Marvel’s ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Sneak Peek: Deathlok Strikes in First Clip from “End of the Beginning”

Yesterday capped off an exciting round of Marvel's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' casting with the addition of Whedonverse vet Amy Acker as Coulson's infamous cellist, but Acker's former 'Angel' co-star J. August Richards may yet cause the most commotion. The first clip from next week's "End of the Beginning" has arrived, as Richards' Deathlok goes on the offense against the 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'!

Where previously photos and posters have largely undersold the character, 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.''s Deathlok looks indeed formidable as "End of the Beginning" sees Coulson, Agent Garrett (Bill Paxton) and their teams invading a racetrack in search of the fugitive cyborg. Even Fitz's technical prowess proves no match for the Marvel antihero, who quickly makes his cybernetic presence known with a barrage of missiles.

Meanwhile, here’s what ABC had to say of April 1 installment “End of the Beginning”:

“End of the Beginning” – Agents Garrett (Bill Paxton) and Triplett are back to help Coulson’s team track down S.H.I.E.L.D.’S nefarious enemy–the Clairvoyant. But will Deathlok destroy them all to protect his master’s identity?

Guest starring are Bill Paxton as Agent John Garrett, J. August Richards as Deathlok, Saffron Burrows as Agent Victoria Hand, Maximiliano Hernandez as Agent Jasper Sitwell, Titus Welliver as Agent Felix Blake, B.J. Britt as Agent Antoine Triplett and Brad Dourif as Thomas Nash.

It's a bit hard to read the first season endgame of Marvel's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' against the likes of 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier,' but in the meantime, what say you? Will Deathlok's regular presence make the final 7 episodes of the season the best yet? Check out a first clip from "End of the Beginning" below, and tell us what you want to see from Marvel's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' in the comments!