It sounds as if Fitz won't be joining his teammates up in space for the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5 premiere - at least at first. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 4 not only split its narrative into three distinct parts, but divided the show's characters as well. Daisy and Yo-Yo both spent time off on their own, and May was sidelined for much of the season thanks to her being possessed and then replaced by a Life Model Decoy. The final season arc, meanwhile, drove an even bigger wedge between Coulson's team, with most of them slowly joining the Inhuman Resistance within The Framework while Fitz sided with Madame Hydra.

The first photos for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5 seemed to indicate the gang would all be back together on their space adventure, after being abducted together by mysterious forces at the end of the season 4 finale. Curiously, however, Fitz was noticeably absent from the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5 trailer. While tonight's debut of the new season should clear things up, it looks like Fitz himself might not be around at first.

Rotten Tomatoes spoke with the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. cast and crew about what to expect in season 5, and Iain De Caestecker confirmed that Fitz won't be joining the team in space for tonight's two-part premiere:

“It seems like if you were to go off the photos, he might be turning up in space, but he’s not there right now. I don’t know if I can say when exactly, but it’ll be after episode 2.”

It's not clear from De Caestecker's comments whether he won't be in the premiere altogether or merely won't be in space. Regardless, some explanation for his absence will be given tonight. What's more intriguing is where Fitz could be, given that he was with the team when they were taken at the end of last season. If the above season 5 cast photo is anything to go by, Fitz will end up donning the same dystopian mining attire as his teammates, at some point or another.

Despite the team being down a member when S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5 kicks off, the season will eventually bring everyone together. Co-creator/showrunner Maurisa Tancharoen also touched upon the dynamic in season 5 and assured fans that Coulson's family would remain together, during the same Rotten Tomatoes interview:

“This year we have them together, hunkered down, in this new place. It’s all a mystery to them together. The audience is also discovering where they are alongside the characters.”

It seems Fitz might be off on his own at the beginning of season 5, before he reconnects with the team in space. After the dark turn Fitz took inside The Framework in season 4, he might just need some time alone to readjust to life in the real world. Hopefully, the cheerful Fitz of the past isn't gone for good.

MORE: The Framework Will Return in S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 5

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5 premieres tonight at 9pm EST on ABC.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes