Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013–…): Season 3, Episode 18 - The Singularity - full transcript

Previously on
"Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."...

Fitz, it's been 10 years.
We can't waste any more time.

Alisha came to us.
She was worried about her friends.

Nobody saw that attack coming.

His name's James.

He was never given powers.

- That's Kree.
- What does it do?

Well, if I could figure that out, I
would be doing that instead of this.

He connects to the Inhumans,
and they instantly joined the hive.

I have to get back to the base.
They have something we need.

3x18 - "The Singularity"



- All right, hold on! Hold on!
- Almost there!

- How's it coming?
- Just needs a quick reboot.

Thank you.

- Tests come back?
- Daisy's the only one infected.

So Joey and Elena...

Touched down at the Cocoon.
But Lincoln...

Refused to leave. I know.

- How's he holding up
- No one comes to me with their feelings.

Yeah, that makes sense.
What about the base?

Still working on fortifying it.
In the meantime, all vital data's

- been transferred to Zephyr One.
- And we're easy prey.

Daisy could lead that giant
maggot here any second.

- I thought he was a parasite.
- Yeah, but aren't maggots ...

- I don't really ...
- Me either.



My take? That thing could
care less about S.H.I.E.L.D.

- You think this because...?
- No one's digging any graves.

We both know Daisy's strength,
what she could've done.

Yeah, she took the Terrigen and
that ancient Kree whatever it is.

And then she left.

Yeah, but not before
she busted the hydraulics

on the hangar doors. We lost our exit.

Because she doesn't want us
to follow her.

Daisy's my partner.

I should've known.
I should've seen ...

Don't. We've all taken
enough beatings as it is.

I noticed Coulson
wasn't in the med bay.

- He shouldn't be up and around.
- He's readying the Zephyr.

You saw the bone sticking out
of his leg, right?

- I mean, he should be ...
- Resting?

I told him that.
Didn't sit well.

- He said he needs everyone in the air.
- The hangar doors are still jammed.

We managed to pry them open halfway,

but until I get a new feed pump,
we're grounded.

Not necessarily.
Coulson has another way.

But it's risky and irresponsible.

Then, why are you smiling?

Daisy's still one of us.

What she did here
was not of her own free will.

Hive infected her.
She's his hostage.

We need to remember that.

But this alien creature
messed with the wrong team.

It thinks if it breaks our legs,
we'll stop fighting,

but it doesn't know
how damn stubborn we are,

especially when it comes
to protecting our own.

Hive is building an Inhuman army,

but we're not gonna let that happen.

So strap in.

Because you might feel
a little sick after this.

You came here often.
I see why.

I was a different person
the last time I was here.

That's how you know
about this place, right?

'Cause I told my S.O.?

You used to drive your van
up here to sleep.

You don't just have his face.

You have his memories.

- He was fond of you, Grant Ward.
- And I'm glad he's dead.

He is, too. In a way.

Grant was a thirsty soul.
And he suffered for it.

You're so different from him.

Just being around you,
I can feel it.

It's like this emptiness
I've always had is gone.

You're saying Daisy's
addicted to this thing?

It's the closest scientific
explanation that we've got.

She said she was happier
than she's ever been.

Wanted me to experience
the same thing.

Most parasites have one goal ...
attack and weaken its host.

But Hive does the opposite.

Its parasites swarm
the brain's pleasure center,

- releasing so much dopamine that ...
- Infected Inhumans not only feel

- bulletproof, they actually are.
- Well, at least when it comes to a dendrotoxin.

- We took tissue samples from Lucio and ...
- So ICERs don't work on them.

- No.
- I'm afraid not.

Okay. Then,
how do we disinfect Daisy?

Well, meet Dr. Holden Radcliffe,
a fellow Scotsman.

He was lead researcher
on parasitic organisms

at the agrochemical lab we raided.
Based on his expertise,

we believe he's our key
to finding a cure for Daisy.

That facility and everyone in it
were wiped clean.

How did Radcliffe escape?

He didn't have to, 'cause
he wasn't actually there.

He was asked to step down
a month before

- for conducting irregular experiments.
- "Irregular" meaning...?

- He's a rumored transhumanist.
- A what?

People who believe in
using science and technology

to transcend our biological limitations.

- Their goal is...
- Become more than human. Timely.

