Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: The Asset

"The Asset" is the third episode of the first season of the American television series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., based on the Marvel Comics organization S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division), revolving around the character of Phil Coulson and his team of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents as they investigate the kidnapping of Dr. Franklin Hall. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), sharing continuity with the films of the franchise. The episode was written by Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, and directed by Milan Cheylov. Clark Gregg reprises his role as Coulson from the film series, and is joined by series regulars Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker, and Elizabeth Henstridge. The episode adapts the character of Hall from the comics, portrayed by guest star Ian Hart, and introduces his gravitational technology based on the fictional element gravitonium, which was created by visual effects vendor FuseFX. The episode also introduces David Conrad as recurring villain Ian Quinn, with his own villainous musical theme; a variation of this theme is played on ethnic instruments to support the episode's Malta setting. "The Asset" originally aired on ABC on October 8, 2013, and was watched by 12.01 million viewers within a week of its release according to Nielsen Media Research. The episode received a mostly positive critical response, with the introduction of Hart as Hall oft praised, but the development of the main cast seen to be lacking.