"Agent Carter" Ep 2 Recap

 Peggy, Jarvis and Sousa are still trying to solve the mystery of the mysterious black ooze but realize they might need Howard Starks help. When Thompson pays the west coast SSR division a surprise visit it’s clear that the investigation is only getting more challenging. The villains are becoming more visible as Peggy and team stop at nothing to solve this mystery, but a new dangerous mystery has begun that has lethal possibilities and few have survived that know about its existence. 

The second episode did not disappoint. There was a great little joke regarding comic book movies not being a realistic idea as Howard Stark is attempting to direct a comic book film. I enjoyed that brief moment of humor in an otherwise intense episode. The tension keeps building similar to how the structure of season 1 worked and that’s great news. It clears up a little bit that’s established and creates new difficulties or builds on moments that were mere mentions in the previous episode. 

It’s becoming clear how the hero’s and the villains will be working with and against each other in this season and it only took two episodes. It’s shows like this that prove writing done well can elevate the enjoyment factors immensely. The characters have their own personalities and they all seem to play off each other well. There were moments that felt a little forced when they were in the club but later the story led me to believe Peggy won’t be dealing with those individuals, another will. Thompson is dealing with them and it felt appropriate. Writing done well by placing characters in situations fitting for their personalities and ambitions is one positive attribute this show possesses. 

The filter that makes the show appear bleached or whitened out is somewhat peculiar. I understand that they’re using the filter to make the show appear retro and unique but I’m curious how much better the show would appear without it. Other than that, “Agent Carter” continues to delight and impress. I’m still very much enjoying this mini series on ABC. Overall, two thumbs up. Great fun.

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Agent Carter - Season 1 Recap

Season 1 of Marvels “Agent Carter” begins after Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, has been lost to sea fighting the Red Skull in his film “Captain America: The First Avenger”. Peggy Carter is part of the SSR which eventually morphs into what we know in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as S.H.I.E.L.D. She is one of the most experienced and capable individuals in the unit but she’s a woman and that poses a particular struggle she must overcome in a male dominant society. Peggy Carter finds her path and using only the abilities and connections she has, Peggy finds a way to save the day, and America. 

The overall plot of the show is this: The SSR has been notified that Stark Industries technology is being sold or stolen on the black market. This makes Howard Stark public enemy number 1. As Peggy Carter searches for the truth, her male counterparts search for Howard. The SSR encounters a strange Russian who has the power of hypnosis and the Black Widow program is proving to be a surprise difficulty that everyone must overcome in order to survive.

This show was enjoyable. Agent Carter was a delight on screen in the “Captain America” film and it only made sense to explore more screen time for her character. She has everything you want from a potential leading role. She’s charismatic, driven, motivated, intelligent and visually appealing. Peggy Carter has it all. 

The fist season looks at life post World War 2 from the eyes of the female. Having played such an important role in the activities leading up to this show it’s easy to empathize with her as she faces her male counterparts. Their blind chauvinism, as well as the majority of the men in this show, serve well to paint a picture of the struggle a woman must face in the 1940’s male dominant work force. That being said, the series is done so well that you don’t necessarily hate the men for their roles but understand their stance on things. 

The show fills you with a sense of “Yes you can!” as Agent Carter manipulates, fights and outsmarts everyone who stands in her way. At no time do you feel that Peggy is out only to prove a point but you do get a sense that she is out to be the best she knows she can be. In fact, one of the final lines of dialogue in the season she has, she says, “I know my worth” reinforcing what the viewing audience came to appreciate and enjoy. Agent Peggy Carter is a strong female lead that is out to do what is right to the best of her ability. 

The season ends by showing her finally accepting that Captain America is no more. She also shows how she is beginning to move on with one final act that I will not spoil here. As the tear runs down her face we see that she is saddened by this painful reality and understands it’s necessary to move forward. Incredibly powerful scene in that final episode of season 1, I do say. 

The characters in season 1 are all acted well. There are a few surprises regarding who does not survive and I will not spoil those loses here. I will say that learning about the Russian training program that spawned “Black Widow” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was enjoyable to see. It was quite revealing as well. I enjoyed seeing that aspect of the films mentioned in this show and I also enjoyed the back story it provided us.

Finally, Howard Stark, Jarvis and the Howling Commandos were all great additions to this show. This first season masterfully combined the characters we know to the greater cinematic world while still maintaining its own unique personality. There’s even a slight nod to “Union Jack” but if you aren’t listening you’ll miss it. It’s brief, but it’s there, and it’s one of those little details that make the show a delight.

