Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returned today, not with a whimper, but with a bang (please forgive the cliche – or not).

ABC’s super-hero adventure about non-super heroes had a tumultuous first season, starting slowly and then ramping up as it approached this spring’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier. The show kept the pedal to the medal through the end of the season. One episode into season 2, and I’m inclined to think that the pedal is still firmly cemented to Lola’s floorboards. 

Familiar characters that were viewed negatively (I’m looking at you Skye) have had gone through some radical changes. Skye was the “victim” of the hairdo make over showing their new badassery; guess what? She lived up to it. She was enjoyable, engaging, and real. Ward is apologetic for his actions last season – but only time will tell if the show-runners are willing to rehabilitate a character many feel is beyond redemption.

New characters added to the feeling of speed out the gate. The story flow was outstanding, new mysteries were introduced, a feeling of the team being more than just the characters we know, and intelligent use of special effects culminated in the desired resutl (with me anyway): I was on the edge of my seat throughout, literally.

If you aren’t a fan, or you’ve heard bad things about the first season – I recommend you give this a try. I predict you will be pleasantly surprised.