Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Agent Coulson – A Demonstration of Finesse – Simon McDonald

1.
Inside the S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier, the villain Shotgun – clad in black-tights-and-body-armour onesie laden with pouches, and an assortment of high-tech weaponry holstered and slung across his body – is holding a gun to Maria Hill’s head as he screams at the observing crowd, which consists of a dozen (at least) uniformed S.H.I.E.L.D agents, all with their weapons raised. Most prominent amongst them is Agent Phil Coulson, dressed in his everyday suit and tie, hands in his pockets, epitomizing nonchalance.

SHOTGUN:  I told you - - I want Fury!!

COULSON (1):  You really don’t. Trust me.
COULSON (2): I work for the guy and even I don’t want to see him.

2.
Tight on Coulson, pointing at his forehead.

COULSON: See, Fury - - he’d have shot you by now, right between the eyes. He’s like that.

3.
Shotgun is sneering, the gun pressed firmly against the side of Maria Hill’s head. The S.H.I.E.L.D agent’s eyes are wide, but not fearful. She’s looking at Coulson expectantly. She knows he must have something up his sleeve. But although Coulson’s are now out of his pockets, they’re empty; his arms hang loosely by his side.

COULSON: Me, I’m tactful. I’m all about finesse.

SHOTGUN: Bravo. Your finesse just got your girl killed.

4.
Shotgun’s expression has twisted into disbelief as his handgun refuses to fire. A hint of a smile is on Maria Hill’s face. Coulson’s also enjoying himself.

SFX: Click! Click! Click!

SHOTGUN: The hell - - ?!

COULSON (1): Oh. Right. That would be the combustion nullification field*.
COULSON (2): C’mon, pal. We’re S.H.I.E.L.D. You really thought it'd be this easy?

5.
Coulson’s grin is smug. He’s looking admiringly at his fists.

COULSON: Now, about that finesse I was referring to...

*Real S.H.I.E.L.D. technology last seen in Punisher Vol. 9, #9.

4 comments:

  1. Awesome work Sime. You haven't missed a beat.

    You bastard ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow. Right out of the gate, you pack a winner. Good show.

    ReplyDelete
  3. For a high stakes and tense little action page, it's the way you use this to show Coulson's personality that I really like. Your direction and dialogue is super confident and makes for a taught page. No wasted space here this is all gold!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fantastic display of what makes Coulson cool.

    ReplyDelete

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