[This post contains SPOILERS for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.]

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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is back from its hiatus. After introducing Ghost Rider and LMDs to the MCU, the show has entered its final arc of the season and possibly its most ambitious so far. With the heroes trapped inside the artificial reality of the Framework, Daisy and Simmons have discovered the team is stuck in a world where Hydra rules supreme and many of their former allies have become enemies. Even more bizarre, Grant Ward is a hero once again.

Last week, we finally met the Resistance that are fighting back against Hydra. Led by Jeffrey Mace in his Patriot guise, they work to stop the new world order and Ward is one of their top agents. Having risen from the ashes of S.H.I.E.L.D., Daisy, Simmons, and Coulson have joined in with the cause. Unfortunately, the knowledge they hold of this world being fake is a tough sell for Ward and Mace. To them, they've been fighting a very real battle. And while Mace may eventually wake up, Ward is merely a program. Thanks to the promo for next week's episode, we know the fallout of Fitz' actions will be tumultuous. Still, Simmons is batting for the person she loves.

In a new clip from next week's 'No Regrets', Simmons tries somewhat fruitlessly to convince Ward and Mace that Fitz is really a good person and that everything they believe is a lie. Naturally, they're not buying it given all they've sacrificed in their reality. Ultimately, it will spark a weighty debate about reality and choice and whether the actions in the Framework are due to manipulations or secret desires.

Meanwhile, the producers have said that there may be more deaths coming this season. While they could be side characters or returning ones who are already dead, there's the chance that the season could end with one of our heroes not making it out of the Framework. We assume the season will climax with everyone heading back to reality, but anything is possible at this point. We don't really know what happens to your mind once you leave the Framework, so we could see ghosts of the old reality stick around when our heroes return. And that's if they all make it out in the first place.

There's no word yet on whether S.H.I.E.L.D. will be back next season, but the ratings have been holding steady and all signs point to it continuing along. And while it sadly seems like it won't connect to the Inhumans, there's still plenty of stories for Marvel's flagship TV show to tell. Hopefully, they'll get the chance.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. continues Tuesday April 18 with ‘No Regrets’ at 10pm on ABC.

Next: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Identity and Change Review & Discussion

Source: ABC