Watching the Marvel Cinematic Universe in chronological order makes for an interesting perspective on some of the shorts that appeared in the special features of the film releases on DVD and Blu-ray. Many of them fix problems in continuity noticed by fans while watching the films. This was the case with The Consultant, which explained why we saw Tony Stark talking to General Ross and the end of The Incredible Hulk.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer is another short in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As with The Consultant, it features Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) and shows that there is much more to him than meets the eye. This will tie in not only with the first Thor film, but also with the Agents of SHIELD television show.

Agent Coulson is on his way to New Mexico, where Thor’s hammer has crashed in the desert, when he stops for gas and snacks. As he’s contemplating his purchase, two men arrive brandishing guns to rob the cashier. Coulson slides his weapon over to them and manages to disarm them spectacularly.

Clark Gregg has been superb as Coulson all along. He’s got the right amount of gravity and seriousness for a government agent, but is also much more than that. Here, he shows off some serious skills we never knew he had. It’s all done kind of tongue-in-cheek. As soon as the robbers enter the store and make themselves known, there’s this feeling that it is not going to end well for them because Coulson is there. The clerk’s reaction (or lack thereof) also adds a touch of humor to the send-up. When Coulson can’t get a response from her, he nonchalantly leaves the premises and her to deal with the police.

There’s no freaking out that he has gained attention when he should be trying not to be noticed. There’s no worry that he’ll be tracked down for questioning. Coulson knows that it was what he had to do, and SHIELD will deal with any fallout from it. It’s that quiet confidence that really makes his character work throughout the movies and shows.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Thor’s Hammer is a nice short that lets Agent Coulson be seen as a bit more than just the guy you call to clean up a mess. Clark Gregg does a great job leaning into this with a calm self-assuredness that hits the mark for the character. It definitely could have been a great scene at the beginning of the Thor film as well.