One of the biggest questions about the S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series is how Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson will appear on the show since he apparently died in The Avengers. The most speculated explanation has been that the S.H.I.E.L.D. TV series would be a prequel to The Avengers.However, ABC president Paul Lee has just revealed to IGN that S.H.I.E.L.D. will not be a prequel. Paul Lee said, “There is no question that it is part of the Marvel Universe. In fact, the story takes place after the battle for New York.”With S.H.I.E.L.D. set after The Avengers, it means that Joss Whedon will somehow have to bring Agent Coulson back. While fans have been clamoring for Clark Gregg’s return, his return is also likely to stir controversy because it basically eliminates one of the key plot points of The Avengers. Agent Coulson dying was what gave The Avengers something to avenge.Even though the series might take place right after New York, Paul Lee also explained that the characters will be following their own stories. While some of the characters like Agent Coulson come from the Avengers movie, Joss Whedon is also building a whole new world for ABC.So how do you think Agent Coulson will return? The most obvious explanation will likely be that Loki killed a Life Model Decoy. However, it’s always possible that maybe Agent Coulson just appears in flashbacks and is really still dead.
