"What the Hell have I become?" That was the questions asked by the post-transformation Raina on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as she confronted her former mentor and Skye's father, Doctor Calvin Zabo. While Skye was in quarantine and getting repeatedly yelled at for having spread some kind of alien "epidemic" to the crew, Raina was on her own. She was not happy with the powers she received through terregenesis. They weren't really powers, exactly. All she has right now are thorns. We are meant to believe that they are connected to her love of flowers. However, Raina used the flowers as a calming effect. Thorns are the exact opposite of that.
If the two are related in a deliberately ironic way, then this is a totally new avenue for the Marvel Cinematic Universe to take in terms of superhuman abilities. What we've seen so far, with Captain America, the Hulk, and the Red Skull, for example, are superpowers that enhance the already apparent personality traits in each particular person. Say what you will about Raina, but she certainly wasn't thorny. Something is off here.
The thorns extend out of her head, like hair. The shape somewhat resembles the comic book character that shares her name, but I am not convinced yet. She tells Zabo that her the thorns hurt and her insides feel like gravel. That's a pretty tough lot. Powers are supposed to enhance your abilities, not cause you pain. She reminds me a little of Wolverine before he got the adamantium. Would it be possible to alleviate Raina's negative symptoms with a medical procedure? Can she train herself to feel less pain, or even transform into something new? Or, is she doomed to this new state? That's what Zabo seemed to believe, but I don't think his life in the shadows has done him a lot of mental favors.
I'm actually hoping that Raina becomes something like the Marvel Cinematic Universe's version of the mutant Mystique. She already has the seductive anti-heroine thing going on. Unless something new transpires, I kind of agree with Raina that Skye got the powers she was supposed to. It would have made more sense for Raina to be Quake! As far as what or who she became? I still think she could be the mutant Thornn, but we need more information.
At the end of the episode, Raina devastatingly attempted suicide by either traffic or cop. At the last second, she was "rescued" by Gordon, the eyeless Inhuman. If I had ever watched Doctor Who, I might tell you that this scene was alluding to it. Gordon swooped in, created a bubble-like force field, called Raina beautiful and the two of them Blue Skidoo-ed out of there. Hopefully, wherever he is taking her will provide some more answers.
Image: Kelsey McNeal/ABC
