The conclusion to Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Life Model Decoy arc was certainly eventful and saw the majority of the team plugged into Holden Radcliffe's Matrix-esque Framework - a digital universe designed to prevent the suffering and pain of the real world. Radcliffe's former L.M.D. assistant AIDA seems in full control of the situation as she forms some kind of partnership with the Superior - or what's left of him - and the S.H.I.E.L.D. team will surely have a sizeable task on their hands, getting out of this mess.
The final montage of 'Self Control' showcased most of the characters' new, alternate lives within the Framework - and given how differently things have played out in this constructed universe, the possibility of deceased and departed characters returning was firmly placed on the table. Most prominently, Daisy appears to be in a relationship with Grant Ward (Brett Dalton) and his return to the show is essentially confirmed.
However, it's a distinct possibility that Dalton won't be the only returning face from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D's hall of alumni. In an Instagram post, B.J. Britt - better known as Agent Triplett - shared a photo of himself alongside fellow ex-cast member Simon Kassianides who played the villainous Hydra operative Sunil Bakshi. The shot comes from a nineties-themed birthday party and frankly, Kassianides could've put a bit more effort into his outfit.
Of course, the possibility of the two former castmates simply bumping into each other at a social event can't be discounted but this isn't the first time Britt has posted photos of himself alongside current and former A.O.S. cast members in recent weeks. Given the recent Framework reveal and feverish speculation surrounding possible returnees, either Tripp and/or Bakshi are returning to the fold or Britt is just being a massive tease in the run up to the show's return.
Should Agent Triplett reemerge in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. via the Framework, his reappearance would pave the way for some emotional scenes in the episodes to come, given the swift and brutal manner in which the character met his demise. As for Bakshi, his return would make complete sense given that in the world of the Framework, Hydra appear to be more powerful than ever and can seemingly count Melinda May among their ranks.
Although these dramatic returns may provide some great moments for fans and could allow popular past characters to make a further impact, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will need to be very careful to ensure its Framework story line doesn't outstay its welcome. Alternative reality plots can certainly be fun but can easily turn frustrating if dragged out for too long. A.O.S. got the pacing of its L.M.D. arc more or less spot-on and if the show can repeat that with the Framework, it could be onto something good for the last part of its fourth season.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns with 'What If...' April 4th on ABC.
Source: B.J. Britt