‘Agents of SHIELD’ Pilot Episode Airs; Marvel Action Without The Heroes A Challenge For Prolific Writer-Director; Actress Shares Crossover Hopes

The Marvel TV series, 'Agents of SHIELD' which is a spin-off TV Series from Marvel's "The Avengers" was finally aired. It's a challenge for prolific writer-director (and producer) Joss Whedon to fuel interest without the super powered heroes. However, he has actresses like Ming Na-Wen to rely on.

Joss Whedon talks about the future beyond the pilot episode in an interview with Comic Book Therapy: "We have just started shooting again. Now it really starts because the pilot was a ton of fun, but the real pressure is can they keep it up? Can they find that heart? Can they get the big, epic stuff going? Episode 2 is a lot more frightening than episode 1."

Indeed, reviews of the pilot episode emit disappointment amid expectations that it will be an "Avengers" on TV affair. Whedon elaborates that it's a different, independent series.

"We're still sort of jockeying through the different stories, but I've already read at least one script, just in its outline form, actually made me tear up. We're just finding out who these guys are and just trying to mine that vein of how much they matter in this world where it seems like nobody but the heroes do."

Meanwhile, actress Ming Na-Wen, who plays agent Melinda May on the series, shares her excitement over her characters' development in an interview with IGN:  "I don't think I've ever loved a character more, because she's complex and she's mysterious, but at the same time, I think she compartmentalized whatever it was that took her out of the field - and now that she's back in the game, she's back in the game. There's definitely going to be opportunities when the audience get to see those small moments or that moment when you really see her become vulnerable. And that's what's so great about doing a television show is that we have the luxury of time to explore it. It's a good novel, a page-turner."

She also addresses the inevitable question on possible crossovers and guest appearances from the Marvel heroes:  It would be nice! But if it never happens, that's okay too. I think maybe ultimately, Captain America is going to want to play in our sandbox. I think ultimately he'll be like, "Oh, they've got the coolest stuff! Can I go over there and play? They've got really cool toys!"