Since its launch, Disney+ has revolutionized the television industry with its Marvel content. Series like WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, and Loki have all explored secondary MCU characters with varying degrees of success. This marks a refreshing change from a few years ago when Marvel’s TV efforts had little connection to the ongoing cinematic universe. Agent Carter, starring Hayley Atwell, is one such series that unfortunately fell through the cracks during the early TV phase of the MCU. Created by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the writers of the first two Captain America films, the show was overshadowed by low viewership and met an untimely end after just two seasons, leaving fans with a massive unresolved cliffhanger. While Agent Carter is given another chance in the MCU series What If…?, it does not excuse the cancellation of the original show. It deserved the opportunity to conclude its story, not only for its stellar performances but also for its captivating blend of over-the-top espionage and sci-fi, representing a unique period in Marvel lore.
Agent Carter revolves around the character Agent Margaret “Peggy” Carter in the aftermath of World War II. She continues to serve the United States as part of the Strategic Scientific Reserve (S.S.R.), a wartime agency that later becomes S.H.I.E.L.D. In the first season, Carter mourns the loss of Steve Rogers and sets out to prove the innocence of Howard Stark with the help of his butler, Edwin Jarvis. She also faces sexism within the S.S.R. and strives to prove herself as a capable agent. The second season sees Carter traveling to Los Angeles to investigate a scientific anomaly and a conspiracy involving an actress and a secret organization.
What sets Agent Carter apart is its unique identity within the Marvel catalog as a post-war spy thriller set in the late 1940s. This period of history has been largely unexplored in the MCU, except for glimpses of Howard Stark and references to Hydra in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Agent Carter delves into this period, laying the foundation for S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra, two organizations that heavily influenced U.S. politics in the MCU. It explores a pre-Avengers landscape where superheroes were still a new concept, focusing on the unsung heroes who operated behind the scenes to keep Earth safe. Additionally, the show sheds light on the agents of the S.S.R. and their impact on the government, adding depth to the rise and fall of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the characters like Bucky Barnes and Alexander Pierce.
One of the key strengths of Agent Carter is its lead performance by Hayley Atwell. She brings a remarkable intensity and wit to the character, building on her portrayal in Captain America: The First Avenger. As Peggy Carter, she is a formidable force, capable of going head-to-head with formidable adversaries and confronting the misogynistic culture of her industry. Yet, she also embodies the moral compass of Steve Rogers, occasionally to her own detriment. Atwell’s portrayal beautifully captures the grief and emotional journey her character goes through, paralleling the exploration of grief seen in WandaVision. The show also boasts a talented supporting cast, including Shea Whigham as S.S.R. Chief Dooley, Enver Gjokaj as Agent Daniel Sousa, Chad Michael Murray as Agent Jack Thompson, and James D’Arcy as Jarvis.
Agent Carter also introduces intriguing villains. The first season introduces Leviathan, a Russian organization involved in the Cold War. The two main figures representing Leviathan, Dotty Underwood and Johann Fennhoff, bring a thrilling dynamic to the show. Fennhoff’s hypnotic deception scenes are particularly compelling, providing an escape from the harsh realities of the Cold War. Season 2 introduces Whitney Frost, a captivating character based on the Marvel comics alias Madame Masque. Whitney Frost’s journey as an actress and scientific genius adds depth to the series.
Despite its strengths, Agent Carter struggled to find a larger audience. The show occasionally became convoluted in its efforts to tie together each character’s backstory and plotlines. It sometimes felt like the story was going in circles before building up to the more exciting moments. Additionally, the show had its share of forgettable, stereotypical 1940s roles and lacked the same production value as the MCU films. Nonetheless, Agent Carter remains a standout series within the MCU, providing a unique perspective and shining a spotlight on the beloved character of Peggy Carter.
In conclusion, Agent Carter is a testament to the talent and creativity of the MCU. It may not have received the recognition it deserved, but it will forever hold a special place in Marvel history. Both seasons of Agent Carter are available for streaming on Disney+.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
