Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has had a rough time finding its footing, debuting with strong numbers before losing more of its audience week by week. Unfortunately, the show hasn’t quite lived up to its full potential, though it has been showing signs of improvement as it moves into the second half of the season. So, what is a studio to do to help boost ratings? Throw in an Asgardian warrior, of course!
One of the show’s main problems has been its inability to fully balance its human side and its superhero side. So far, it’s had a difficult time finding where it fits in the grand scheme of the Marvel universe, and the studio still needs to justify the show’s inclusion in that universe at all. So far, Marvel’s attempts at tying the show into the films has been met with mixed results, and their upcoming attempt to bring Lady Sif to the proceedings will be their biggest risk yet when it comes to bridging the show with its big screen counterparts.
The Asgardian warrior woman will be appearing in the March 11th episode titled “Yes Men,” journeying to Midgard to hunt down Lorelei (Elena Satine), “a deadly, flame-tressed vixen from the Thor comics.”
Today, we got our first look at Lady Sif in the episode, which can be seen above. Along with the image come some comments from executive producers Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen:
Whedon: “We always have our radar up for ways to tie our series into the Marvel films and bringing in an Asgardian really cements that connection. Lady Sif comes here on a hunting mission — sent by Odin — to find her arch-enemy Lorelei and bring her back to Asgard. It throws our agents for a loop when they find themselves in a fight right alongside this powerful woman from Thor’s world.”
Tancharoen: “Jaimie walked onto the set in full Lady Sif regalia just as she looks in the movies — from the huge, mile-high boots to the metal armor — and she towered over everyone. It was so striking and impressive, all we could do was stare. It was very cool!”
Sif certainly looks out of place next to Coulson’s flying car Lola, and it will be interesting to see how she fits in amongst the rest of the S.H.I.E.L.D. team.
Tell us, are you excited to see Lady Sif hunt Lorelei alongside Coulson, Skye and the rest of the gang? Or do you think her appearance in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is more of an attempt to boost ratings than anything else? Sound off in the comments below!