Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 4×20 ratchets up the stakes within the Framework, with very real consequences. Here are a few hints for “Farewell, Cruel World!”

The B-Squad returns!

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 4×20 pulls back the camera to the brave but unexperienced agents keeping the Zephyr in flight — and keeping Daisy and Simmons alive. Yo-Yo, Piper, and the rest have quite enough to deal with before the Superior starts bombarding the aircraft. Once the blitz begins, the clock starts ticking on Simmons and Daisy’s time left in the Framework… and possibly, their lives.

Article Continues Below

Fitz and Simmons have their reckoning

With events coming to a head in the Framework, Simmons grows desperate to save Fitz from Aida’s tentacles. But as Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. fans will well know, desperation has rarely been either Fitz or Simmons’ friend.

The choices Jemma makes in “Farewell, Cruel World!” have drastic consequences within the Framework — and they may even echo beyond this dark, closed simulation.

Picking priorities

It’s now or never for escaping the Framework, but our “woke” agents will have their hands full with the escape in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 4×20. Radcliffe’s back door is not quite as easily accessed as it seems — and then there’s the fact that Fitz, May, and Mack are all pretty content where they are.

Between May’s skepticism, Mack’s devotion to his daughter, and Fitz’s evil phase, it won’t be easy for Daisy, Simmons, and Coulson to convince their friends to escape the Framework. In fact, in at least one case, “not easy,” might even mean “impossible.”

The endgame becomes clear

With only three more episodes left in the season, every moment counts in “Farewell, Cruel World!” That’s especially true for the episode’s final moments, which unveil Aida’s true desires. It’s a conclusion that will have fans shrieking… but whether in delight or in despair, I dare not say.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 4×20, “Farewell, Cruel World!,” airs tonight at 10:00 p.m. on ABC.

What are your hopes and fears for ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ 4×20?