Agent Carter was one of my favorite shows last year and offered a different viewpoint on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I love Daredevil and Jessica Jones; they offer a much grittier version of the MCU. If dark and gritty are the words that best describe Netflix’s offerings, then fun and whimsical are the words that best describe the adventures of Peggy.
Each week I’ll provide a recap of Agent Carter, as I enjoy the show but also because it’s important to highlight the female heroes in the MCU.
Peggy
Most of Agent Carter’s success has to do with Hayley Atwell’s portrayal of Peggy Carter. Atwell has been playing Carter for almost five years. Her turn in Captain America: The First Avenger has led to multiple appearances in Marvel’s movies and her own series. Peggy is a strong, confident and extremely capable agent. The fact that she’s a woman seems to matter to everyone else except for Peggy. With one season under her belt, Atwell seems even more comfortable in her role, which has led to an even more engaging performance.
Relationships
Another central theme to Agent Carter is the relationships. Relationships are central to the human experience so they need to be a part of any story. Even when a show deals with super powers and secret societies, the relationships help it stay grounded. One of my favorite relationships from the first season continues into the second. Jarvis and Peggy form the perfect duo without any need for romantic undertones. They’re both British citizens navigating the insanity of the United States, life with Howard Stark and the craziness of the MCU. Jarvis gives Peggy a true friend outside of her life at the SSR. Peggy’s relationship with Souza is far more complicated this season. After Peggy turned him down for a drink, Souza moved to California, got a girlfriend and didn’t return any of Peggy’s calls. I didn’t realize how invested I was in Peggy and Souza’s relationship until I yelled at the TV and told Souza that he didn’t love his girlfriend because he loved Peggy.
Prejudice
I’m glad I don’t live in the 1940s. Not only were Japanese Americans interred during World War II, but also life was generally a lot more difficult for minorities and women. I’ve never really experienced racism or sexism so I can’t speak fully to their impact. And while I know there is still systemic racism in our country, I am happy that it isn’t nearly as blatant as it used to be. Racism still exists in our country, but at least schools aren’t segregated anymore; that’s a really good thing. Prejudice and racism have no place in the kingdom of God. God created everyone and loves everyone; in a just society everyone is treated equally and afforded the same opportunities. The new heaven and the new earth will be filled with people from every tribe and nation praising God together. Getting beyond racism and prejudice today will help that vision of the new heaven and the new earth become more of our reality.
Agent Carter is filled with great characters, exciting action and genuine moments of hilarity. I’m glad that the show is back for its second season and that this season will be 10 episodes instead of eight. If you haven’t yet watched Agent Carter I strongly recommend it. It is a wonderful show and we should support any amount of diversity in the MCU.
What did you think of Agent Carter’s second season premiere?
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