Why Were the Events of Infinity War and Endgame Ignored by the Agents of the S.H.I.E.L.D. TV Show?

The confusion surrounding the omission of events from 'Infinity War' and 'Endgame' in 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' is a fascinating subject that delves deeply into the complexities of science fiction storytelling and the nature of alternate timelines. While the TV show may not explicitly address certain key events, there are clear connections and hints that reveal the role of S.H.I.E.L.D. in the broader picture.

Confronting the Onslaught: Prelude to the Snap

Before the catastrophic events of 'Infinity War,' S.H.I.E.L.D. was facing a significant threat from an alien force led by Graviton. The alien entities seemed to anticipate thecoming of Thanos and, perhaps due to counsel from S.H.I.E.L.D., Graviton embarked on a mission to enhance his gravitational abilities, hoping to play a crucial role in the impending battle. The exact timeline is a bit murky, but it's important to note that all of these events occurred during 'Infinity War.' Here's how it plays out:

During 'Infinity War,' S.H.I.E.L.D. learns of the impending threat from the alien force and informs Graviton. This decision spurs him to use gravitonium, a rare and powerful substance, to bolster his power levels.

Graviton uses the gravitonium to enhance his gravitational powers, but S.H.I.E.L.D. takes action to stop him. The agency successfully neutralizes Graviton, but before he is apprehended, S.H.I.E.L.D. releases Coulson and May to ensure their safety in the aftermath.

These events take place just moments before the snap. The timeline is seamless, with the final moments of 'Infinity War' transitioning directly into 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'

Finale on the Skies: Adapting to the New Normal

The next season of 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' begins over a year later, and the show deliberately avoids mentioning the broad global implications of the snap. This narrative choice was made by the writers, knowing that the series was coming to an end, and they wanted to focus on the personal journeys of the main characters. By not referencing the snap, they ensured that the audience remained engrossed in the story without feeling that the narrative had been tampered with.

The final episode of the series also includes a tantalizing reference to 'Endgame.' During the climactic scene when the outcome seems hopeless, Fitz appears in a literal quantum tunnel. He reveals that the team can use this portal to escape the consequences of the time travel they undertook and revert to their original timeline. This reference to 'Endgame' solidifies S.H.I.E.L.D.'s awareness of the broader events unfolding in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Alternate Timeline: A Quantum Leap

The timeline diverged immediately after the events of 'Captain America: Civil War.' This divergence became apparent in 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' when certain plot points began to veer from the established timeline. For instance, S.H.I.E.L.D. acknowledged the 'Infinity Gauntlet' and its wielder, Thanos, as well as the Cloak and Dagger saga. Furthermore, S.H.I.E.L.D. referenced 'Runaways' and other Netflix series that were also exploring their own interpretations of the MCU.

By season 5, the series was officially exploring its own timeline, separate from the main MCU continuity. The show's departure from the established timeline allowed it to explore unique scenarios and character developments that would have been impossible to reconcile with the ongoing narratives in the movies.

Conclusion

While 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' may not explicitly address every event from 'Infinity War' and 'Endgame,' it provides a rich tapestry of connections and implications. The show's decision to focus on its own path through the universe allowed for nuanced storytelling and creative exploration of the broader MCU.

Understanding these connections helps fans appreciate the depth and complexity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recognizing that while these series may not always align perfectly, they contribute to a larger, evolving narrative.