Agents of SHIELD Showrunners Are ‘Ready’ If Season 5 is the Last

The season 5 finale of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will not only wrap up the current arc, but may serve as the series’ end. Though Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has grown in critical acclaim and fan support since it launched off of the success of The Avengers, it’s never posted stellar numbers. Still, it’s fared well in a crowded superhero TV landscape and provided Disney’s flagship ABC network with a Marvel show capable of standing the test of time. That said, the series seems to constantly be circling cancellation.

We know Disney saved Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. from being canceled ahead of its current season. And since then, we’ve heard the chances of renewal are good given the show’s strong storytelling this season (and the high-profile failure of Inhumans). But with the agents currently trying to save the future of the world and once again fighting the government, all while being ignored by the movies, it certainly seems the show’s end could be around the corner. Luckily, the minds behind the show are more than prepared if this year’s season finale turns into a series finale.

TV Line spoke with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. showrunners Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen about the upcoming finale, which they said is being written now. Tancharoen noted the episode could serve as either a series or season finale, and Whedon concurred.

“Yeah, we’re ready for if this is the end. We’re definitely going to make it rewarding either way.”

Agents of SHIELD Season 5 Character Poster Coulson Clark Gregg Agents of SHIELD Showrunners Are Ready If Season 5 is the Last
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and its writers have been in this position before, though they’ve typically been renewed right in the nick of time. That’s been fortunate, as something like last season’s cliffhanger finale would have made for a poor end to the show. This time, it seems things will be wrapped up in a satisfying way, though with the option to pick things up again if a renewal comes.

“We can certainly pivot and there are certain things that we’re putting in that at the last minute could be adjusted. But we know at the end we’re not moving off that mark. We’re going to do what we were planning to do, and I think that it’ll be thrilling either way.”

In the meantime, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will return this week from its midseason break. Dove Cameron will debut on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as the daughter of General Hale, the team’s Earth-based enemy, which should add some new layers to the series. And beyond that, the series will reach a new milestone later this month when they air their 100th episode.

“I think that nothing will be the same after [Episode 100], so that I guess is the definition of a game changer.”

We know some big things are in store for the big episode, from the return of Lash and Hive to Coulson’s Ghost Rider deal. It’s because of that episode that the journey to a potential endpoint will likely work, meaning some emotional gut punches are likely on the way for the team and audience. Hopefully, we’ll know soon whether we can expect more Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. or for this season to be the last.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5 returns this Friday, March 2 on ABC.

Source: TV Line