Now Is Not the End

Now Is Not The End

Agent Carter opens up with Peggy Carter, now a secretary, for the Strategic Science Reserve. Similar to the MARVEL ONE SHOT that precedes this series, Agent Carter is a lonely woman in a sea of annoying suits that believe she's only in her spot because of her romantic relationship with Captain Steve Rogers. Unfortunately, regardless of her talents as an agent, Peggy is going to have to fight for her right to have a seat at the SSR table.

Howard Stark is in trouble for selling dangerous weapons to the enemy, but he claims he is being framed to take the fall. He is begging Peggy to help him clear his name and to find the weapons that are being sold nearby. With Peggy on board to help her friend and prove herself to SSR, she finds the weapon which centers herself deep in trouble. Devastating events unfold in episode one that make it clear to Peggy she needs to be a better agent.

Episode 1 was a great watch and it hooked us into the series. Watching men underestimate a woman time and time again is literally the best thing ever. Peggy Carter is a strong character and I can't wait to see what she does to put these good ol' boys in their place.

For the MCU's first female led TV/movie, they sure struck gold. Atwell's performance in the First Avenger proved that she's strong and doesn't bow down to the man, especially in the 40's. Atwell's Carter is proved an even greater heroine in her first episode. Her abilities as an agent, in physicality, manipulation and intelligence, were incredible.

One thing I must give credit for is making this show look like it actually is in the 40's. Not just the set design, wardrobe and cars but also the cinematography, making it a kind of bright, hazy appearance that gives it the sense of it being aged.

I did very much like all the characters, not only Carter. It was great to see Howard again and that he is still the same and very much like Tony. Jarvis has a sort of polite bravery and naivety that makes him so likable. The agents are good too, Sousa is very humble and knows that Carter deserves more. Thompson is a cocky guy but sure knows what he is doing and is a capable agent, same goes with Chief Dooley. I very much like that these agents are quite capable and while they are behind Carter on the case, they are still able to keep up.

While I do like the connections to the First Avenger, since it is set about a year after that film, it did go a tad too much, in my opinion, showing flashbacks to Steve crashing the plane, vita-rays, Carter mourning over Cap. It seemed like a reminder that it was after the film instead of just partially referencing it. I also thought the sexism in the show was kind of overdone. I do understand that in the era, women aren't truly recognized for their abilities, and that it is to show the obstacles Carter has to overcome, it could have been lessened and still be made relevant.

The writing and directing in this show is fantastic, setting up the story for a miniseries while not showing too much to do or too much to know.

+ Atwell's Carter + Supporting Cast + Great work making it look like the 40s + Writing and directing - Too much First Avenger references - I get it, sexism is rampant in the 40s

Final Score: 8.7/10

It's 1946 New York and Agent Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) is working at the Strategic Scientific Reserve, a government agency. She might have "Agent" in her title, but the male agents treat her like a secretary, or worse. She overhears a conversation about a case involving a stolen formula and decides to do some investigating on her own. She soon discovers, however, that the formula has already been turned into a weapon.

I'm so happy to discover that Agent Carter isn't one of the shows where each episode is one and done. Instead, I'm delighted at the prospect of a season long story arc. And what a great beginning! Dead bodies, undercover work, explosions, and Howard Stark's butler, Jarvis - a nice start. What little plot I have so far is interesting enough. While a lot of the specifics aren't yet clear, I consider that a good thing. Also, as much as I enjoy watching Peggy get one over on the baddies, I equally enjoy watching her get one over on her chauvinistic co-workers - even if they don't know it yet. A lot of promise to the series.

Looking forward to episode 2.

7/10

Hayley Atwell reprises Agent Carter in her own television series. Using clips from Captain America: The First Avenger, this series is set after the second world war as Agent Carter works for the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR.) The organisation that was succeeded by SHIELD.

The SSR is male dominated and chauvinistic. Agent Carter gets the brunt of it.

With the paranoia that manifested itself in the USA of the 1950s. The American government are after Howard Stark who is held in contempt for failing to appear in a Congress hearing and regarded as a traitor for selling his dangerous inventions to the highest bidder.

Howard Stark turns to Agent Carter for help to clear his name and his butler Jarvis provides her with assistance.

This episode has a wonderful period setting, it looks good visually. In contrast to Captain America: The First Avenger which was shot in Manchester, England which stood in for New York.

The pacing is good. Carter glams up to use her feminine charms and also gets to kick ass.

The first episode is forming an arc, it has more organic links with the Marvel movies and it is clear money was spent here.

To the showrunners,

Agent Carter is supposed to be smart. So having her make stupid mistakes is going to undermine the audience's ability to believe your little show. So if she asks someone to dip her at a dance to avoid being seen, don't have her immediately look right back with her face clearly visible; this makes no sense.

And don't make her a hypocrite either. If she faults someone for standing up for her, don't end the episode by having her standing up for another character. (If something isn't appropriate behavior at one juncture, it's not suddenly going to be okay for the lead character to do it later.) The first time I attempted to watch this show, back when it first came out, this alone was why I stopped watching.

I am presently trying again. Hoping it gets better.