We've reached that climactic point in the year when the fates of most network television series are decided. However, despite no official word, Marvel remains optimistic that "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." will live to see its fifth season.

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When asked by TV Line about "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s" renewal prospects, Marvel's Head of Television Jeph Loeb replied, "We're hopeful," but didn't elaborate.

Of course, he isn't the only one who's danced around this topic in recent weeks. Earlier this month, when co-showrunner Jed Whedon was asked about a potential renewal, he said, "We are going to make it a thrilling end regardless, but we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon."

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“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” debuted in 2013 to an astonishing 11.9 million viewers and a 4.6 rating among adults 18-49. Despite opening Season Four with 3.4 million total viewers and a 1.1 rating, the ABC drama managed to drop to series lows in mid-February, drawing in a mere 2 million total viewers during the height of the "LMD" arc. However, since the start of the current "Agents of Hydra" storyline, things seem to be on a slight upswing for Agent Coulson and company, with this week's episode reeling in 2.43 million viewers and scoring a 0.8 rating -- the show's best numbers since Jan. 10.

A decision regarding "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s" fate should be revealed by May 16, when ABC takes the stage at the annual television upfronts.

Airing Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” stars Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson, Chloe Bennet as Daisy “Quake” Johnson, Ming-Na Wen as Melinda May, Iain De Caestecker as Leo Fitz, Elizabeth Henstridge as Jemma Simmons, and Henry Simmons as Alphonso “Mack” Mackenzie.