Marvel's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' may have underwhelmed in its first cliffhanger finale "The Bridge," but will its reception get even more chilly in its second attempt at a major Marvel supervillain? It seems a Blizzard will blow into town in early 2014, as played by 'LOST' vet Dylan Minnette, but is it a sign of a bigger Marvel presence to come?

As with the series' third episode "The Asset" introducing Dr. Franklin Hall, upcoming 2014 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' episode "Seeds" will feature the introduction of a young Donnie Gill (Minnette), better known to 'Iron Man' fans as the alter ego of supervillain Blizzard. In the comics, at least, Blizzard gained his cold-related abilities from a suit bestowed by Justin Hammer, and has been tied to other Marvel villains like The Mandarin, AIM and Baron Zemo.

Of course, Blizzard's appearance could imply the involvement of Sam Rockwell's Justin Hammer, not seen since 'Iron Man 2' (though game to appear, by Rockwell's own word), but more likely the returning David Conrad's Ian Quinn will step in for Rockwell's part in the character's origin. Says ABC of January 14 episode "Seeds":

"Seeds" – Coulson and May uncover startling information about Skye’s past, while the team is swept into a storm at S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, on "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," Tuesday, January 14 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Guest starring are David Conrad as Ian Quinn, Christine Adams as Agent Anne Weaver, Dylan Minnette as Donnie Gill, Daniel Zovatto as Seth Dormer, Boyd Kestner as Richard Lumley, Zachary Burr Abel as Tad and Maiara Walsh as Callie Hannigan.

It certainly seems as if Marvel's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' has pushed down the pedal a bit with its major overarching mysteries, especially if January 7 return "The Magical Place" explains Coulson's resurrection as promised, but what say you? Will the 'Avengers'-adjacent series have more luck in bringing the comics' Blizzard to life? How would you like to see more 'Iron Man' characters worked into the series going forward?

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