a corner unexplored by the big movies. The problem has been with the core group not being explored enough, not that the focus has been on them in general. Coulson was always a supporting character, now he has a little team to go with him to explore the smaller events. But the focus on them being a 'family' needs some exploration, b/c that is what is truly lacking.

I understand completely why people would have dropped out, and most of the reason I've stuck with it is my intrigue with Marvel's idea of a larger combined universe and bias for Marvel in general. The show has gotten better, depth has been added (a little at a time, but still), and characters, like Deathlok, Sif, Victoria Hand, Bill Paxton's SHIELD agent, are being introduced.