It's been hyped-up for years, and now it's finally here! Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has premiered, and in this episode the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.C.A.S.T. take an in-depth look at the pilot episode. Are the characters compelling? What does the show seem to be saying about institutions and the working class? How is it already being tied into the Marvel films? And a whole lot more, including listener questions.

SHOW NOTES:

0:50 - Intro and info on live shows

3:10 - General thoughts on the pilot

8:40 - The characters

16:56 - Ensemble cast; who is the protagonist?

20:47 - The thematic subtext; whether institutions are good or evil

23:22 - S.H.I.E.L.D. as NSA-like invader of privacy

25:40 - Racial subtext, S.H.I.E.L.D. as The (White) Man

33:31 - Is Marvel now The Man?

37:43 - Meshing with the films; when is this taking place?

46:57 - Truth serum, Lola, the score

57:41 - Listener questions

1:02:36 - Show close

DON'T FORGET: You can contact the show by emailing [email protected]. Thanks for listening!