We are truly living in the Golden Age of television, where new networks, services and platforms have created some of the most visually stunning and creatively brilliant shows of all time. Thanks in part to the uber success of comic book-to-film adaptions like The Avengers, we have also seen the rise of quality superhero shows beginning to dominate the television landscape. The CW, FOX, CBS, ABC, and Netflix (among others) all have their own set of comic book properties, many of which have been praised by critics and viewers alike.
At the forefront of this super-powered renaissance is Marvel, which launched Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC in 2013 and Agent Carter in 2015. The studio also worked with Netflix for other MCU series that includes both Daredevil and Jessica Jones. While some networks have begun trimming superhero shows due to market over saturation, ABC is doubling down on another Marvel production, ordering the direct Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. spinoff Marvel's Most Wanted to pilot.
According to IGN, ABC president Paul Lee spoke at the Television Critics Association press tour and confirmed the show would be moving forward after all. When asked about Most Wanted Lee said:
"We're absolutely doing that one. I just announced that we're going to pilot on Marvel's Most Wanted, which is a spinoff ... We love the script, we think it's going to be great. We're doing that in the next few months."
It's been a tumultuous ride for the show that will center around the exploits of current S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and ex-spouses Bobbi Morse/Mockingbird (Adrianne Palicki) and Lance Hunter (Nick Blood). The development of the spinoff failed to move ahead last spring, with ABC executives choosing instead to keep the characters on their original show. It was later announced that they would be moving forward with it after all, with S.H.I.E.L.D. producers Jeffrey Bell and Paul Zbyszewski co-creating the series, writing the pilot and serving as showrunners and executive producers, with Marvel TV head Jeph Loeb also executive producing.
The confirmation provides some insight as to why both Morse and Hunter, who played key roles in Season 2 of S.H.I.E.L.D., have had considerably less to do this year taking on more supporting roles. While S.H.I.E.L.D. will benefit from having a slimmed down cast, they are losing the two characters who provide the majority of levity and romance on the show. It will be interesting to see how they adapt without two forces who helped elevate the show to its current high-quality status. It also remains to be seen if audiences will take to their Mr & Mrs. Smith routine - something that can be fun in small doses but can devolve into an alienating bickering, if not balanced out by other elements.
Daredevil is currently available on Netflix. Jessica Jones s currently available on Netflix, Luke Cage and Daredevil season 2 will be available on Netflix in 2016. Agent Carter season 2 premieres Tuesday, January 19th, 2016 at 9pm on ABC. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 3 returns on Tuesday, March 8th at 9pm on ABC.
Stay tuned to Screen Rant for more information about Marvel’s Most Wanted as it becomes available.
Source: IGN