I’m looking forward to season 2 which starts Tuesday, January 19th on ABC. I’ll be watching and I hope you will be as well. Agent Peggy Carter goes to Hollywood. This can only be good times on television. 

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"Captain America: Civil War" and Spider-Man

Concept art via cosmicbooknews.com

Recently we celebrated the 53rd anniversary of “Amazing Fantasy #15” which features the debut of the classic American super hero, Spider-Man! From the pages of comic books to television and then the big screen, fans worldwide have enjoyed the adventures of Spider-Man and all the nefarious villains who stand in his way. He was just your ordinary high school student who was given super powers and then he put on a mask to protect the ones he loved and the people of the city he lived in. Spiderman could be anyone who has it in their heart to do right and protect their family, friends and fellow man; perhaps that’s what makes the character of Spider-Man so endearing all these years.

In May of 2016, directors Anthony and Joe Russo will be presenting the third cinematic version of Spider-Man in their new film “Captain America: Civil War”.  In the comic book world the "Civil War" story line was spread over several titles and ran for over 90 issues. Teams of heroes fighting heroes and villains fighting heroes with Spider-Man caught in the middle. It's highly unlikely that the movie will capture everything in the comic books but it's not hard to imagine at some point in the film Spider-Man will be recruited for Captain America's team and at some point also for Iron Man's team. It's a knock down drag out fight between heroes for what each side believes is best and the movie going audience should be in for a cinematic treat!

Tom Holland (previously in "The Impossible" staring Ewan McGregor and Naomi Watts as well as "Locke" staring Tom Hardy) has been cast by Sony and Marvel studios to play “Spidey” for the foreseeable future and it provides the movie going audience a chance to see a sixth Spider-Man film on the big screen in 2017.  Tom Holland now joins the ranks of Tobey Maquire (Spider-Man 2002 - 2007) and Andrew Garfield (Amazing Spider-Man 2012 - 2014) who have played Spider-Man on the big screen prior to Tom putting on the mask. He also joins rank with Paul Soles, (Spider-Man animated TV series 1967 - 1970), Nicholas Hammond (Spider-Man TV series 1977 - 1979), Christopher Daniel Barnes (Spider-Man Animated TV series 1994 - 1998), Neil Patrick Harris (Spider-Man Animated TV series 2003), and finally Drake Bell (Ultimate Spider-Man Animated TV series 2012 - current) who had/have the privilege of bringing the character Spider-Man to life.

As a film franchise it’s a challenge to argue reasons why another Spider-Man movie shouldn’t be made (even with the poorly received “Spider-Man 3” directed by Sam Raimi and  “Amazing Spiderman 2” directed by Marc Webb). With five films now in the can, the Spider-Man franchise has earned more than $3 billion dollars world wide and is the sixth highest grossing film franchise of all time. These types of figures alone provide the strongest argument for additional films in this franchise. Dollars make sense in Hollywood and the movie going public is saying loudly with the dollars from their bank accounts, “We want more Spider-Man!”  And in 2016 and 2017 John and Jane movie goer will get their wish. “Spider-Man” directed by Jon Watts staring Tom Holland as “Peter Parker/Spider-Man” and Marisa Tomei as “Aunt May” with a script being penned by John Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (best known writing for the films, “Vacation” and “Horrible Bosses 2”) is scheduled for tentative release in July of 2017.

Sony and Marvel haven’t yet officially announced who the villain(s) will be in this sixth installment but the gallery of villains who constantly try and thwart “Spidey” is packed with incredible characters. During an interview with Variety, Marvel studio head, Kevin Feige explained that this version of Spider-Man will be like nothing seen previously on the big screen and even went as far as to say he envisioned, stylistically, a "John Hughes" type movie for this particular incarnation of  Spider-Man. Also he went on to say “Right now we’re interested in seeing villains we haven’t seen before” to SlashFilm. That statement alone opens up so many doors for villains like, Black Cat, Scorpion, Shocker, Morbius, Carnage, Kraven the Hunter and Mysterio (Just to name a few).

Be sure to catch up on all the Spider-Man action by watching and/or reading his incredible stories available on Blu-Ray/DVD, Netflix or in the “Spider-Man” comics (of which there are many)! Also, be sure to see Tom Holland swing into action May 6th 2016 as Spider-Man when Marvel Studios releases “Captain America: Civil War!”

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