While it may be true that “everything is bigger in Texas”, I’d have to also add “everything was more beautiful in the 1950’s.” I’m a sucker for garters, girdles, and guys who actually did their hair, so I visually appreciate the aesthetics of Marvel’s Agent Carter already (Also, Captain America is my fave). We begin this period piece miniseries a few years after Carter has uncomfortably settled into a life post-war, and regardless of her contributions during war time, she’s still very much a woman in a man’s world.
Undervalued, underestimated, and definitely underpaid, Carter works as a glorified secretary for the SSR (Strategic Scientific Reserve) as a day job, which proves useful for recon when Howard Stark enlists her help after being accused of knowingly selling his weapons to the enemy, and losing track of some other dangerous — albeit premature — inventions. Solid aim, a matte red lipstick, and a good right hook haven’t gone stale on Agent Peggy Carter (The Duchess‘ Hayley Atwell), and she finds herself in need of all three as she discovers Leviathan is the new “Hydra.” It’s possible Tony’s dad (the returning Dominic Cooper, as Howard Stark) doesn’t have the best intentions with Ms. Carter after all, as the pilot comes to a close.
Episode 2, “Bridge and Tunnel”, presents its own personal and professional challenges for Carter while attempts to get closer to the mystery surrounding Leviathan, and apartment hunts for herself in New York City. Both tasks would be infinitely easier without the Captain America Adventure radio show incessantly playing, that portrays a weak Damsal-in-distress being saved by her missing patriotic partner. More details about Leviathan and Stark’s missing WMDs are slowly revealed with help from Stark’s British butler, who else but Edwin J.A.R.V.I.S. (Master & Commander‘s James D’Arcy) who is slowly growing on Carter, whether she likes it or not; and it’s about time she enlists some help, because the boys at the SSR are closer to her trail than she realizes.
Overall, this series is a cute look into a storyline that wouldn’t have been explored in theaters (but for the record I’m still pulling for Captain America being sent back in time to the 40’s-50s because, hell, clothes fit better back then — and DAYUM he’s a good lookin’ gent). Period pieces are especially difficult to pull off without an HBO-like budget (just ask “Vegas”). And despite the fact the cinematic quality of this show is not on par with anything of premium cable, it’s OK because “mini-series” is code for “we just didn’t feel like trying that hard.” The wardrobe is great, the sets are appropriate, and I love the fact that Carter’s undercover capabilities are like the layers of an onion we’re still peeling back.
Although I’d love to see her find a new love interest in this series, I’m not sure if she’ll actually get over Steve, and to be honest girl, neither would I.
- Agent Carter‘s Marvelous Easter Eggs: Cause everybunny loves ’em. Maybe the most obvious egg of all (besides the aforementioned Jarvis, of course) is Roxxon Oil. Sure, they’re the Exxon Mobil of today’s Marvel Cinematic Universe (just watch the Iron Man films), but they’ve had a far more sinister past than you think. it should be interesting to see whether Roxxon is depicted in a lighter manner for helping founded S.H.I.E.L.D., or for their far more sinister intentions. Also, the first door Steve Rogers ever ripped off also happens to be that of the company we see here: Lucky Star Cab.
- Yup. That Russian brainiac helping out Ms. Carter and the good butler is none other than the dad of Ivan Vanko (a.k.a. Mickey Rourke’s Whiplash), Anton Vanko. Of course, in the comics, Anton becomes Crimson Dynamo– but Feige and Friends took the initiative to make Rourke’s villain a more compelling one, combining both the likes of Lash and Baby Crimson. Either way, this is cool; expect a not-so-cool outcome for Howard and his Soviet scientist pal. There’s also a nod to Dr. Erskine (played by Stanley Tucci in First Avenger), when Peggy digs for a VitaRay calibrated detector. Cool.
Marvel’s Agent Carter airs on Tuesdays at 8.