[SPOILERS for those not caught up on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ahead.]
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Right from the outset of the Marvel Cinematic Universe there has been two constants, Tony Stark and S.H.I.E.L.D. While Stark has rightfully so been the bigger piece to the puzzle so far, it has been the spy organization that has helped bring everything together, starting with Nick Fury's initiative that culminated in The Avengers. Since then, S.H.I.E.L.D. has fallen and been rebuilt on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., with Fury having handed over control of the organization to Coulson - who then stepped down as director, when the organization went public again. This resulted in Inhuman Jeffrey Mace aka the Patriot being named the new director.
However, it was recently indicated in the mid-season finale of season 4 that when Coulson suggested an Inhuman take his spot, he had intended for former hacker and fellow S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Daisy Johnson aka Quake (Chloe Bennet) to get the position. While that obviously did not pan out, it appears that the series' showrunners are still considering that option for the future.
In EW's latest Spoiler Room article, they were asked about the potential for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to further take a page from the world of Marvel comics and promote Daisy to being the new S.H.I.E.L.D. director. Co-showrunner Jed Whedon says it's still possible but first she must get reacquainted with the organization:
“We’ve hinted at it a bit, that Coulson thinks she can play more of a leadership role. We’ll see how it goes, and where the story takes her. She’s been through a lot so that usually turns someone from a rookie into a seasoned veteran, which is what you need to lead. We’ll see if she steps up to the plate.”
From the very first moment that it was revealed that the girl formerly known as Skye was actually Daisy Johnson, the potential for this to happen has continued to be in the minds of viewers. Daisy has had her powers for two full seasons now and has battled her fair share of Inhumans, formed the Secret Warriors, and more recently got her Quake codename through acting as a vigilante. Now that she's a member of S.H.I.E.L.D. once again, the show has brought her one step closer to filling the position of director, should it again become vacant.
Mace may be doing a fine job in the eye of the public, but his secret workings with anti-Inhuman senators has given viewers more than enough reason to not fully trust him. He may have recently got in on the action to show he is a part of the team, but he still has a long ways to go before earning the trust of viewers, or even his subordinates.
Should his secret meetings come to light and a change in leadership is required, Daisy would hopefully be the next person in line for the job. Coulson's death and subsequent resurrection are not public record yet, meaning he can no longer lead the government-approved organization. Meanwhile, both May and Mack could make great directors in their own right, but one has been replaced by a LMD and the other has some darkness to him. Should Daisy fully embrace S.H.I.E.L.D. in her second stint, she would not only be one of the more qualified agents to take the job, but also would further allow the show to move closer to the comics that inspired it.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 4 continues on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 on ABC.
Source: EW