and them not knowing still that Coulson is alive." The episode explains the film's lack of acknowledgement of the Inhumans and the wider effects of the Accords—due to the film having been written before the series' third season began production—by noting that S.H.I.E.L.D. would have to become "a legitimate organization again" if it revealed itself and the Inhumans to the general public, and "with that would come any rules and regulations that come with government oversight" which would interfere with the groups' attempts to defeat Hive. The episode also acknowledges the death of Peggy Carter in Civil War, which executive producer Jeffrey Bell said was important for the series due to her role in the universe as a founder of S.H.I.E.L.D., adding, "Any time we can make a connection to her, whether in a flashback or dealing with what’s happening now, it makes the universe smaller." At the time of "Emancipation"'s airing, the fate of the character's own television series Agent Carter was unknown, with several outlets noting that this could be a surprise, meta-announcement of that series' cancellation. ABC officially canceled the series two days later. Broadcast "Emancipation" was first aired in the United States on ABC on May 10, 2016. Reception Ratings In the United States the episode received a 0.9/3 percent share among adults between the ages of 18 and 49, meaning that it was seen by 0.9 percent of all households, and 3 percent of all of those watching television at the time of the broadcast. It was watched by 2.93 million viewers. References External links "Emancipation" at ABC Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (season 3) episodes 2016 American television episodes Marvel Cinematic Universe crossover episodes