Agents of SHIELD Confirms FitzSimmons Fan Theory

SPOILERS ahead for Agents of SHIELD's 100th episode.

The 100th episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., 'The Real Deal', confirmed a particular fan theory relating to Leo Fitz and Jemma Simmons - and Deke Shaw. Ever since Deke was introduced in the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5 premiere, fans have puzzled over how exactly the new character fits into the show. Though he seemed to be an unrelated character from the future, his continued involvement in the series - even traveling back to the present with the S.H.I.E.L.D. team - indicated there was more to his story.

Over the course of season 5 so far, fans learned that Deke was the child of two parents devoted to the True Believers' cause, the group of folks in the future who followed Inhuman seer Robin and believed S.H.I.E.L.D. would one day arrive to be their salvation. However, though we know much about Deke's parents, we don't know who exactly they were or, more specifically, who they may be descended from. Fan theories posited Deke was the descendant of either Lance Hunter and Bobbi Morse or core S.H.I.E.L.D. couple FitzSimmons. Now, the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 100th episode confirms who Deke really is.

In the final moments of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s long anticipated 100th episode, one of the show's most popular couples tied the knot. Leo Fitz and Jemma Simmons exchanged vows in the presence of their S.H.I.E.L.D. family in a ceremony that was brought together quickly with a great amount of help from Deke himself. While speaking to Deathlok about where he got the wedding dress and rings, Deke commented that Simmons' wedding ring looks just like his grandmother's on his mother's side. Interspersed with these scenes were those of General Hale (Catherine Dent) discovering from a genetic profile that Deke is related to both Fitz and Simmons. Altogether, theses scenes effectively confirm Deke is the grandson of Fitz and Simmons.

Now that fans know who Deke really is, it remains to be seen how long it will take for Fitz, Simmons and the rest of the S.H.I.E.L.D. team to learn the truth as well. It's possible Deke is already on the path to figuring out Fitz and Simmons are his maternal grandparents considering his comment on the wedding ring. If he starts digging into his familial history on Earth prior to its destruction, he could very well learn about his connection to the couple. Additionally, it's unclear if this revelation will have any impact on the timeline, which the S.H.I.E.L.D. team is actively working to change in order to prevent Earth's destruction.

Of course, it's entirely possible that Deke being Fitz and Simmons' grandson will have no bearing whatsoever on the timeline and is simply an emotional throughline for the characters. It might motivate Fitz and Simmons to work harder to change the timeline so their future grandson doesn't have to grow up the way Deke did - or they might argue that changing the timeline could erase Deke from existence entirely, thus motivating them to NOT change the timeline. There's a number of ways the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. writers could take this revelation and we'll have to tune in to find out just what happens.

Until then, fans can take heart in the fact that they were right about Deke's familial connection to the S.H.I.E.L.D. team. Plus, fans who have waited seasons for Fitz and Simmons to finally tie the knot should be happy to see the couple finally happily wed. However, now that the joyous festivities are through, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will need to get back to work on saving the Earth - and we'll see how Deke being FitzSimmons' grandson will play into that.

Next: How Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Became Marvel’s Best-Reviewed TV Show

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. continues Friday March 16th with "Principia" at 9pm on ABC.