Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. began with the mystery of Coulson’s resurrection, and it’s only fitting that its 100th episode brings his death. The series kicked off in 2013, and back then it was essentially the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s tie-in TV show. It starred Clark Gregg, reprising the role of Agent Phil Coulson - in spite of the fact his character had actually been killed in 2012’s The Avengers. Some fans initially believed that meant Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. would be set before the Marvel movies, but instead it turned out that Coulson had been mysteriously resurrected. Much of seasons 1 and 2 were dedicated to exploring this resurrection.
Now, five seasons on, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is about to celebrate its 100th episode. Unfortunately, there may not be a season 6; ABC actually tried to cancel the series at the end of season 4, but were overruled by Disney. Given that the series’ future is uncertain, how should Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. celebrate its 100th episode? Well, perhaps the best answer is a move that would take the show full-circle: Phil Coulson’s death.
Phil Coulson Is Dying
In a shocking twist, the episode “Past Life” saw Coulson stabbed by a rampaging Inhuman berzerker. The scene wasn’t really a focal point of the episode, meaning its import was initially missed by fans. At least, until a future version of Yo-Yo revealed that Coulson had taken a fatal injury. A mysterious black toxin - vaguely reminiscent of the Kree-derived toxins used by Hydra in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 2 - is spreading through his body. According to this future Yo-Yo, the attempt to save Coulson’s life is one of the events that leads to the end of the world.
So far, Coulson has kept his injury secret. It’s understandable; the S.H.I.E.L.D. team has returned to Earth as the world’s most wanted, and already they’ve detected the “light in the sky” that led to the Kree arrival on Earth. Yo-Yo’s injury in “All the Comforts of Home” is a shocking twist, confirming that everything her future self said - and did - was true. Worse still, it suggests that the Earth’s destruction is imminent.
Yo-Yo is the only one who knows Coulson is injured. Now, having realized that her future self was telling the truth, she’s sure to confront Coulson and force the truth out into the open. Crucially, she also knows that the attempt to save Coulson’s life will be a mistake. It’s not likely the others will pay close attention to that, but Coulson would certainly listen.
A Thematic Irony
There would be a certain thematic irony in killing Phil Coulson. When Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. began, it was essentially focused on the mystery of Coulson’s resurrection. In fact, the whole team had been put together by Agent May in order to assemble a group who could help if the resurrection went wrong. “I assembled the team,” May snapped at Coulson, and explained she’d subtly manipulated him into picking the agents she believed she’d need if he wound up out of control.
The first two seasons continually returned to Coulson’s resurrection, gradually revealing he had been brought back to life using Kree blood. When Coulson finally gained an understanding of the T.A.H.I.T.I. project, he wound up suffering from severe psychological effects. These ultimately led S.H.I.E.L.D. to the ancient Inhuman city, launching the Inhumans plot that has continued ever since.
Coulson’s death and resurrection dominated the first two seasons of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. They also laid the foundation for everything the series would go on to do. It would be tremendously appropriate for the 100th episode to bring the story full circle, with Phil Coulson dying once again.
How Could This Play Out?
At this stage, not much is known about Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s 100th episode. Trailers have indicated that the team will face some of their most haunting memories, including Lash, Hive, and the Ghost Rider. Coulson will be forced to reveal the deal he made with the Spirit of Vengeance back in season 4 - essentially his last mystery. Given the show has had no qualms about embracing the supernatural, it’s entirely possible Coulson sold his soul to defeat Aida.
In an interview with Screen Rant, Clark Gregg himself has said that the 100th episode “will destroy any long term fans of the show.” Coulson’s death would certainly fit with that description. Fans have become deeply invested in Coulson’s character over the last few years, especially with the will-they-won’t-they relationship between Coulson and May. Meanwhile, Coulson’s death would shake the entire team, and would certainly up the stakes through the rest of the season.
Quake Could Lead S.H.I.E.L.D.
But Coulson’s death would also fit with another theme that’s been building up through Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. The series has centered in on both Coulson and Daisy, better known to the world as Quake. Fans have seen Daisy transform, from orphan hacker to S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, from unwilling Inhuman to outright superhero. Along the way, though, the series has continually teased that Daisy could be a leader.
Back in season 4, Coulson revealed that he had Daisy pegged as a future leader of S.H.I.E.L.D.. Executive Producer Jed Whedon acknowledged this. “She’s been through a lot, so that usually turns someone from a rookie into a seasoned veteran,” he told Entertainment Weekly.“Which is what you need to lead. We’ll see if she steps up to the plate.” When S.H.I.E.L.D.’s leaders were trapped in the Framework, Daisy demonstrated the leadership skill to command a small team of agents. She was clearly a natural leader, and the experience boosted her confidence. Into Season 5, the first two episodes saw both Coulson and Daisy take charge in an impossible situation - even butting heads a little.
For Daisy to become Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. would be a logical piece of character progression. It would show that the series is always moving on, always developing and changing. If Season 5 is the end of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., it would mean that all the plot threads were tied up in a nice, neat bow. If ABC were to sign off on Season 6, it would introduce a whole new status quo, essentially leading to another relaunch.
Phil Coulson is a tremendous character, and he’s dearly loved by the fans. But, purely in thematic terms, his death would make perfect sense. It would bring resolution to some of the series’s strongest themes, and allow Daisy to step up and lead. It’s the perfect choice for the 100th episode.
MORE: Agents of SHIELD Showrunners Are Ready’ If Season 5 is the Last
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. season 5 continues next Friday March 9 with its 100th episode, The Real Deal at 9pm on ABC.
