The fall TV season is almost upon us, and it seems like every major superhero TV show will up the ante this year. With that in mind, arguably no series epitomizes that idea more than Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. One look at the title of the Season 4 premiere will tell you everything you need to know. After three seasons of low-key spy vs. spy action, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will open up its new season by introducing a longtime fan-favorite anti-hero: Ghost Rider.
We've just learned from SpoilerTV that the first episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s fourth season will be titled, "The Ghost," which is an obvious reference to the imminent debut of Robbie Reyes a.k.a. Ghost Rider on the series. Although it's been established for quite some time that Ghost Rider would actually make an appearance on the fourth season of the hit ABC series, we now know that Marvel has decided to come out of the gates sprinting and establish the hot-head in the very first episode of the new season. Audiences have clamored for him to make his way to the small screen for quite some time, so it looks like the studio has no interest in beating around the bush. They know how impatient we are to see that flaming skull.
As previously stated, audiences have known for some time that Ghost Rider would appear on the coming season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but beyond that it's been incredibly difficult to anticipate any other major details. We already know that actor Gabriel Luna will step into the role of Robbie Reyes; however, as the series is using Reyes (a less established Ghost Rider compared to fan-favorite Johnny Blaze) his exact characterization remains a mystery.
Of course, as with everything else in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there's a method to the madness. It generally appears that such a mystery will only help the fourth season of the Marvel series. Gabriel Luna himself has come out and stated that part of the reason he feels drawn to the role of Robbie Reyes is the opportunity to truly add to the Marvel mythos, which wouldn't be quite as easy if the series had chosen to use the more well-established Johnny Blaze. Now it looks like he'll get that opportunity as early as the season premiere.
There's also narrative rationale for the use of Robbie Reyes over Johnny Blaze in the premiere: Robbie's character is rooted in the show's overarching theme of family. He's a troubled hero who looks after his loved ones, but his rough upbringing in a place like East Los Angeles (a less explored area in the Marvel universe) makes his story incredibly fertile ground for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. We're incredibly intrigued, and we want to see where this plotline goes.
CinemaBlend will keep you up to date regarding any and all relevant details related to the upcoming debut of Ghost Rider on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s fourth season. The Marvel series will return to ABC on Tuesday, September 20 at 10 p.m. EST. Make sure to check out our comprehensive fall TV premiere schedule and fill out your calendars accordingly!