Digital immortality,
superintelligence...

Okay, I'm glad
everyone knows what it is.

- So, where is Dr. Radcliffe?
- We think Romania, but his

exact whereabouts are unknown.

Okay. That's enough to go on.
You two are taking point.

I'll send Mack with you to run
back-end, whatever you need.

Just find Dr. Radcliffe
and get us a cure.

- You're awfully quiet.
- Just got a lot on my mind.

- I'll see you in the Quinjet, buddy.
- Yeah.

Uh, Jemma, uh,
I know it's not a good time,

but can we speak about what
happened between us last night ...

- professionally speaking, I mean.
- Of course, Dr. Fitz.

We are colleagues, after all.

That we are, Dr. Simmons, and, um...
that we are.

It's that working relationship
which I would like to keep intact.

Yes, we wouldn't want anything
to interfere with it.

Exactly.
Um, so, that's why, as ... as ...

as things progress with our, um...

We should consider all variables
as we move forward,

because things are bound
to get... complicated.

You mean once we have sex?

- Simmons.
- Gosh, I'll see you in the Quinjet.

Here.
Remember your training.

But we're just going to have
a chat with a scientist.

- And how would I ever know if I need to ...
- If it makes sense here.

Sorry. I'm not sure
where you're pointing.

Your gut.

You think they'll come after you?

- I don't know. Coulson, he's ...
- A driven man.

- Especially when it comes to you.
- He thinks I need protecting.

It's a shame he doesn't know
how strong you are, Skye.

But your home is with me now.

It's ... It's actually Daisy.

My name is Daisy.

- Grant knew you as ...
- Yeah, I changed it.

Or I guess you could say I...
found it.

It was the name
they always intended for me.

Who?

I got so used to being alone, you know?

And then my dad made good on his
word, and for a second, I had parents.

Ones who wanted me.

They weren't what I imagined,
but they were real.

Not some fantasy
that I drummed up, you know?

- But it didn't end well.
- I just...

I don't have parents anymore.

I'm sorry. I don't know why
I'm telling you all this.

Connection.

You and I are one organism now.

Look, this is real world, Coulson.
Malick's intel is actionable.

I have some other matters
to attend to.

What could possibly be more important?

This is Hydra we're talking about.
You started this, Director.

You need to see it through.

You have all the resources
you need.

Update me as you learn more.

Update ...

- Feel like sharing?
- If it becomes a thing, I'll let you know.

- You didn't tell him about Daisy.
- No, I didn't.

So you think
they'll go after Alisha?

After Lash killed one
of her doubles, I put her

in protective housing to
give her time to recover.

Hypothetically, I'm the only one
who knows where she is, but...

Daisy has her ways.

And Alisha's four Inhumans
for the price of one.

We need to get to her
before Hive does.

Humans, especially those
with war in their hearts,

presume I want an army.

But there's no need for war when
everyone shares a common goal.

And after we're finished...
there will be no more war.

No more pain.
Especially now that we're together.

It's time we took back this planet.

Make it the home Inhumans
have always deserved.

_

Under the communist regime,

public gatherings were
prohibited in Bucharest,

and people were forced to meet
in private homes or secret clubs.

Satellites caught Dr. Radcliffe entering

one of those old clubs an hour ago.

We think transhumanists
have turned it into a...

upscale black market
for emerging technologies.

- Oh, good.
- So Simmons and I will pose

as top-level geneticists
looking to make a sale.

Okay, but, remember, this is
a high-class establishment,

so you got to dress the part, which
means no lab coats on this one.

Well, do you think scientists
only wear lab coats?

- Are we wearing them now?
- Yeah. What, we walk around all day

- with goggles and gloves on, do we?
- I'm sorry.

Well, like you,
Radcliffe's not easy to please.

He has refined tastes when it
comes to human modifications.

Yeah, and he's also
a known recluse,

which is why I'm hoping these
little cybernetic bad boys

will pique his interest enough
to get him out of his shell.

They're a variation
of what's inside Deathlok.

That's a different kind
of carrot on a stick.

Innovation's the quickest way
to a scientist's heart.

If we can get him
to appreciate what we do,

- hopefully, he'll help us with Daisy.
- Yeah, and if that doesn't work,

you can go and beat him up
and drag him out,

'cause all you are
is big and strong, hmm?

