Currently on ABC, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is smack dab in the middle of it’s fourth season on the air.  The show has undergone a renaissance creatively and critically with each passing season.  It has evolved to cover various aspects of the Marvel Cinematic Universe while keeping a distinct flavor with its excellent cast and recurring guests.  From dealing with aliens and inhumans to meeting the mystical based Ghost Rider, Shield continually finds ways to reinvent itself while keeping the focus on the core team and their family dynamic.  Here are just a few reasons why I feel you should be watching Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. right now!

• The Cast of Characters

One of Shield’s strongest assets is their dynamic and strong cast of actors.  Each character has grown into their role and feels believable in this world of super soldiers and aliens.  Everyone has big moments to shine while also receiving subtle development to further flesh out their individual arcs.  This season’s additions (Ghost Rider, AIDA, Director Mace, etc.) have been entertaining to watch, as they seamlessly fit into this already impressive world.  Another nice aspect worth mentioning is how well rounded and diverse the cast has been throughout the series.

• The Payoff & Pacing

Ever since the Captain America: The Winter Soldier tie-in during the second half of Season 1, Shield has excelled in paying off plot threads while keeping a solid pace.  Conflicts and arcs are given room to breathe, but are not left sitting too long to get stale or uninteresting.  The past few seasons have been set up with multiple mini-arcs that last 6-8 episodes.  Mysteries unfold at breakneck speeds while concurrently building to each seasons dramatic climax.  It is very satisfying to watch a show that will answer questions rapidly while also advancing the plot and bringing about new arcs.  Every episode feels worth watching and adds to the overall experience of the show.

• Interesting Plot Twists

For a show set in the MCU, and based on comic book lore, Shield manages to shake things up and keep people guessing.  Shield has managed to alter backstories, adapt comic storylines, and generally keep viewers on their toes.  One of my favorite aspects of Tuesday night is checking out my twitter feed after an episode airs and seeing what theories and speculation arise from the fan community.  Admittedly it is difficult to talk about plot twists without spoiling major elements, but it has to be said that Season 1 had a very interesting development that helped propel the show into what it is today.

• Contributions to the MCU as a Whole

This is more of a personal reason for why I like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and why I believe it adds value to the MCU.  It shows a smaller and more intimate side to the universe through the lens of the team and its organization.  As the events of the movies and other shows occur, Shield throws easter eggs and glimpses into the aftermath of those situations, sometimes in real time.  Shield has done a masterful job of creating its own corner of the MCU while also adding depth to the overall lore and fabric of the universe.

• You Can Catch Up Right Now!

If you are still on the fence it’s easy to give this series a shot right now.  You can find the first 3 seasons on Netflix.  You can also rent or purchase the series on services like Amazon, iTunes, Hulu, ABC App, etc.  With many ways to watch, make sure you add this slice of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to your weekly TV watching ASAP!

Phil ‘PhuturePhil’ Barker is a DJ, Music Producer, Writer, and guest contributor to Cypher Sessions.  Give him a shout in the comments or on twitter @PhuturePhil