of her before your plan is complete? Really?
The idea that the Watchdog terrorist being the Inhuman also seemed a bit cliché (you are what you hate and all that). He had a cool power though, which reminded me a bit of Nitro from the comic books. Watching him reconstitute himself was cool. The action later on was a good touch as well, as Daisy kept blowing him up left and right.
The only character with any interesting development was Mace. With his powers gone, he’s pretty much useless as far as combat goes. He’s a full diplomat now and that doesn’t seem to be his thing either. He wants to be more useful, but the serum could kill him. There were a lot of references to him not being Captain America (despite being one in the comics). So I wonder if at some point that will come true? Since Steve Rogers is a fugitive and not Cap anymore, is there room for a version of the character on television?
Overall this episode gave me what I wanted, but not in the way I wanted it. I wanted answers, but those answers were full of clichés and tropes. The Superior still fails to be interesting in any way, shape, or form. Thankfully we only have a few episodes left in this pod. I’m ready to move on.
Real quick though, last week I mentioned a theory about Fitz being a LMD. It’s worth noting that when he stepped into that hallway, the LMD detector did go off. The show played it as it being the suit and coat hanger, but I wonder if it’s something more. Just seemed like an odd coincidence.
Written by Peter Freeman, TV & Animation Writer -- Click to read Peter's posts
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