Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is widely regarded as one of the most successful television adaptations of the Marvel Universe. After a somewhat rocky start, the show started to pick-up after its 2nd and 3rd season, gaining a universal appeal among a larger audience.
One of the highlights of the show, has to be its climactic finale during its 3rd season.
(**Spoiler Alert: Proceed with Caution!!!)
The two-part episode hinges on a prophetic vision that Daisy has of a bloody necklace that is suspended in the air. The necklace has a gold cross at the end of it.
The cross belongs to Elena, who gives it first to Mack. Eventually Mack tries to give it back, but Elena refuses the return, calling the cross a “symbol of faith,” and not a “lucky rabbit’s foot.”
Throughout the episode the cross is in the hands of different agents, which makes the viewer uncertain who will lose it in Daisy’s vision.
Another central part of the episode is the mission to destroy Hive, before he can infect the world with a virus, turning everyone into his slaves. Hive readies a warhead loaded with the chemical cocktail and makes every effort launch it.
All of this culminates on the Quinjet, as Daisy tries to destroy Hive and the warhead.
Instead, Lincoln trades places with Daisy and is able to override the controls of the Quinjet, with Hive and the warhead on board. He takes the Quinjet into outer space, sacrificing his life as the warhead explodes, killing Hive and eliminating the virus.
It is a heart-wrenching scene, but one that has a profound set of dialogue.
As Daisy struggles with Lincoln’s self-sacrifice, she sobs and says, “He is paying for my mistake.” Coulson responds with a line that clearly has a double-meaning.
No. He’s paying for all our mistakes.
It is difficult not to see a subtle reference to Jesus Christ and his sacrifice on the cross, paying for ALL our mistakes.
After that Lincoln and Hive have an emotional conversation, where Hive says to Lincoln, “you must feel [a connection to them]…to sacrifice for them, with all their flaws…”
Then the gold cross floats in the air and the warhead erupts.
The scene is dripping with Christian symbolism, showcasing a man who sacrifices himself in order to destroy a virus that could infect a sinful humanity, which would have led to slavery to a “satan-like” character. Even the name of the episode “Ascension,” is clearly a nod to the Christian story.
You can re-live the scene below, but those two episodes should be watched again. It provides a perfect meditation for Good Friday.
No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)
Philip Kosloski
Philip Kosloski is the founder of Voyage Comics & Publishing and the writer and creator of the comic book series, Finnian and the Seven Mountains.