Okay. Okay, I'll never say another
word about the lab coats again.

All right, this room
is our rendezvous point.

- If we get Radcliffe...
- We bring him back here.

- And if something goes wrong...
- We meet here.

Good.

'Cause I'm not ready to lose
another teammate today.

Lincoln, what are you doing?

Alisha and I are friends.
She trusts me.

Hive can infect you.
You can't come.

- I won't let him get to me.
- You think you have a say in that?

- You think Daisy did?
- He's coming.

With one caveat.
You want in, you wear this.

- It's lined with nano-thermites.
- Nano-what?

- They're miniscule explosives.
- You want me to wear a suicide vest?

It's only if Hive infects you.

And, technically, a suicide vest
is something you control.

- So it's a murder vest.
- This watch is the trigger.

- Phil.
- If Hive gets its hands on him ...

I go kaboom? That'd make you
both real happy, wouldn't it?

Then you'd get Daisy back,
and the three of you can live

as one small, messed-up family again?

- It's a last resort.
- It's insane.

I want your help.
I need it.

But if Hive sways you, that's it.

No one's gonna force you to do
anything you don't want to do.

That's the whole point.

But if you want in the field,

then this is a risk you've
got to be willing to take.

What is it?
Do I look weird?

I feel a bit weird
all dressed up like this.

No.

You look nice.
That's all.

Mack, do you have a visual?

Affirmative.
I see what you see.

Turn on multi-spectral imaging.

All right.

I don't know what I expected, but...

this is not what I expected.

Let's just say
most of the people in this room

are more than what they seem.

You two stay alert.

I'm not sure
what you're walking into.

Looks clear from out here.
Lincoln?

I'm in
position by Alisha's car.

- You take the stairwell. I'll follow you in.
- What happens if they show up?

- We neutralize Hive and extricate Daisy.
- It's that simple, huh?

We'll figure it out. We always do.

- And if Daisy won't come quietly?
- What are you getting at?

This is a potentially
volatile situation,

and I need to know
what you expect from me.

You're always so quick
to the trigger, you know that?

Excuse me?

If you're asking whether you
shoot Daisy, the answer's no.

Daisy is not Andrew.

I pull the trigger
because you order me to.

You're the Director.

I didn't ask for the kill switch
to Lincoln's vest.

You gave it to me.

Because somehow, sacrificing him
is okay with you.

- That's not what I meant.
- I'll do your dirty work, Phil,

but don't you dare pretend
your hands are clean.

Lincoln?
How'd you know where I was?

- Have you seen Daisy recently?
- No. Why?

I thought they'd come for you.

How you been, James?

Oh, you know,
just catching up on my soaps.

What brings you out here
to the middle of nowhere?

Did you break things up with blondie?
You're looking for a lap to cry on?

- Are you drunk?
- Well, I'm Australian, so yes.

Who's Aladdin?

This is actually the ancient Inhuman
you were telling me about.

Thought you two should meet.

He looks like Grant Ward,

but he is most definitely not
Grand Ward.

I know it sounds crazy,
but he controls Inhumans,

forces us to do things
we wouldn't otherwise do.

I can keep you safe, but...

You're not the first one
we've paid a visit to.

But don't worry.
I didn't forget about you.

Hey, flower, I get that you're
attracted to danger. I know the type.

But if Jiaying feared this guy,
it was probably for a reason.

James.

Daisy showed me
the Kree artifact you gave her,

and it's missing its companion piece.

- But you already knew that.
- What? No, no, no, no.

I ... I gave this chickadee everything.
I swear on my nana's life.

I-I-I'm not the type
to sell you some bill of goods.

And that reminds me of a story

that I think you'll particularly
dig, 'cause it's absolutely ...

The hell?

You talk too much.

We don't want to have to hurt you.

We want you to join us.

Hang tight, Lincoln.
I'm almost there.

- Coulson.
- On my way.

There's no reason for you
to stay loyal to humans.

They're a lesser species.

Lesser species, my ass!

Where's the original?

We can find her and...

Stop!

- Gun down!
- Now!

- Don't.
- Where's Daisy?

Aah!

Tell me now, or I swear to God,
I'll make her suffer!

We can't.
Hive won't let us.

I just need to get her back.
Whatever it takes.

