"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: Ep 1 Season 2 Recap

Season 2 begins immediately where season 1 left off. Agent Carter and the men of the SSR seem to be working strategically to capture Dottie Underwood, soviet spy. Team work prevails and Dottie is captured and brought back to SSR headquarters for detainment and interrogation. Meanwhile near Los Angeles California, newly appointed West Coast station head, Daniel Sousa has stumbled upon a most curious and chilling discovery. The decision is made to send help and Agent Carter is off to Hollywood. 

Working closely with Sousa once again Carter finds that things and people don’t function the same as in New York and a new approach and strategy must be found. Agent Carter and team are trying to solve the mystery of the freezing, glowing people when things become even more complicated. A new secret order of influential people adds further difficulties. Unbeknownst to Agent Carter, this new evil force is pulling the strings from the shadows. The team is slowly building towards a discovery when the newest member of the team finds himself in peril. With little time left, Agent Carter realizes that perhaps Jarvis was right. Maybe there isn’t a single person who can carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, alone and everyone needs backup. 

I was not disappointed in the level of fun delivered in this show. It continues to exude that special charm from season 1. It’s a delight seeing Agent Carter, Sousa and Jarvis back in action. There are a few new faces as well that have promise to bring their own unique flair to the show, adding wit, laughs and ulterior motives. 

It’s clear that the special effects team is the same group as in “Agents of SHIELD” and that doesn’t bode well for this show. I do understand how Peggy Carter is part of the SSR (Strategic Scientific Reserve) and that certain anomalies will appear that only her and her team can handle. I would prefer they not appear so fake or CGI specific. The charm of season 1 relied in part on the predominant use of practical effects (the cars exploded or caught fire, buildings blew up, guns were shot, people were punched and kicked, etc). I was not a fan of the glowing frozen people or mysterious ooze that creates black holes. It reminded me more of events I’d see in “Agents of SHIELD” and I don’t care for that show, at all.

I’m hoping as this season continues we will see a departure from the bizarre and a return to practical. I do enjoy the science fiction and the bizarre however I did not believe they were well placed in this premier episode. I want this show to maintain it’s charm and barely, if at all, connect to that unimaginative and poorly written show, “Agents of SHIELD”. This show can stand on its own as it proved in season 1. It doesn’t need to connect to the other show. There are decades of time and stories to join with before the events of that other show occur. Stay away from what doesn’t work and get back to what delights and entertains me and everyone who agrees. 

I’m not giving up on Agent Carter and I hope you don’t either. We have a few more episodes of possible redemption. I have faith that when Peggy Carter saves the day, she will also save the show.

PS: I did enjoy, more than I probably should have, the scenes where Jarvis was dealing with or chasing the pink Flamingo.

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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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