Years: 2015-2016
Synopsis: The series follows fiercely independent, British SSR super-spy Peggy Carter in male-dominated postwar America.
Pros:
Especially in the first season, the show successfully highlighted what was wrong with postwar America, while still providing a fun old school spy plot. Carter was an engaging hero that barely navigated the deep sexism and racism of the late 1940s, while such issues are unfortunately still relevant today. In light of the revelations of Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), the show also provided further background of what became SHIELD and of early corruption via HYDRA.
Cons:
The second and last season tries too hard to differentiate itself from the first when there was no reason to do so. Some elements of the second season felt poorly written and cheesy, particularly surrounding Howard Stark, the playboy father of playboy Tony Stark (Iron Man). In the long run, Agent Carter herself became far more interesting than the overall plot.
Discussion:
This show is arguably the only example of the apparently short-lived Marvel One Shots that became more than a mildly diverting short film. It is true that Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) was featured in at least two, but they do not directly lead into Agents of Shield (2013-present). Hayley Atwell truly gave the character her all, as she did when introduced in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). It is unfortunate the show did not last more than two seasons, but given the slightly weaker second season, it might have been for the best. Plus, Agent Carter can and has shown up beyond the show.
Related:
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Rotten Tomatoes
S1 — 95%
S2 — 82%
Comments