Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×05 tells the story of Simmons’ six month stay in alien exile. Here are a few hints about the harrowing episode!

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. hits pause

Last week’s episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. left fans dangling on the fate of Dr. Andrew Garner, who may have been murdered on Ward’s orders. Don’t look for development on that, or any other storyline this week.

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“4,722 Hours” is all Jemma Simmons, all the time — and we have to say, it’s about time!

Jemma Simmons is a BAMF

“4,722 Hours” makes it clear that, though she may not seem like the best candidate to survive on an alien planet, Jemma Simmons has some pretty mad skills. Foremost among these is a remarkable intestinal fortitude, but Simmons demonstrates a few other crucial talents as the episode progresses.

The story told in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×05 may be different from what fans have expected. But there is no question that Simmons makes it through her ordeal in a way that is quite uniquely Simmons.

Jemma Simmons is not alone

The desolate alien planet Simmons lands turns out not to be quite as desolate as advertised — for a few different reasons. Because of this, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×05 is not just the story of a woman against the elements. The episode experiments with themes of grief, trust, and loyalty, and how they can effect every part of our existence.

Oh, and there’s some creepy alien stuff too.

Mysteries are solved… and created

The endless questions of the Kree Monolith get a little less endless in “4,722 Hours,” and a few mysteries about Simmons’ behavior are elucidated as well. But don’t get too comfortable with the whole “knowing things”-thing. The bizarre alien planet comes with an atmosphere full of questions, and what we learn adds some very disturbing urgency to existing blank spots.

And from the galaxy-spanning to the most intimate, what we learn in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×05, may create a few interpersonal gaps to fill in when the show returns to real time. Maybe.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3×05, “4,722 Hours” airs on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 9:00 p.m. on ABC.