No.
No. Oh, my God.

Wh-Why would you...?

- You made us.
- No!

No. I lost them.
I lost them.

S.H.I.E.L.D. came looking?

Is Lincoln alive?

Good.

- And how do you feel?
- Happy to make the sacrifice.

Now rest up.
We need your strength.

James is breaking out
of his husk,

like, in a really aggressive way.

Aah! Aah!
Oh, no!

What's happening?!
Aah!

My insides, they're on fire!

Oh. Oh, crap. I ...
I didn't mean to ...

Guess you won't be needing
all that C-4 anymore.

My ... my hands!
Everything I touch ...

- Thank you.
- Now...

we can't leave here

- until you give us the missing ...
- I buried it.

So, what is it?

The only thing that can destroy me.

Well, that's
a rather ominous thing to say.

It's true.
These guys keep staring at us.

Or maybe they're staring
at the case.

Well, they could work
for Dr. Radcliffe,

presuming he's even here.
We've looked everywhere.

There's only one way to find out.

Excuse me.
Looking for Dr. Holden Radcliffe.

- We're scientists.
- Hello. My name is Anon.

Do you have an appointment
with the doctor?

Not exactly.

We're fellow geneticists.

Like Dr. Radcliffe, we dabble in...
human enhancements.

Guys, this woman
has been heavily modified,

in ways you wouldn't anticipate.

Mm, man,
I need to get out more.

Are you a patient of Dr. Radcliffe?

We have... quite innovative
eye technology.

- Perhaps it will serve you, as well.
- I can take it to the doctor.

Respectfully, it's for Dr. Radcliffe.
Or no one at all.

Wait in the bar area.

If the doctor expresses
interest, I will find you.

Doesn't make any sense.

Alisha never would've killed herself.
She feels all of it.

Every death.

It's Hive.
That thing forced her.

We've got to stop it.

I'm taking you out of the field
until Fitz-Simmons find a cure.

What? No.

Look, I ... I know I went
overboard today, and I'm sorry.

Without Daisy, I...

- I'll do better. Please.
- She'd want me to keep you safe.

- You can't do this.
- I just did.

You're sitting in here for the view?

You haven't given me a destination.

That's 'cause I don't have one.

- How you holding up?
- Just another day at the office.

I'm sorry about earlier.
I was out of line.

I'm frustrated with the...
We all are.

You're not the only one
who cares.

I know.
And you're right.

The things I expect of you...

On some level,
I'm no better than Hive.

- No one forces me to do anything.
- I took advantage.

When it comes to Daisy, she's young.

I forget that sometimes.
And from what Fitz-Simmons have said,

Hive's infections only heightens
feelings she already has.

Daisy's always longed
for a family, for connection.

I thought I could give it to her
with S.H.I.E.L.D.

Phil...

- ...you're not her father.
- No.

But she's the closest thing
I have to a daughter.

Sir?

You told me to monitor any
unusual seismic activity.

- We found ...
- Where?

- South Dakota.
- They're after the potential Inhuman.

Mack, are you getting
feedback on comms?

- Simmons, you hear that?
- Oh, yeah, it's terribly loud.

Probably best if we go offline
to reboot.

Looks fine on my end.

Back in a jiff.

Got a long history of
unfinished conversations, so...

- I thought it was about time that ...
- We finish one.

So, um...

I've been thinking
about it ...

about us ...
and, um...

it clicked.

The crux of our relationship

is like the singularity
in transhumanism.

- It is?
- Yeah, think about it.

Singularity is the defining moment.

The point at which a measurable
variable becomes infinite.

Right. So, our friendship is linear.

- It's simple, comfortable.
- Effortless, really.

As soon as we deviate
from that path...

- Change becomes exponential.
- The point of no return.

Just to be clear, um...

are you comparing us
sleeping together

to crossing the event horizon?

Yeah.

It's quite lovely when you
think about it like that.

- And also terrifying.
- Yeah, exactly. So...

- ...we should stop thinking altogether...
- And just do.

Yeah. Of course.

Hello.

Please follow me.

Back online and on the move.

Copy that.

This wasn't in the schematics.

You first.

Are we meeting Dr. Radcliffe?

After you.

I'm not sure we understand.

You are looking to sell the
doctor eye technology, are you not?

