Since the beginning of VisionQuest, the show has introduced a variety of antagonists, from mercenary Paladin (Todd Stashwick) to the returning Ultron (James Spader), this time in a human avatar. Yet the show’s true big bad, the shadowy figure pulling all the strings, has remained a mystery. Known simply as the Client, he’s been hunting Vision (Paul Bettany) throughout the show’s run, manifesting solely as a shadowy figure watching from the sidelines.
However, by the end of VisionQuest‘s penultimate episode, the Client has stepped into the light. And honestly? His face reveal has left us with more questions than answers.
The Client is Ultron’s doppelganger.
At the end of episode 7, the Client manages to capture both Vision and Jocasta (T’Nia Miller), the synthezoid created from scientist Josephine Carrington’s (Miller) mind. Vision’s capture occurs outside Horton Manor, the house that once belonged to scientist Phineas Horton (Bettany). Horton created the first synthezoid, on which Vision would eventually be modeled.
As Vision surrenders himself, the Client emerges from within Horton Manor. He’s played by none other than Spader, now sporting a sick mustache and even sicker glasses. While we don’t get his name off the bat, the Client appears to be the person Ultron modeled his human avatar after. (And here I thought Ultron was just a big fan of The Blacklist.)
The Client also appears in Jo’s memories, which Jocasta accesses in the episode’s final moments. He’s her partner, both in business and in romance, and the pair discuss using their nanotech to become “godlike.” Between his appearance and his use of the phrase “peace in our time,” it’s clear there’s a connection to Ultron here. Yet VisionQuest will keep the exact details of that connection a secret until its finale.
Is the Client Phineas Horton’s grandson?
Even though VisionQuest is still obfuscating key details about the Client — knowing his name would be nice! — Marvel fans are still theorizing about his true identity.
Fans are speculating that the Client is really Phineas Horton’s grandson, which would make sense given that he apparently lives in Horton Manor. The timeline lines up, too: In 1939, we meet Phineas’ young daughter, Victoria. She would be over 90 years old by the time VisionQuest takes place, but if she had a child, they would likely be within the Client’s apparent mid-60s age range.
Early in episode 7, we see young Victoria stealing her father’s notebook, the same one seen among Jo’s collaborators. How does Jo end up with it? Perhaps by working alongside a family member of Victoria’s. Now, the real question becomes what the Client’s true motivations are — and why Ultron is modeled after him. Hopefully, all will be revealed come VisionQuest‘s Season 1 finale.
