Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents of SHIELD - 3x02 - "Purpose in the Machine" - Discussion Thread

[Mike Murdock]

From who? The people randomly popping up with powers and that have no idea what happened to them?

From however ACTU found out about exactly those things.

 

[Demileto]

From however ACTU found out about exactly those things.

ATCU has government resources in their favor, though. Ward hasn't.

Synopsys for 3x04 has been released, and by now it should be pretty clear that the HYDRA storyline is about Bobbi and Hunter vs Ward in a quest for vengeance from both sides. As such, Ward doesn't need Inhumans to deal with Mr and Mrs Smith of the MCU, he can tackle them pretty fine with a couple HYDRA henchmen.

 

[Mike Murdock]

Maybe ATCU has a leak? The point is, it's not impossible for Ward to have found out.

 

[Lilbaz]

We actually know a bit:



Emphasis mine. Source: http://www.comicvine.com/articles/brett-dalton-talks-taking-over-hydra-on-agents-of-/1100-153375/

And there's no way the show will have Ward magically learn everything Coulson and team found out about Kree, Inhumans and Terrigenesis during the hiatus, that's too much important and very much classified information for him to find out trivially off-screen. I'm very sure the extent of his knowledge will be just as much as your regular joe in the MCU: President Matthew Ellis' speech.

What does he need to know? He knows aliens exist as does the rest of the planet. He knows that there are people with powers popping up and they are linked with the actions of shield and whitehalls experiments and the alien artifact.

 

[Demileto]

Maybe ATCU has a leak? The point is, it's not impossible for Ward to have found out.

Nothing is impossible on storytelling, but it'd be bad writing for Ward to suddenly display knowledge that he shouldn't out of nowhere. Show, not tell, would be how this should be approached.

 

[Demileto]

What does he need to know? He knows aliens exist as does the rest of the planet. He knows that there are people with powers popping up

That he knows.

they are linked with the actions of shield and whitehalls experiments and the alien artifact.

That he doesn't, as he didn't care to know last season.

 

[Mike Murdock]

Nothing is impossible on storytelling, but it'd be bad writing for Ward to suddenly display knowledge that he shouldn't out of nowhere. Show, not tell, would be how this should be approached.

It's also bad storytelling to waste time with needless explaining stories when that isn't the focus. A two-second exposition about a mole in ATCU (which, in theory, could create good story potential in the future) would be enough and they could focus on what matters.

I'm not saying that Ward necessarily is chasing after Inhumans. My only point is that it wouldn't really be bad storytelling for him to do so. My biggest complaint with it is it's fairly similar to the beginning of last season. How Ward finds out is a non-issue for me so long as he has found out.

 

[Chemistro]

ATCU has government resources in their favor, though. Ward hasn't.

Yes, and even then, ACTU does not seem to know the origin of the inhumans, or that they're called "inhumans", or that they already had a culture that lasted for millenia; they don't seem to know about terrigenesis, or why more and more inhumans are popping out recently.

Still, HYDRA can make a lot of money out of things like arms dealing, drug dealing, slavery, etc.

Side issue: I wonder how SHIELD is funded.
I can imagine they have a couple of reactors and enough fuel for like a century, so the electricity bill may not be a problem, and perhaps they can even grow their own food using advanced technology including biotechnology, but there is plenty more they need, and for that they need money. But the POTUS does not seem to be on board. Maybe someone is diverting money from some US government agency? That would make them vulnerable to ACTU. Maybe another country is funding SHIELD?

 

[Mr. Youtube]

So Hydra is officially SMERSH?

 

[Uskok]

Side issue: I wonder how SHIELD is funded.
I can imagine they have a couple of reactors and enough fuel for like a century, so the electricity bill may not be a problem, and perhaps they can even grow their own food using advanced technology including biotechnology, but there is plenty more they need, and for that they need money. But the POTUS does not seem to be on board. Maybe someone is diverting money from some US government agency? That would make them vulnerable to ACTU. Maybe another country is funding SHIELD?

In the Italian comics published by Sergio Bonelli Editore there's a secret US Government agency (very similar to S.H.I.E.L.D.) called ELSEWHERE. ELSEWHERE is secretly funded (at least partially) by The Coca-Cola Company, because ELSWHERE's scientists made the formula of Coca-Cola in 1867 (in that story, Coca-Cola was supposed to be an anti-alien chemical weapon but eventually became a drink). Who knows, maybe S.H.I.E.L.D. is the secret owner of some very profitable business companies.

So Hydra is officially SMERSH?

Not quite. SMERSH was loyal to the Soviet Union while HYDRA betrayed the Third Reich.

 

[BloodHound]

In the Italian comics published by Sergio Bonelli Editore there's a secret US Government agency (very similar to S.H.I.E.L.D.) called ELSEWHERE. ELSEWHERE is secretly funded (at least partially) by The Coca-Cola Company, because ELSWHERE's scientists made the formula of Coca-Cola in 1867 (in that story, Coca-Cola was supposed to be an anti-alien chemical weapon but eventually became a drink). Who knows, maybe S.H.I.E.L.D. is the secret owner of some very profitable business companies.

