Coulson was inside Radcliffes Framework, or at least a primitive version of it.
According to Coulson, its so realistic he could smell sweat and feel pain.
But theres not much time for training, because Coulson soon gets notice that Maces super-suit has been tracked.
Credit: ABC/Jennifer Clasen
He now realizes the extent of Ivanovs obsession with him.
This is why I dont use Facebook, he cracks.
Coulson isnt the only one trying out the Framework.
After scanning the conspiracy theory wall, Daisy only finds one picture that connects to Ivanov.
Back in the present, Coulson realizes he needs to return to that base.
The last we saw Director Mace, he was being taken down by the Superior and his thugs.
Mustering the last of his super-strength, Mace manages to break his chains.
Ivanov challenges Mace to the one-on-one fight I thought for sure was coming in the last episode.
Its a little disappointing now, however.
Now Macks trying on the Framework, but he doesnt like it as much as Coulson or Radcliffe.
He notes that the Framework, like AIDA, was partially designed by Fitz.
Mack tells Fitz he needs to think more about the potential implications of the things he creates.
But Macks argument clearly gets to him.
Mace and the Superior have a somewhat less amorous connection.
While Mace is restrained, Ivanov tells him something of his backstory.
Mace says that S.H.I.E.L.D.
will come for him, which is exactly Ivanovs plan.
Outside, the Superior talks to AIDA.
One of them even has a phone ringing inside its skull.
Coulson answers the call and finally finds himself talking to the Superior.
Ivanov asks Coulson if he remembers the bodies, since its his fault they were killed.
Coulson goes out to distract them and hilariously tries bantering with them about his sexual tension with May.
They dont care, since theyve been told to retrieve this object at any cost.
Suddenly, theres an explosion, and May drives away with the object.
They knock him out.
they will suffer the same fate as his former comrades.
He then turns and tells Mace that hes just being used by Coulson, like so many others.
Sure enough, one of them is also a submarine base, so that must be it.
Ivanov, just about done torturing Mace, asks if the director has any last regrets.
Mace responds that he still believes in Coulson and S.H.I.E.L.D.
The Superior respects Mace for sticking to his beliefs and cuts his bonds.
finally arrives, as Mack blows a hole in the wall of Ivanovs base.
They split off into teams, with FitzSimmons headed to find the computer lab.
Coulson cant think of anything to do but laugh at Ivanov.
She flattens him with a blast.
So much for physical perfection.
Before Daisys arrival, Ivanov revealed that Mace was still on the compound, but not May.
Coulson and Mack then go to rescue Mace while Simmons tries to track down AIDA.
Unfortunately, AIDA escapes on the submarine just as Simmons gets there.
Theyll regroup to save May later.
In the final part of the flashback, Coulson and May are laughing together.
Mays confident it wont, since hes a shrink and all.
Shout out to Andrew/Lash; we miss you buddy.
Back at the lab, however, Simmons is uneasy.
She and Fitz then discover that the bases LMD detector has been tampered with.
And the first thing on LMD Coulsons list is reactivating LMD May.
