Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has worn many different hats before evolving into its current form. A spinoff from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, S.H.I.E.L.D. initially failed to translate the MCU’s epic, blockbuster scale to television. New characters were inseparable and paper-thin, and a promised fun, action series was boring — the biggest no-no for a Marvel property.
The effects of Captain America: The Winter Soldier added oomph and intrigue, casting doubt and mistrust among the core group of characters, which carried over through season two. Season three went in an exciting new direction, introducing Inhumans, changing multiple character dynamics and shedding fat from played-out heroes and villains. With all the changes S.H.I.E.L.D underwent since debuting in 2013, season four has continued to evolve in unexpected places, grabbing the fiery wheel with the introduction of Robbie Reyes’ Ghost Rider.
The inclusion of Ghost Rider was both confusing and intriguing. The current MCU hadn’t introduced or even hinted at Ghost Rider existing in the extended universe. A Johnny Blaze version of the character seemed like a logical possibility for the street-level Netflix Defenders universe, with S.H.I.E.L.D. being the last expected place a version of the character would debut. Not only was Ghost Rider appearing on the tamer S.H.I.E.L.D, but his iconic motorcycle wasn’t making the trip. Reyes, introduced in 2014’s All-New Ghost Rider (canceled after 12 issues) was chosen as the S.H.I.E.L.D. Rider. Instead of a Harley, a flaming 1969 black Dodge Charger was Reyes’ choice of transportation.
Here’s a primer for those unfamiliar with the character.
The ultimate vengeance. #AgentsofSHIELD #GhostRider pic.twitter.com/rMYxWvCA3k
— Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (@AgentsofSHIELD) October 26, 2016
The decision perplexed Ghost Rider fans who wanted justice for Blaze, first maligned by Nicolas Cage and Mark Steven Johnson in 2007’s nearly unwatchable feature film. (Cage returned to play the character for directors Marc Neveldine and Brian Taylor in 2011’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.) Through five episodes, S.H.I.E.L.D. writers have not only justified picking Reyes over Blaze, but laid groundwork for a character with staying power.
On S.H.I.E.L.D., Ghost Rider has retained most of his comic book characteristics, despite small changes to his backstory. Reyes is a hard-edged, get-to-the-point murderer, tortured by literal inner demons. He kills criminals (or sinners) to feed the Ghost Rider’s thirst for vengeance. Reyes himself is fending for his family — specifically, his paralyzed brother Gabe. He’s a good guy with a troubling problem. His uncle Eli Morrow (who’s the dead devil worshipper inhabiting Reyes in the comics) is in prison for causing an explosion that killed many scientist co-workers, who became ghosts after an experiment to create matter out of nothing goes awry. Reyes is left to take care of his brother by any means necessary.
https://youtu.be/LT3_4GDsVB4
Reyes’ arc connects to the series after the newly reconfigured S.H.I.E.L.D. team goes behind the new director’s back to try to find former agent turned vigilante Daisy. Upon searching for her, a secret weapon (those pesky ghosts who can infect and kill people by inhabiting them) infects Agent May. Eventually, Daisy, Reyes, and S.H.I.E.L.D agents meet up at the site of the explosion, where it’s discovered Reyes is the only person able to kill the ghosts, in his Ghost Rider form, likely due to his deal with the devil.
Reyes visits his uncle in prison and discovers that an ancient, mystical book called Darkhold, was a guiding factor in the explosion. Daisy and Reyes reluctantly join S.H.I.E.L.D. temporarily to get to Morrow before the leader of the ghosts, Lucy (killed in the explosion), gets to him first. In the prison, Reyes finds a member of the Fifth Street Gang, which was responsible for killing him and paralyzing his brother. Reyes promptly, and unapologetically, burns the prisoner to a crisp. The team is unsuccessful at securing Morrow (due to Reyes’ personal vendetta) who unwillingly joins Lucy in preparing Darkhold at the explosion site for something bigger.
The Ghost Rider storyline isn’t the only thing new with S.H.I.E.L.D. in season four, as the team has an Inhuman director named Jeffery Mace (Jason O’Mara). There’s also the invention of A.I.D.A (Artificially Intelligent Data Analyzer), a robot with human characteristics created by Holden Radcliffe. Fittingly, there’s also an arc about Inhumans vs. Humans and the resulting changes of the Sokovia Accords from Captain America: Civil War. But those stories, while intriguing and important in the grand scheme of things, have taken a backseat to Reyes. So far, Ghost Rider’s stolen the show.
What makes Reyes and Ghost Rider great is Gabriel Luna’s terrific portrayal. He perfectly balances the badassery of Reyes’ street persona with the affectionate man looking out for his disabled brother. His nuanced performance has highlighted an impressive start for season four. He’s the perfect character for S.H.I.E.L.D to tonally shift into darker territory, as the show transitions to a 10 p.m. timeslot.
Further helping Reyes more believable is his transformation into Ghost Rider, thanks to stellar special effects. His metamorphosis and use of demonic fire to incinerate his enemies is impeccably done. The effects are not 100% perfect, but for a TV budget, they’re excellent.
Look at this fight between the fire-wielding Hellfire and Ghost Rider in episode four, “Let Me Stand Next to Your Fire.” It’s like the Marvel Comics pages brought to life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9652bwXZ9Q
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D was reborn with the Hydra infiltration and Inhumans arcs, but Reyes’ Ghost Rider is pushing the show into an all-new different place. It’s violent, more intense and fun. Considering the positive reaction to Luna’s performance and Reyes as a character, I’d bet he’s here to stay for a long time. It’s easy to hype a new character for a potential spinoff, but few would object to a Reyes-led series. He’s indistinguishably the Ghost Rider.
Finally, for those pissed off about not using Johnny Blaze, Reyes’ Ghost Rider might lead to the reintroduction to the original rider. Tuesday’s episode, “Lockup,” featured posters of Quentin Carnival (where Blaze learned his riding craft) in a flashback scene, meaning Blaze is somewhere out there in the S.H.I.E.L.D universe. It could be a small nod and meaningless, but there’s definitely room for two Ghost Riders. But, for now, one is good enough.