- Yes, but ...
- The doctor will meet you

once I've seen
the surgery is complete

and your cybernetic eye
is in place.

Surgery.
You want us to remove...

- And replace it with ...
- Dr. Radcliffe needs assurance

that your technology
meets his standards.

The only way to do this

is to test it
on a live human specimen.

Whenever you're ready.

Uh, can you give us a minute to prep?

This seems extremely unethical.

We've done far more questionable
things for our employer.

A third opinion would be welcome.

Well, if Radcliffe's
our only way to cure Tremors,

you know where I stand.

Then it's decided.

All right, sir,

I'm just going to need to numb
the area before we begin.

Okay.
You might feel a slight pinch.

Jemma.

Ugh. What kind
of a sick game is this?

- Simmons, what's going on?
- It's a prosthetic.

Well, you certainly weren't
afraid you were wrong.

- What tipped it?
- That your eye's not entirely human.

What?

Mammals don't have ciliary
muscles in their vascular layer,

but that eye does, so what is it?

- Some kind of avian hybrid?
- Why would ... Why would you ...

Birds' visual acuity
is superior to mammals.

- I was envious.
- But I don't ... Why all the ...

Smoke and mirrors?
It's a fair question.

To put it simply, I'm selective
about who I work with.

I believe that art and science
are entwined.

The devil, and God,
is in the details.

I don't want people to see
my work and know it's work.

If they give a second glance,

I want it to be out of awe,
not disgust.

May I?

- You really are a stubborn bastard.
- That's why we get on so well.

I'm telling you, it's fine.
It doesn't even hurt.

- Check the perimeter.
- I'll take point.

They've unearthed something.

I can see how its
surveillance capabilities are appealing.

But there was a company that
had something eerily similar.

Cybertek.
Heard of them?

- Turns out they were Hydra.
- We're not Hydra, I assure you.

They connected explosives
to soldiers' eyes.

Violence for violence's sake,
an ugly misuse of science.

- We're S.H.I.E.L.D.
- Same thing.

No. That's a common mistake, actually.

- Mack.
- You're on comms with someone.

Please stop.

Listen, we know about the
research you were conducting.

You were genetically
engineering animals

that can resist parasites,

which is quite appropriate,
really, because ...

Well, there's a man-eating
parasite on the loose.

It can inhabit dead humans
and control Inhumans.

- It can force ...
- Inhumans? They're real?

- Take them.
- They're not welcome here.

- Stop.
- No, hold on. H-Hold on.

Dr. Radcliffe!

Jemma! I'll meet you
at the rendezvous point!

Fitz! Aah!

Aah!

You have to hear me out.

We're chasing our own damn tail.

Coulson.

Clear the area.
This place is rigged to blow.

We got to get out of here.

- There's no time.
- Then, get in.

- When did you ...
- I thought it would be cool

if the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
had a shield.

- Fitz agreed, so...
- Handy.

Okay.
The leg hurts a little.

Maybe you should get
a cybernetic one.

Too soon.

You gonna get that?

- Coulson!
- Talbot? This isn't a good time.

You have to listen to me.

Yes, Inhumans are real.

But that's barely
scratching the surface,

'cause I've stood on alien soil,

and I've jumped through
a portal to get there.

So if it's discovery that you want

- and the science behind it ...
- It's both. It's all of it.

Okay, well,
I can give you that.

But first I need your help.

Okay? 'Cause...

...you're the only one
that can save my friend.

Stop!

I'm ... I'm not going anywhere
without Fitz!

You once said the same thing about me.

Whoo!

Hey, hey.

_

I just wanted a little sip.

I didn't know you were
an officer of the law.

You think you're some kind
of designer humans, huh?

But you're just playing dress-up.

You'll never be able to do it.

Well...

What?
He started it.

Stop!
You're that Inhuman.

Where's Daisy?!

That bird has so many male suitors.

And what are your muscles
made out of?

Me?

Anon.

Take him.

No. Wait...

We need to talk.

Stay the hell away from me!

- If you try to hurt me, I swear ...
- Yeah, I'm doom.

You're hope. Remember?

Will?

No, it's not...

it's not possible.

Never been able
to resist doing something...

...when the odds are impossible.

Now, I want your honest opinion on this.

What do you think
of the name "Inferno"?

