Agent Carter, Episodes One and Two (2014)

Agent Carter, Episodes One and Two (2014)

• Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Once upon a time any productions set in the latter eras – like 30’s, 40’s or 5o’s, weren’t my cup of tea. Why I don’t know. Ever since a certain BBC production found a way to charm my TV sensibilities, I’ve been a diehard fan. Works out nicely since Marvel decided to take the 1940’s by storm.  

Working in a world dominated by men isn’t ideal. Still, Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) isn’t about to let her juvenile coworkers and the male-run office set her back. She does twice as much as any man she works with and she does it all without a second thought. Right before the war ended, Peggy lost someone dear to her and as a result, she’s built up a wall. No one gets close to her because of this – when people do, they die. Connected to the events that took war hero Steve Rogers life is the supposed betrayal of billionaire American inventor, Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper). Stark is rumored and reported to have betrayed his country by selling secrets.

After ducking out on hearings and escaping prosecution, Howard is one of the most-hunted men by the government. He recruits Peggy in secret, asking her to commit treason to clear him. Happy to see a familiar face, she agrees and he leaves behind his trusty butler Jarvis (James D’Arcy) while he escapes the country. As the two begin pulling apart puzzle pieces, it leads them into a dangerous game.  

Picking up the pieces nearly right after the events of the demise of Captain America (from the first film), this miniseries of a TV show is as heartbreaking as it is exciting. In the 2-hour premiere (comprised of the first two episode), the script doesn’t take Peggy for granted and allows her quiet moments in which we see her grieve the loss of Steve. It’s a nice transition from when we last saw this character until now. What’s so brilliant about this character, the writing and the world itself is how the inner-workings are so connected to the bigger universes of Marvel (much of which is cumulated in The Avengers). It certainly stands on its own, but is also all the more entertaining if you know how said worlds play out. Even though I’ve seen most if not all of the Marvel productions (big and small screen), some of the references may have gone over me, yet there are plenty I did appreciate. Nods to Iron Man’s origins are present in Cooper’s Stark and also to Tony’s Jarvis in D’Arcy’s pristine, by-the-book butler. (This Jarvis character... I basically heart him.) Then there are the memories and very present albeit missing Steve Rogers.  
 

It’s because of her past that there is a kind of fragility to this titular character. That being said, this is actually what enabled her to be strong. Never fear those of you who detest weak heroines. There is none of that to be found here. Anyone who has no tolerance for a character that is less than kick-butt tough won’t be disappointed and for those of us who just love a good period drama, there is plenty of delights to go around. Prior to this premiere, I saw somewhere that this much-hyped series might disappoint because it’d come in less spectacular due to its small-screen status. I beg to differ. I saw no sign of lacking sets or effects suffering due to any sort of restricted budget. The entire production was smashing! From the sets to the gadgets and costumes, it sparkled. Really, the costumes deserve dedicated page time, but suffice to say, everything about them was helpful in putting the viewer in mind of an era in which everything changed. The banter and quips was beyond brilliant and of course, Hayley Atewell shines in this role. Seeing a mix of American and British talent seems to be a standout quality and whether or not we see more of Agent Carter (beyond the ordered episodes), this is a collection anyone who likes British productions will want to watch. Also starring in the two hours is Lyndsey Fonseca and Chad Michael Murray.

If there is something to complain about, it’d be growing attached to some of the cast members and noticing they’re not all billed for the 8-episode run ABC has planned. (Yes, I did become fond of several in the mere two-hours it premiered in, which by the way, wasn’t nearly long enough.) For example, little as he was in it, I liked Daniel (Enver Gjokaj ) and cannot help but feel he has a story to tell. Then I noticed Jarvis isn’t featured in all upcoming installments. That being said, sometimes information isn’t updated whether it’s to keep up guessing or lack of knowledge from the people “in the know,” I don’t know. Either way, I hope more of these characters continue to play prominent roles in Peggy’s life.

Anyone who likes the Marvel universes is liable to fan-girl like crazy over this one. It’s the first female-driven production to come from their world and what a splash it makes. Last night, my Twitter timeline was lit up with quips of its awesome-ness and I cannot say as I blame fellow fans. Agent Carter is a memorable television experience. It sets up sinister happenings and leaves us hoping Peggy will always outwit those surrounding her. What’s great is the wide range of appeal the show promises. Those of us who adore Marvel’s creations are sure to be happy with this small-screen addition. Then there is plenty of interest for anyone who is new to the fandom or someone who isn’t particularly fond of the superhero fad. Agent Carter has lots of atmospheric quality and will pique fans of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries or any British mystery series. Beyond that, all I have to say is: go and watch this!