The Consultant – Marvel’s Clever Short That Quietly Connects the Dots

🎬 Introduction

This review is part of the MCU Watch Order – explore all MCU movies and shows in order!

*The Consultant is the first of Marvel’s One-Shots – a series of short films designed to add connective depth to the MCU. It was released in 2011 as a bonus feature on the Thor (2011) Blu-ray, and runs just under four minutes. The short centers on a casual yet revealing conversation between Agents Phil Coulson and Jasper Sitwell, with surprising implications for the Avengers Initiative.

At a time when fans were eager for more background and interconnections, The Consultant delivered exactly that – a smart, concise glimpse into the behind-the-scenes bureaucracy of S.H.I.E.L.D. that helped shape the formation of the Avengers.

🧩 Story & Characters

The plot is simple but clever: the World Security Council wants Abomination (from The Incredible Hulk) to join the Avengers. S.H.I.E.L.D. doesn’t agree, so Sitwell and Coulson devise a plan: send someone so annoying that General Ross will refuse the idea entirely. Enter “the consultant” – Tony Stark.

Maximiliano Hernández and Clark Gregg bring excellent chemistry to their roles. Sitwell’s sarcasm and Coulson’s dry wit make the conversation fun, and their playful banter highlights how S.H.I.E.L.D. often works behind the scenes to manipulate outcomes without fanfare.

This One-Shot doesn’t introduce new characters or action, but it adds weight to what could’ve been throwaway lines in the main films.

✨ Style & Impact

Visually, it’s minimalist – a single office setting, two agents, and one conversation. But what it lacks in spectacle, it makes up for in tone and purpose. The dialogue is sharp, humorous, and purposeful, giving insight into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s politics.

This short recontextualizes the post-credit scene in The Incredible Hulk and explains why Tony Stark met with Ross. It’s a clever move that adds coherence to the early MCU, especially for those watching the timeline in chronological order.

The runtime is tight, but the impact is meaningful — a subtle example of Marvel’s meticulous planning.

👨‍👧‍👦 Our Experience & Recommendation

Watching The Consultant with my daughter was quick but rewarding. She enjoyed seeing familiar faces in an unusual, talk-heavy scene. It sparked fun questions like “Why didn’t they want Abomination on the team?” — and that’s exactly what these One-Shots are meant to do: deepen the universe in ways that don’t require a full film.

For dads watching the MCU in timeline order, this short is a must. It rewards viewers who pay attention and shows how even a tiny scene can shift the direction of an entire universe.

📌 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions