Ep 5. 4,722 Hours

Jemma Simmons, one of the members of the S.H.I.E.L.D. team, has been stranded on an unknown planet for six months, and this episode showcases her journey while trying to survive and find a way back home. The episode starts with Simmons recording a video message, and it's clear that she's been on the planet for a long time. As she wanders through the rocky terrain of the barren planet, she comes across a pool of water and, thinking it's safe to drink, takes a sip. The water has a strange effect on her, causing her to start hallucinating.

Simmons realizes that the planet is alive, and it has an ecosystem that she needs to understand if she has any hope of surviving. She discovers that the planet's days are only 18 hours long, and it has a cycle of storms that come every 13 days. Simmons sets out to find shelter, and after a few failed attempts, she finally finds a cave to take refuge in during the storms.

As the episode progresses, Simmons faces a number of challenges while trying to survive on the planet. She fights off creatures, deals with extreme hunger, and tries to find a way to communicate with S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters. Simmons eventually discovers an ancient stone monolith that she believes has the power to transport her back to Earth. However, to use it, she needs to find a way to power it up and figure out how to use it correctly.

The majority of the episode takes place in the six months Simmons has spent on the planet. There's a sense of desperation and despair that hangs over the entire episode, and the audience is taken on a journey of trying to survive alongside Simmons. We're shown her struggles, both physical and emotional, and it's difficult not to feel for her as she fights to make it back home.

The episode is a standout in the series as it's a departure from the typical format. The show typically follows the team as they work together to solve a problem, but this episode focuses solely on Simmons and her solo journey. It's refreshing to see one of the characters explored in-depth and gives the audience a chance to connect with her on a deeper level.

Throughout the episode, there are flashbacks to Simmons' life before the planet and her friendship with Fitz. These flashbacks help to contextualize who Simmons is as a character and give the audience a better understanding of why her survival matters.

The cinematography of the episode is also noteworthy. The planet Simmons is stranded on is portrayed as bleak and hopeless, and the camera work helps to convey the sense of isolation and desperation. The use of color and lighting is masterful, and it's hard not to feel a sense of awe when Simmons discovers new parts of the planet.

In the end, Simmons' journey on the planet isn't just about survival; it's about growth and how the experience has changed her. By the end of the episode, it's clear that Simmons has undergone a transformation and is no longer the same person who crash-landed on the planet.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 3 episode 5, 4,722 Hours, is a standout episode in the season and the series as a whole. The focus on one character's journey and the exploration of the planet she's stranded on make for a captivating and emotional viewing experience. It's an episode that delves deeper into the humanity of the characters and is a must-watch for fans of the show.