Episode 14 ‘The Devil Complex’ of Agents of Shield’s fifth season, follows agent/scientist Fitz as his psychological state worsens. He is confronted with the Fitz from the Hydra altered virtual reality, the Framework, who is basically Fitz without his morality.
He witnesses his other the Hydra Fitz carrying out the most horrific operation on one of his teammates. And this is all to fix Fitz’s current problem of not being able to close the dimensional rift that leaks the teams’ worst fears. This is certainly Fitz’s or Jemma’s. So, let’s take a look at what makes ‘The Devil Complex’ such a phenomenal episode.
(4) Complexity of Fitz
Fitz’s development has grown the most since we first saw him back in the first season. He is fiercely intelligent, focused, gentle, loyal, kind and trustworthy. He is also terrified of telling his best friend, Jemma how he feels about her.
Suffering from a brain injury caused by Ward who he thought of as a friend, and losing Jemma to a monolith has pushed Fitz to emotional extremes. In season five, Hydra Fitz brings to light who Fitz is without his morality. He’s still focused and loyal but his scientific curiosity exploits the rights of the people he experiments on. He feels no remorse or guilt towards those he hurts because he doesn’t have Jemma to anchor him to his morality.
This episode perfectly highlights the complexities of Fitz’s character and how his experiences have led him to make ethically debatable choices.
(3) Plot
The plot is crafted almost to perfection. The twists are interlinked with the other character’s own stories and add to the severity of Fitz’s actions. We believe one thing but then the most unexpected events happen and we don’t know what to believe anymore. We experience emotional torment when we see Fitz completely lose himself in doing what he believes is right to save the team.
And whether we want to admit it or not, his actions do actually save them. But, at what cost? The suspense is almost too much but we can’t help keep watching. The magic of the plot is that it is so cleverly structured, the fate of the characters are constantly changing and adapting to every decision the other makes.
(2) The Fitzsimmons Relationship
Fitz and Simmons are the perfect example of peas in a pod; friends since the Academy they know each other better than they know themselves. Simmons proves this when she visits Fitz and agrees that what he did was the right thing to do because it was the only solution available.
Their relationship is tested to serious extremes and it’s almost too hard to bear to see the potential that their marriage could come to an end before it’s begun. But, Simmons is undoubtedly the best person ever. She is open to understanding Fitz’s actions and stays loyal to him even though she knows she’s losing him.
(1) Simmons Learn’s She Has a Grandson
The conclusion to ‘The Devil Complex’ is certainly one of the most precious, moving and original exchanges to have graced the series. After the day’s events, Deke tries to comfort Jemma by saying she and Fitz will make it through together.
But, how can he possibly know this, Simmons asks? Because he’s her and Fitz’s grandson!! (GASP) That’s right, Deke reveals his identity when he recounts Simmons inspirational “Your steps don’t have to be big, they just have to take you in the right direction.” The revelation that determines the fate of Fitz and Simmons is emotionally heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. Deke almost becomes a symbol of hope and perseverance.
So, there you have it. Four reasons to watch. I hope I’ve convinced you and if not, why not watch the episode anyway and make up your own mind?
