March 24, 2016

One of my favorite aspects of 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger” was its portrayal of a strong woman in a man’s world via the wonderful Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell). More than a mere love interest for Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Peggy was a military expert who thrived when given the chance to truly contribute to the war effort. The story of Captain America was as much her tale as Steve’s.

In 2013, Marvel released a 15-minute short film called “Agent Carter,” detailing Peggy’s struggles in the post-World War II work landscape. The short film was so well-received that in 2014, ABC ordered an 8-episode television series of the same name. “Agent Carter” the television show premiered in January 2015 to overwhelmingly positive reviews, and despite mediocre ratings, it was renewed for a second season, which wrapped up this March.

But don’t let the ratings fool you: this show is a masterpiece.
Season one, set in New York, follows Peggy as she tries to clear the name of Howard Stark (the father of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man), who has been framed for trafficking high-tech weapons. Right under the noses of her co-workers, who ignore her due to her gender, Peggy diligently unravels the mystery of the weapons, risking her career and life to do her job when no one else will.

The second season follows Carter’s exploits in Los Angeles, where she goes to assist the newly-founded Western bureau with a case bordering on the supernatural. It takes a lighter tone than the first season, refreshed by its new setting and the passage of time.

Hayley Atwell is a powerhouse in both seasons, carrying the show with grace, humor and poise. She brilliantly unravels all the inner workings of Peggy Carter, portraying Peggy’s journey to letting go of Steve and finding her place in the world to perfection. And while the Peggy we meet in the TV series is still the same Peggy from the movies, her growth and development is palpable, much in part due to Atwell.

She is supported by a well-rounded ensemble of supporting players. James D’Arcy portrays Edwin Jarvis, the refined yet goofy butler of Howard Stark. D’Arcy’s Jarvis becomes a lovable sidekick of sorts to Peggy, providing welcome comic relief while also delivering some of the show’s most emotional scenes.

Peggy’s co-workers in the SSR (Strategic Scientific Reserve) are a mixed bag of personality. Her superiors exhibit both intense respect and overwhelming sexism towards her. Chad Michael Murray (Hillary Duff’s love interest from “A Cinderella Story”) plays Agent Jack Thompson, a chauvinistic and arrogant war veteran full of ambition and a dark secret. Enver Gjokaj plays Agent Daniel Sousa, another war veteran with a crippled leg and a kind demeanor who harbors a crush on Peggy throughout the series. Season two introduces us to Doctor Jason Wilkes, an African-American scientist whose genius goes overlooked by many because of his race.

All of the characters are well-rounded and fleshed out, being written in a wholly realistic way. Jack Thompson may be an arrogant jerk, but he is desperate to be as good at his job as he can be and wants to do right by his country. Daniel Sousa may care for Peggy, but he can harbor a bit of a savior complex. That is why the audience grows to care for them so much; they feel like real people with real emotions. Ironically enough, a show about comic books characterizes in a very non-comical way.

The relationships between the characters prove to be as complex as the characters themselves. Some of my favorite parts of “Agent Carter” are the dynamics between Peggy, Jack and Daniel. The budding romance between Peggy and Daniel, lovingly dubbed Peggysous by fans, is wonderfully sincere, growing slowly but surely throughout the series. And Peggy’s rivalry/friendship with Jack is equally engaging as Jack slowly grows to respect Peggy as his equal.

“Agent Carter” has yet to be renewed for a third season, but I sincerely hope it is. I am not ready to say goodbye to these wonderful characters, and I want everyone who has not yet given this gem of a show a chance to say hello.

_Edited by Katherine Rosso | krosso@themaneater.com_

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