Does anyone remember when Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was funny?

Does anyone else remember when Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. used to have some laughs in every episode? I’m not knocking the current quality of the show, just the level of darkness.

More from ABC

• Dancing with the Stars season 32 week 9 scorecard: Who went home on DWTS?
• Roger Howarth is leaving General Hospital (Cast exit explained)
• Taylor Swift won’t appear in special Dancing with the Stars episode
• ABC will start rolling out its midseason schedule January 2024 (Release dates and airtimes)
• Grey’s Anatomy season 20 officially has a premiere date (Everything to know)

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has always been sort of a prodigal son of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The quality of the series has certainly gone up over time and this is a show that I have stuck with from the beginning. From the start, many fans abandoned the show because the first handful of episodes were not stellar.

It took a little while for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to find its footing, but once it did it delivered some really great seasons of television. My only qualm with the show currently is the overall choices in tone.

The most recent episode is a great example. The episode was well written, had amazing performances, and moved the story forward in unexpected ways. On top of all that, it was also a bummer. If the series has struggled with anything, it is the balance between the darker tone and lighter fair.

Beware of spoilers from here on out.

I mean Fitz and Simmons have been torn apart so many times now that it feels like a parody of itself and Daisy has had plenty of boyfriends die.

Phil Coulson has had a loved one murdered in front of him, Melinda May has a traumatic past where she was forced to kill a child, and Mack lost his only daughter twice. Oh, also just a couple episodes ago Yo-Yo had both of her arms sliced off. One episode this season captured the fun of the past and that was the episode with Hunter and Fitz in the past/present figuring out where everyone has time traveled to. Beyond that, this season has been kind of a downer.

Next: Agents of SHIELD: Season 6 still possible despite rating woes

Again, I am not hitting on the quality of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. I think this series has gotten better and better. Last season, in particular, was spectacular with all the storylines that eventually tied together. This season kind of hinges on its ending to see how well it wraps things up. I do hope they get another season and I hope they find a way to bring back some fun.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns this Friday on ABC at 8/9c. Be sure to tune in!