Agents of SHIELD's Melinda May is in dire straits, and the clock is ticking.

The premiere ended badly for SHIELD's taciturn powerhouse, allowing Ming-Na Wen's character to fall victim to the series spectral mystery box (see video below). Now the race is on to unlock the truth before May becomes a ghost herself.

By time episode 3 rolls around, Fitz (Iain De Caestecker) and Radcliffe (John Hannah) will be the only people standing between Melinda and an untimely demise.

"As Coulson, Mack and Fitz attempt to track down and neutralize a rogue group looking to end Inhuman Registration worldwide, Simmons and Dr. Radcliffe only have hours to save May before she succumbs forever to her mysterious illness," ABC teased of Oct. 11's "Uprising."

Generally controlled and calculated, May will experience what it's like to spiral out of control.

"It starts to affect May's perception of things," Wen told Entertainment Weekly. "It's almost like being on LSD, but worse. It's not good. You never want May out of control. You don't want her to be paranoid."

When Agents of SHIELD airs tonight, however, May's ailment won't be the team's primary concern. Between Ghost Rider, Quake, and the agency's mysterious new director, Coulson's (Clark Gregg) is racking in the problems. Named Jeffery (possibly Jeffery Mace?), Phil's replacement will unveil his real agenda during "Meet the New Boss."

"Daisy goes to battle Ghost Rider at a terrible cost, and Coulson faces the new Director, and his bold agenda surprises them all," ABC previewed.

Find out what's next for May, Coulson, and the rest of the crew when Agents of SHIELD airs tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. Click the vide below to see a preview for the series' next episode.

Tags: Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. television ABC Marvel