The ABC superhero show "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." is once again in danger of getting cancelled, which means that its fifth season may be its last. However, the showrunners are reportedly making sure that the show will end well in case its cancellation does come through.
"Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." is no stranger to the chopping block. Just last year, there were reports that ABC wanted to cancel the series after its fourth season. Season 4 had lower ratings than previous installments, although both fans and critics liked the story so far. However, Disney reportedly stepped in and passed down a mandate telling ABC to renew "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." for a fifth season.
As a result, the announcement for the show's renewal came only a few days before season 4's finale aired. Had ABC decided to cancel the show instead of renewing it, the show's writers would not have had the time to rewrite the season finale as a series finale. This would have been problematic to the series as a whole, since season 4 ended with a cliffhanger.
This time around, however, it seems that the writers are working to avoid the same problem. According to co-showrunner Joss Whedon, he and the other writers are already in the process of writing the finale for season 5, which could also be the finale for the entire series.
"Yeah, we're ready for if this is the end," Whedon told TVLine. "We're definitely going to make it rewarding either way."
This means that season 5 is unlikely to end with a cliffhanger like season 4. However, if ABC decides to renew the show for a sixth season instead of cancelling it, the writers may have also found a way to easily adapt the series finale into a season finale instead.
The show returned from a short hiatus on March 2, and it is possible that Disney might soon step in once again to save the show from the chopping block the way it did last season. However, if Disney does not convince ABC to renew the show, then the season 5 finale may indeed be the series finale.
Season 5 of the show is faring worse than season 4. Thus, whether or not Disney will think that the show is still worth saving remains to be seen.
"Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." airs every Friday at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.