I would like it if something like this was mentioned down the line. Perhaps in one episode, Wards HYDRA finds out which companies fund SHIELD, and attack those corporations. Coulson and team must restore the flow of trade.

 

[SirStrangefolk]

Well, SHIELD has worked closely with companies like Stark Industries, Pym Technologies, probably whatever Korean company Helen Cho used to work for, and probably others as well. They might somehow get some funding through one or several of those.

 

[ralphuniverse]

Funding SHIELD.

This is how I see it.

Originally set up in the late 40's to safeguard people from yet unexplained major threat.
Original founders Howard Stark and Peggy Carter. Financed by Western governments and overseen by the World Council.

Collapses after CAWS. Coulson receives black box which contains locations of various resources hidden away over decades including bank accounts.

At this stage (early season two) resources are very limited Coulson has to steal a Quinjet from the USAF.

Some countries though are still supporting fragments of SHIELD (remember the episode were Coulson had active agent in Europe?)

The "Real SHIELD " faction, lead by Gonzales have an aircraft carrier allowing them several months of independent operation but no money. So organize infiltration of Team Coulson. AIM- get the box.

Coulson reaches grudging support from that USA General whose name I have forgotten. Latter he gets support from Ward's politician brother. -Money begins to flow.

Refurbishment of an Helicarrier begins.

Real SHIELD (really BS SHIELD) carries out it coup against Caulson. Eventually Caulson units both factions with him in charge.

AOU takes place, the Helicarrier appears and saves the day. Political and financial support for SHIELD increases. Construction of Zepher aircraft and formation of Secret warriors begins.

However SHIELD is still only being supported as a black program and is not under the full control of the US government. So ATCU is formed .

Thats were we are now.

My assumption is that Nick Fury and Maria Hill have been working behind to scene to get money flowing. I expect we will eventually see the World Council back in some form.

Ralph

 

[BloodHound]

Shouldn't they have a second clip for the episode by now?

 

[Humbugged]

Shouldn't they have a second clip for the episode by now?

#


http://comicbook.com/2015/10/05/daisy-explains-secret-warriors-in-new-marvels-agents-of-s-h-i-e-/

 

[BloodHound]

Thanks

 

[Silvermoon]

Youtube copy of Clip 2 for those that prefer it/need it:

https://youtu.be/Kkbk_IzFwks

 

[Whiskey Tango]

I like how Skye has grown over the course of the show. She's come a long way.

 

[Loki882]

Yes, and even then, ACTU does not seem to know the origin of the inhumans, or that they're called "inhumans", or that they already had a culture that lasted for millenia; they don't seem to know about terrigenesis, or why more and more inhumans are popping out recently.

Still, HYDRA can make a lot of money out of things like arms dealing, drug dealing, slavery, etc.

Side issue: I wonder how SHIELD is funded.
I can imagine they have a couple of reactors and enough fuel for like a century, so the electricity bill may not be a problem, and perhaps they can even grow their own food using advanced technology including biotechnology, but there is plenty more they need, and for that they need money. But the POTUS does not seem to be on board. Maybe someone is diverting money from some US government agency? That would make them vulnerable to ACTU. Maybe another country is funding SHIELD?

To be honest, that's been a question that's hung over the show since TWS really. SHIELD is officially disbanded and outlawed, but they can afford a lot of really expensive-looking stuff/equipment. I have a number of possible explanations for this:

-Fury probably had a number of assets/slush funds stashed away "just in case." He might have given them access to those.

-Now that SHIELD and Gen. Talbot have forged a fairly cordial working relationship, he might be helping them out with funding/obtaining equipment to a degree.

-They might have "side business" set up to raise funds?

-Etc.

 

[BloodHound]

The theory of Fury's hidden bank-accounts is good, but the funds in these bank accounts are finite, and will sooner or later dry out, unless Fury is filling them at regular intervals. SHIELD should then seek out a steady way of income.

 

[just one thing]

-They might have "side business" set up to raise funds?

-Etc.

drugs?

lot of speculation down the years that intelligence sevices around the world fund themselves with black market activities.

The coca cola company up the page was a good one. what ever it is they could set it up in agent carter and play in through to shield and the new damage control. Noticed a bit of product placement last season which is smart given the amount who now watch tv 'illegally' on download or streaming sights on line, get some ad revenue for it. Could sell the rights to who funds shield and be part of a running joke.

 

[Vartha]

grrr no tv at the college, they're rewiring rooms

 

[Quake]

Oh no Vartha, that really sucks =(. Your comments during the live viewing will be missed.

 

[Vartha]

Was HOPING they'd finish the wiring earlier but no dice

 

[R_Hythlodeus]

I'm already yawning. I don't think I will stay up till 3am tonight for the live 'viewing'. But I'll be reading this thread first thing in the morning while downloading the episode