While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is mostly closely associated with its massively successful blockbusters, there are a plethora of TV shows that are set within the MCU. And the first of these is ABC's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, which has had a variety of crossovers and references to the film installments. While the crossover moments have slowed in the show's later seasons, the most recent episode featured a fantastic reference to the original Avengers film, where many fans first fell in love with Agent Coulson.
In the latest episode of S.H.I.E.L.D. titled "Farewell, Cruel World!", we saw Coulson and company attempt to finally escape the Framework. Although this was easier said than done, and Coulson ended up jumping through the air and taking a few bullets to the chest. While he ended up being just fine, he took a moment took look at his bloody chest, and dryly declared that it was giving him deja vu, with the visual looking familiar.
This is a not so subtle reference to Joss Whedon's The Avengers. The groundbreaking movie saw Agent Coulson as a supporting character who meets a grim fate. While attempting to save Thor from Loki, Coulson cornered the villain with an impressive looking gun. Unfortunately, Loki always has a trick or illusion up his sleeve, as he suddenly appeared behind Coulson and stabbed him through the chest with his staff, killing the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. His own bloody chest was one of the last things he saw before his death, which is why his recent injury felt so familiar.
Coulson's sacrifice was one of the most powerful moments of the film, as his death served as the uniting force that would bring the titular Avengers together to save New York. You can check out the original iconic scene below.
You guys can't tell, but I just shed one single tear.
Coulson's death was an important plot point in The Avengers, so Marvel fans we perplexed to see him as a main character when Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. debuted on ABC in 2014. Through the show's run it was revealed that Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury offered Coulson to be brought back to life, using Project T.A.H.I.T.I. as the means. Additionally, Coulson's memories were erased, allowing him to once again to return to a regular life.
It should be interesting to see if Phil Coulson ever returns to the MCU's silver screen adventures. The next of these will be Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which hits theaters tomorrow. Be sure to check out our full 2017 release list and plan your next trip to the movies, and be sure to watch the final two episodes of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 4 on ABC.
