ABCIt's about time we learned just what happened to Jemma Simmons.
After her triumphant rescue from whatever the heck planet she'd accidentally found herself transported to, tonight's episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. takes us back to the minute the monolith sucked her up at the end of season two and then proceeds to fill in all the blanks remaining regarding her six-month disappearance.
The episode, appropriately titled "4,722 Hours," is a bold break from the ABC series' typical format, focusing exclusively on Jemma—and it's an episode star Elizabeth Henstridge tells E! News she never felt could actually get made.
"I just didn't feel like it would happen...It just seemed like such a big risk and, you know, such a different direction than the show was in," Henstridge admits. "I thought it was brilliant and I was very honored to be asked, but, I just felt like it might not happen...And [then] we're on the set and it was happening! I think it's a testament to the bravery and curiosity of everyone involved at ABC and everyone on our show that it did happen."
Of course, the daunting task of carrying an hour of television virtually on one's own shoulders wasn't something that left Henstridge unfazed. "It was definitely challenging, but the best thing I've ever done. But then it was like, 'Oh gosh, if this is going to happen, I've got to get my butt in gear because this is hard!" she says. "Even though it was a lot of Simmons in it, it never felt like a solo project. It was an ensemble effort, it was just the ensemble was off-screen."
The episode will showcase Jemma's resiliency in the face of ridiculous misfortune—seriously, we'd probably have just given up and cried the whole time if we were in her shoes—a strength Henstridge credits to two of the most important things in Simmons' life. "I think she relied on Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) and she relied on science, which really is what she's done for ever," she teases. "We see in the different previews of the episode that she's speaking to Fitz via her recording device, so that's really what carries her through the whole thing. The episode, really, is a coming of age for her, and her facing adversity...and learning to survive on a place that doesn't make sense, really."
Naturally, this being a Marvel series, there are more than a few twists and turns along the way—including one major surprise that will leave fans screaming at their TVs, "What now?!" For Henstridge's take on the major reveals, be sure to check back with us after the episode airs!
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on ABC.