The most significant turning point of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s first season was undoubtedly the revelation that Agent Grant Ward, played by Brett Dalton, was an agent of Hydra, in league with the Clairvoyant. Not only did this turn mark the point where the series seems to have hit its stride, it also tied into the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and thus the “Hail Hydra” meme that went along with it. So does Dalton ever get sick of hearing the hail?
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“No, I never get tired of it,” Dalton says. “It’s great.”
Dalton feels the turn to the dark side was really a benefit for his character.
“It added a lot of depth, and mystery, and danger to a character who was, on the surface, only a couple of notes.”
While Agent Coulson and his team took Ward into custody at the end of the show’s first season, the showrunners hinted that Ward still has a big role to play in the group dynamic.
“He’s a clear villain,” says executive producer Maurissa Tancharoen. “When we last left him, he had done some bad things. We’ll see. He’s a valuable resource, so how that plays in with our team, with Coulson.”
“Everyone has a reason for being the way they are,” adds executive producer Jed Whedon. “The more you know about someone, the more forgivable they become. That doesn’t mean that he can be forgiven, but I think we’ll get a little bit more of an insight into the man that he is.”
So, is Dalton enjoying playing evil Ward more than he did good guy Ward?
“Absolutely, hands down,” says Dalton. “Or hand up, with the hail.”
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 2 premieres September 22.