I like it, but I don't love it.

Firestarter?
Well, feels a little '90s.

And Burning Man ... I mean,
that would've been perfect

if it wasn't for some
bloody desert hippy fest.

How about Blowhard?

I don't have much time.

This isn't you.
We can ...

- What are you ...
- Stop trying to save me.

Daisy...

I know what I'm saying.
I know what I feel.

I finally have a family, Fitz.

You don't need to pity me anymore.

It happened so quickly.

The storm, the portal opening.

I guess you were right
about Fitz, huh?

- Stop it.
- Jemma, listen.

I'm glad you made it back to him.

All I want is for you to be happy.

Safe. That's why I'm
glad we're here now.

I never got a chance
to say goodbye.

I don't want anything bad
to happen to you, I swear,

but you and Simmons ...
well, I've seen the future,

and someone in
S.H.I.E.L.D. is gonna die.

And if you love her,
you will leave us alone.

- I'm the only thing protecting you.
- No, that's not...

He said you'd do anything to fool me.

Jemma, please.
I wouldn't trick you.

I don't want you to end up dead like me.

We... don't want that
to happen to you.

- It's in your best interest...
- ...to stay away.

We don't want to hurt you ...
any of you.

But we will.

This is your last warning.

Next time, I snap your neck.

It's time to let me go.

Just because
you stole Will's memories

doesn't give you the right to be him.

Will is dead.

HQ is fortified.
Nothing's getting in here.

It's a thing. This is why
Talbot's been so bent out of shape.

- Malick's intel?
- He gave us everything.

You mess with a man's family,
all bets are off.

- I don't think aliens get that.
- What are you saying?

We're about to take down
Hydra's infrastructure.

Want to watch?

All units in position, Director.
Two mikes to launch.

Roger that.
HQ has visual.

- All stations report.
- Echo 1 ... on your order.

Red 6 ...
prepping to breach.

QJ 4 ...
locked in and ready.

All operations a go.
Commence DECAP.

Oh. Thank God.
Is Fitz with you?

- No.
- But this is the rendezvous point.

Wait. H-Hold on, hold on.

I just got back.
He can't be too far behind.

Plus, if you go out there
looking for him

and he comes back here,
then this will go on all night.

You okay?

You see Daisy?

Hive... or whatever it is.

I shot him.

Doubt it did anything.

Always said I'd shoot Ward.

- You think we'll get her back?
- We have to.

I guess sometimes
it's easier to think the world

wants you to suffer than
to believe it's got your back.

You should tell that to Fitz.

He thinks we're cursed, which
I know is ridiculous, but...

I don't know.

- So, how long have you two...?
- Oh, no. No, we've ... It's not ...

You know how many times
Bobbi and Hunter pulled

the "my comms are broken" trick?

Come on.

Right.
Well, I ... I don't know.

I ... I suppose it's very new.

No, it isn't.

All stations, targets secure.

The head has been cut.

I repeat ...
the head has been cut.

Hydra has been eliminated.

Just like that.

Just like that.

This should've been a great day.

Jemma?

- Where have you been?
- Looking for you.

Oh, well, I've been here at the
rendezvous point like we discussed.

- What? And Mack?
- In the Quinjet, unloading equipment.

Well, we've got a lot to talk about.

- Jemma.
- Yeah?

Your hands are freezing.

Are they?

Ooh. They're like little
ice buckets, aren't they?

Do you think you can brave it?

I'll do my best to power through.

All right,
then what about "Hellfire"?

It's better than "Scorch,"
but I'm worried it's too much.

You're a difficult man
to find, doctor.

You're Inhuman ...
all of you.

Well, technically, I'm one of the first

genetically altered human
beings on the planet.

Scientifically, humans have advanced

almost to the level the Kree
reached when they made me.

You, doctor, seem to be the closest.

Very flattering, and I agree.
But genome editing ...

we've only just begun
that kind of DNA modification.

To ... To make something
of your kind, that's...

we can only... dream.

You don't need to dream anymore.

We are one organism, seeking change.

And with your help, we're
going to redefine humanity.

- Permanently.
- Is that even possible?

- H-How could you ...
- By re-creating the same

Kree experiment that was done to me.

And this is where it all begins.

- Bought us a house?
- No.

I bought us a whole town.