5 Things About ‘The Avengers’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

When ‘The Avengers’ (2012) landed, it was a game-changer, uniting iconic heroes like Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America under Joss Whedon’s direction. The film’s mix of epic battles, sharp humor, and groundbreaking team-up energy made it a cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Not every moment clicked, though, and some left me scratching my head while others felt like pure genius. Below, I break down five things that didn’t add up and five that worked perfectly, alternating between the two to highlight the film’s wild ride of highs and lows. 

Loki’s Invasion Strategy – Made Zero Sense

Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, schemes to conquer Earth with an alien army, but his plan feels half-baked. Why attack only New York through a single portal, expecting to dominate the planet? It’s unclear how this limited assault would achieve global control, especially when he knows Earth has powerful defenders.

His reliance on the unpredictable Hulk and a single device, the Tesseract, makes little sense for a supposed mastermind. The plan feels more like a setup to lose than a serious bid for victory, leaving me wondering what Loki was really aiming for. 

The Avengers’ Team Dynamic – Made Perfect Sense

The way the heroes gel, despite their clashing personalities, is a highlight. Robert Downey Jr.’s witty Tony Stark spars with Chris Evans’ straight-laced Steve Rogers, while Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner bring their own flavor to the mix. Their arguments feel real but lead to trust by the final fight.

Whedon balances their egos with moments like Tony’s quips or Thor’s fish-out-of-water charm, making their unity in the New York battle feel earned. This chemistry sells the idea that these misfits can become a team. 

The Scepter’s Mind Control – Made Zero Sense

Loki’s scepter, which brainwashes Hawkeye and others, is a confusing plot device. How does it work? A quick tap turns people into loyal minions, but the film never explains the mechanics or why it’s so easy to reverse, like when Natasha knocks Clint out of it.

This vague power feels like a cheap way to create conflict and sideline Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye for most of the story. Without clearer rules, the scepter’s role comes off as a convenient excuse for drama rather than a believable threat. 

Phil Coulson’s Death – Made Perfect Sense

Clark Gregg’s Phil Coulson meets a tragic end at Loki’s hands, and it’s a pivotal moment done right. His death gives the scattered Avengers a reason to unite, hitting them emotionally, especially Tony, who admired Coulson’s quiet heroism.

The scene is simple but powerful, with Coulson’s sacrifice pushing the team to set aside their differences. It’s a smart narrative choice that raises the stakes and gives the heroes a personal reason to fight, making the final battle more meaningful. 

S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Helicarrier Security – Made Zero Sense

S.H.I.E.L.D.’s massive flying base, the Helicarrier, is a fortress, yet it’s easily infiltrated by Loki and his goons. For a high-tech agency, their defenses seem laughably weak, letting a single Asgardian wreak havoc without much resistance.

Even worse, S.H.I.E.L.D. keeps critical secrets, like their Tesseract experiments, from the Avengers, causing distrust. Why build a team if you’re not transparent? This sloppy security and secrecy feel forced to stir up conflict, not like a real agency’s actions. 

Tony Stark’s Sacrifice Play – Made Perfect Sense

Tony Stark’s decision to fly a nuke through the Chitauri portal is a defining moment. Robert Downey Jr. sells Tony’s shift from selfish playboy to selfless hero, risking his life to save New York. It’s a thrilling climax that fits his arc perfectly.

The scene’s tension, as Tony barely survives, ties the team’s efforts together. It shows his growth while proving the Avengers can handle cosmic threats, making it one of the film’s most memorable and satisfying moments. 

The Tesseract’s Purpose – Made Zero Sense

The Tesseract drives the plot as a power source, but its role is murky at best. It opens portals, powers weapons, and does vague cosmic stuff, but the film never clarifies its limits or why it’s so crucial beyond being a shiny plot device.

S.H.I.E.L.D.’s reckless experiments with it, despite knowing so little, feel irresponsible. This lack of explanation makes the Tesseract feel like a placeholder to move the story along, not a real object with defined stakes. 

The Humor and Heart – Made Perfect Sense

Whedon’s knack for blending humor with emotional beats shines throughout. Lines like Tony’s ‘genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist’ jab or the Hulk smashing Loki mid-speech land perfectly, keeping the tone light despite the high stakes.

Moments like the team’s quiet shawarma scene after the battle add warmth, showing their human side. This balance of wit and heart makes the characters relatable and the film endlessly rewatchable, grounding the superhero spectacle. 

Alien Invasion Logistics – Made Zero Sense

The Chitauri invasion feels epic but falls apart on closer look. Why do they rely on a single portal controlled by a device on Stark Tower? If it’s closed, their entire attack collapses, which seems like a massive oversight for an advanced alien army.

Also, their strategy lacks depth—swarm New York and hope for the best? There’s no backup plan or explanation of how they’d hold Earth. This simplistic approach makes the invasion feel more like a stage for heroics than a credible threat. 

The MCU’s Foundation – Made Perfect Sense

‘The Avengers’ ties together the MCU’s early films, like ‘Iron Man’ (2008) and ‘Thor’ (2011), with remarkable skill. Nick Fury’s vision, teased in post-credits scenes, comes to life as the heroes unite, setting up a shared universe that feels cohesive and exciting.

The film’s success lies in making each character’s world—Tony’s tech, Thor’s mythology, Cap’s old-school values—fit together. It’s a payoff for years of buildup, and the Thanos tease in the credits promises more, cementing the MCU’s ambitious future. 

What’s your favorite ‘Avengers’ moment, or what left you baffled? Share your thoughts in the comments!