Marvel's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' will take a brief absence this week to recharge its batteries as we head into the final episode of 2013, wherein pilot strongman J. August Richards returns to cross December 10 cliffhanger "The Bridge"! We've got the first photos of Mike Peterson's return, but what other secrets lurk in our first look at the 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' winter finale?

Super soldiers seem to be the soup of the day in the first photos from "The Bridge," which also returns Ruth Negga as the mysterious girl in the flower dress, Raina, along with her previously incarcerated Centipede co-conspirator Po (Cullen Douglas). Coulson, May and Ward seem to have their hands full in a fight, as well, but what could lie inside a shipping container that has the group so shocked?

Says ABC of the initial half of “The Bridge”:

In a shocking cliffhanger episode, Coulson takes the war back to Centipede, and this time he brings in Mike Peterson for some super-soldier support. As they get closer to the truth, startling secrets are revealed and an unexpected twist threatens the team, on 'Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,' Tuesday, December 10. Guest starring are J. August Richards as Mike Peterson, Ajani Wrighster as Ace, Ruth Negga as Raina, Rick Malambri as Brian Hayward, Molly McCook as Laura Hayward, Cullen Douglas as Edison Po, Rico Devereaux as prison guard and Albert Marrero Jr. as trainer.

What do you think? Will 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' manage to turn its first season around with J. August Richards' return? Check out the first photos of December 10 installment "The Bridge" below, and give us your predictions in the comments!

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