Eight reasons why Melinda May is the eighth avenger (2024)

Agent, so to speakMelinda Meiis a beloved fan favorite on ABC's hit seriesMarvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.would be a huge understatement. There's a reason why some have dubbed the superhero spy series THeCoulson/maj Power Hour.

There are also those who call Agent May the unsung eighth avenger.

The fact that she is played by the extraordinary Ming-Na Wen should be reason enough. After all, this is the same talented actress who brought the epic Chun-Li and Mulanto to life on the big screen.

Below are eight reasons that explain why Melinda May is the Eighth Avenger.

1) Her nickname is the cavalry

During a mission to Bahrain to make first contact with an unregistered gifted individual, several of May's colleagues and a young civilian girl were taken hostage by the man's followers. Agent May single-handedly stormed the building where the hostages were being held, killing an unknown number of attackers, while she herself was unarmed.

She managed to free all the hostages unharmed. May's experiences during that mission, which she still refuses to reveal, scarred her emotionally and caused a radical change in her personality. After this mission, May achieved legendary status within S.H.I.E.L.D. for her exploits, which earned her the nickname "The Cavalry".

The Cavalry: Like here the woman called when SHIELD, the best of the best, is in trouble. Just never call her that.

2) SHIELD's elite often align themselves with Earth's mightiest heroes

Over the years, S.H.I.E.L.D. has produced more than his share of Avengers in the comics and films: director Nick Fury, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Victoria Hand, Maria Hill, Sharon Carter and others.

Considering May's legendary status within the ranks of S.H.I.E.L.D. on the Bahrain mission (which was a superhuman feat in itself), which is one reason why she is more than qualified to be part of the Avengers initiative.

3) Even outmatched, she's still a champion

Few non-powered humans would go head-to-head with a Deathlok, an evil Asgardian, or a rogue enhanced soldier. In one year, May has mixed it up with all three and held her own.

Whether it was a victory or a rare defeat, the fact that she lived to fight another day is a testament to her abilities.

4) She makes it easy to outsmart formidable villains

It was noted in Season 1 that Double Agent Ward wasn't just one of the best agents in SHIELD. but his skills and abilities rivaled those of Natasha Romanov.

Marcus Scarlot made his debut in season two. The supervillain, better known in comics as the first Whiplash, had almost killed Hawkeye during a previous encounter.

When faced with May, they didn't exactly do so well:

5) She is the company she keeps

Coulson, Mockingbird and Skye (aka Daisy, aka Quake) are prominent members of the AvengersWonderCinematic universe or the comics. May has close ties to each of them, both in the role of S.O. second-in-command or trusted friend. Both Coulson and Nick "I Trust No One" Fury have turned to May because they desperately need an ally they can trust implicitly.

6) Even her enemies want to be her

When someone is exceptional, they often gain rivals and imitators. For the Avengers, the two groups are often one and the same. The Red Skull was a super soldier, just like Captain America. Hulk had his hands full with a knock-off threat called Abomination. The main villains in each Iron Man film were Star's business rivals.

In May, her Hydra counterpart, Agent 33, went one step further. A former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, not only had she studied "The Legend," but she also bore May's likeness thanks to a photostatic veil.

This of course resulted in one of the most epic confrontations on the show to date, with May delivering one of the most devastating takedowns that fans are still debating on social media.

Evil Dopplegangers learned what fans already knew. Melinda May is one of a kind.

7) Power destroys, except one

For most people, the Berserk Staff means anger, destruction, and a violent end. It's another day at the office for Melinda May.

8) The content of her character makes Melinda May an Avenger

Although she may come across as businesslike, she is also completely cordial. Throughout the series, she has proven to be fiercely loyal and protective of everyone she cares about. She will not hesitate to offer advice, compassion or sacrifice for a colleague. It's not the skills that make Melinda May a superhero, it's the women who use those skills to help save the planet.

So what do you think? Does May deserve a spot on the Avengers roster? Tell us below!