Or if we were shown that just to know why Garrett still talks about Ward's weakness.

This was my read. And why when Ward struggled with the decision about killing Fitz & Simmons, when he said something about liking them is his weakness, that was the last point made before he hit the button.

I think Buddy's "still" alive (10 years ago, large breed dog, so not so much until now, but then - still alive). Garrett didn't especially want the dog dead, he wanted Ward to prove he wasn't weak. I don't think he'd have bothered to kill the dog himself. Buddy wasn't a threat, just a symbol.

I want Ward to have killed the dog. That's harder to come back from, even if no one saw you do it.

I thought he killed the dog.

I'm sure Ward killed the dog, I just think it's a cheap trope.

It's too rare in my experience to call it a trope--I'm actually annoyed by how often the dog survives for no reason other than pets are cute. Innocent humans don't get similar protection for cuteness.

I feel like pet/animal death is more a classic YA novel trope than a modern TV one. I mean, Old Yeller, Where The Red Fern Grows, The Yearling...

S.H.I.E.L.D. was renewed AND Agent Carter was ordered!!

Yay!!!!!! That Agent Carter promo, with Howard and Dum Dum, was terrific!

And SHIELD! TV to hurry home for again!

That Agent Carter promo, with Howard and Dum Dum, was terrific!

Where did you see this promo? Or do you mean the one-shot?

Yeah, I realized it was the one-shot after I posted that. But it could be a promo. I would love to see Howard pre-douchebaggery to Tony.