| "Laws of Nature" | |
|---|---|
| Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. episode | |
&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:Jemma_Simmons_on_Maveth_in_%22Laws_of_Nature%22.png) The final scene, showing the whereabouts of Jemma Simmons to be on an alien world, was mentioned by many critics. | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Vincent Misiano |
| Written by | |
| Cinematography by | Feliks Parnell |
| Editing by | Joshua Charson |
| Original air date | September 29, 2015 |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
"Laws of Nature" is the first episode of the third 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., it follows Phil Coulson and his team of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents as they hunt for Inhumans, who are also being hunted by the new Advanced Threat Containment Unit (ACTU) and the monstrous Lash. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and acknowledges the franchise's films. The episode was written by Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, and directed by Vincent Misiano.
Clark Gregg reprises his role as Coulson from the film series, and is joined by series regulars Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker, Elizabeth Henstridge, Nick Blood, Adrianne Palicki, Henry Simmons, and Luke Mitchell. A third season was ordered in May 2015, with new recurring characters portrayed by Constance Zimmer, Matthew Willig, Andrew Howard, and Juan Pablo Raba introduced, the last of these as the first openly gay character in the MCU. William Sadler also guest stars, reprising his role of President Matthew Ellis from Iron Man 3, as the episode references previous MCU films, and provides set-up for future MCU films.
"Laws of Nature" originally aired on ABC on September 29, 2015, and according to Nielsen Media Research, was watched by 7.86 million viewers within a week of its release. The episode received a positive critical response, with praise going to the newly established status quo, including the elevated role of the Inhumans, and the introduction of new characters. The timeliness of the revelation of Simmons' (Henstridge) whereabouts following the second season finale was also praised.