This week, the highly anticipated spinoff series from Marvel dubbed “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” graced the airwaves for the first time. The series, which premiered on ABC on Sept. 24, hails from the world of the Avengers, a team of superheroes created by the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division (S.H.I.E.L.D.). However, the new series focuses less on the heroes and more on the “regular” people keeping an eye on them: the agents who risk their lives to protect heroes from themselves, as well as the rest of the world.

The spinoff was created in part in response to an intense fan uprising surrounding the beloved character of Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg, “The Avengers”) who was originally killed in the 2012 film “The Avengers.” The online movement (christened “Save Agent Coulson”) made such a stir that the creators (namely TV and film legend and writer/director Joss Whedon) decided to bring him back for the aforementioned spinoff. That being said, Coulson’s resurrection is not completely explained, and the mystery surrounding it is sure to be a prominent plot arc as the season continues.

Fans of the “Avengers” franchise will also recognize Agent Maria Hill (Colbie Smuders, “How I Met Your Mother”) as one of the many S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives seen in the pilot episode. However, there are plenty of interesting new characters as well, as the characterization is one of the many strengths of the season premiere. Among them is Mike Peterson (J. August Richards, “Angel”), a seemingly ordinary man who enters the realm of the extraordinary when his mysterious powers allow him to save a woman from a burning building.

Peterson is then approached by Skye (Chloe Bennet, “Nashville”), a sassy hacker working under the alias of “The Rising Tide” to stop S.H.I.E.L.D from hiding superheroes from the public. Skye tells Peterson that he needs to reveal himself as a hero and receive the admiration he deserves, but he is torn between the need for recognition and concern for the safety of his son. Peterson’s character is a realistic depiction of the inner conflict that many superheroes would actually experience, a side of the superhero archetype that is not often shown.

“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is also presented in true Whedon style, with witty jokes intermingled with serious action. One of the most comic moments occurs when Coulson’s resurrection is revealed, as he steps out of darkness into the light of an interrogation room. “Welcome to level 7,” Coulson says. “Sorry, that corner was really dark, I couldn’t help myself. I think there’s a bulb out.” Humor like this lightens the more serious moments within the pilot episode and provides viewers with the trademark dynamic found in Whedon’s other hit series, like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel” and “Firefly.”

Plus, who could resist the plethora of insanely cool gadgets featured on the show? There is a bright red hover-car, a highly-effective truth serum and crime-scene-investigating robots called Dwarves in the S.H.I.E.L.D. arsenal, giving the episode that classic spy movie vibe.

In terms of acting, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” is decent but not extraordinary. Clark Gregg stands out as Agent Coulson, as well as Chloe Bennet as Skye. Gregg’s humor is always well timed and skillfully delivered, a trait which most likely drew fans to him in the first place. Bennet also embodies her character well, portraying Skye with a flair of sass and a determined attitude. Also notable is Brett Dalton’s performance as Agent Ward, a field operative who has been demoted to superhero detail and must learn how to work with others.

And if the humor, characters and spy stuff don’t pull you in, the mysteriousness of the plot probably will. There are a number of things left unexplained throughout the episode, chiefly Agent Coulson’s return from the dead. Though he tells everyone that he was sent to the ICU and then to recover in Tahiti, Agent Hill indicates otherwise, as she tells a colleague that Coulson can “never know” what really happened. Additionally, as the pilot episode comes to a close, Coulson receives a call for an urgent “8-0-4,” leaving audiences with a cliffhanger to be revealed in the next episode. These mysteries will keep viewers interested and help to create continuing plot arcs as the season progresses.

Even if you’re not a fan of the “Avengers” franchise or Marvel in general, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” has something to offer. There is action, humor, suspense and even a few heartwarming moments that everyone can appreciate. So keep an eye out for “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” on ABC Tuesdays this fall. If Joss Whedon’s previous work is any indication, this new series is sure to be a hit with viewers.