'Marvel: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' season 3 episode 9 recap: Coulson goes after Ward into the portal

MARVEL AGENTS OF SHIELD CAST — From L-R: Cast members Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Brett Dalton, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker and Elizabeth Henstridge participate in a panel for "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." during the Disney ABC Television Group sessions at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills, California August 4, 2013. Reuters/Phil McCarten

In Season 3 episode 9 of “Marvel: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” titled “Closure,” loyalties were questioned, and more details about Project Distant Star surfaced. [Spoiler Alert!]

The latest episode opened with Coulson (Clark Gregg) and Rosalind (Constance Zimmer) sharing a meal. Coulson told Rosalind that it was right to spy on her, because even if she did not know it, she was working for Hydra. They also talked about Gideon Malick (Powers Boothe), but a bullet suddenly hit Rosalind in the neck. It turned out that Ward (Brett Dalton) shot her using a sniper rifle from a distance. Hydra agents then entered the apartment to attack them.

Coulson was able to distract the henchmen and got away with Mack (Henry Simmons), who arrived with a vehicle. Coulson was taken to the base, where he mourned in his office, believing that Rosalind was dead.

Meanwhile, Daisy (Chloe Bennet) shared her past with Ward. She said that she understands how Ward has been influenced by Garrett and Hydra, but she emphasised that she could never forgive him.

Later on, Coulson blamed Hunter (Nick Blood) for failing to kill Ward during his previous mission. Hunter was given another chance at Ward, together with Coulson and Bobbi (Adrianne Palicki). Coulson said that it was time for him to do some things that a S.H.I.E.L.D. director is not supposed to do. He appointed Mack as interim director.

The team then talked about Project Distant Star. Banks (Andrew Howard) revealed that it was funded by Malick.

Ward went back to Malik, who criticised him for trying to kill Coulson. Malick unveiled a container with five stones taken from the Monolith.

Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) and Simmons (Elizabeth Henstridge), meanwhile, were taken to Malick and Ward. They realized that Hydra was able to open a portal but did not know how to return.

Subsequently, Coulson abducted Thomas, Ward’s brother, to apparently be used as bait. Coulson showed Ward a live video feed of Thomas. After the call, Coulson explained to Thomas that he was needed as bait, and the latter said that they needed to take out Ward for the things he has done.

Malick later told Ward that it is time. Malick wanted Ward to lead their men on the other side, but the latter wanted to meet S.H.I.E.L.D. when they arrive.

The machine began to open the portal. Coulson saw Ward jump through the portal via a scanner and then got a parachute to prepare to jump. Hydra started firing at them, but Coulson immediately dove into the portal. On the other planet, Hydra started exploring. Coulson also arrived on the side of a cliff.

“Marvel: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” next episode airs on Dec. 8 on ABC.

Watch the trailer for the winter finale, titled “Maveth,” below: