In the second episode of the first season of Agent Carter, Peggy and Jarvis track down one of Stark’s stolen creations while trying to avoid detection. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Agent Carter.
I’d forgotten how much I liked the character of Peggy Carter from Captain America, and I’m glad that this is not the sole reason I’m enjoying this show. I’m interested in the story being given to me, but I wouldn’t say it’s entirely won me over. I’m still getting used to it, and I want to see what it has to offer. But there’s a lot to love here, so let’s discuss it!
Angie
Seriously, I’M SO THRILLED BY HER USAGE HERE. I’m glad that Peggy is given friends who are women who provide her with a loving respite from the perpetual sexism of her job. But Angie – sweet, bubbly Angie! – is infectious, a source of joy in a world that is often grim and unbearable. I’m hoping that Peggy’s time in the Griffith Hotel means that she gets more scenes with Angie and other women, especially since it’s such a cool window into the time period. (Well, a very narrow window, of course.) I hope that Angie doesn’t suffer the same fate as Connie, as I see her as a sign that Peggy deserves to have other people in her life that have nothing to do with her job.
Jarvis
I continue to be enamored with the chemistry that Peggy has with Jarvis. I don’t ship the two of them (Peggy/Angie all the way, ARE YOU KIDDING ME, the potential is fucking unreal), but I find that they’ve got a mutual respect that helps to push their characterization in an interesting direction. There’s no moment where Jarvis doubts Peggy’s abilities or skills, and thus, they’re able to achieve a cohesiveness that she lacks with literally anyone else. There’s obviously a bit of humor in watching Jarvis adjust to Agent Carter’s…style. Which continues to be: pick up anything next to her, use it to bash someone’s head in. IT’S A REALLY EFFECTIVE METHOD, I WON’T DENY THAT.
So Jarvis is more like an ally, one who can assist her without the condescension she faces from the other men she works with at S.S.R. I appreciate that, and it’s great to see him perform this role. I understand why Peggy works alone as frequently as she does. First of all, it’s a logistical issue. If she’s moonlighting as a spy within S.S.R., she can’t risk anyone knowing what she’s really doing. Granted, there’s no risk of that with Jarvis, and I think that’s why she so quickly adapts to having him around. She knows she can trust him. But given Connie’s unfortunate murder in the last episode, Peggy doesn’t want to risk anyone else’s life because of what she does. That’s the main reason she turns down Angie’s offer so many times. But, as Jarvis points out, what kind of life is that? Can she work alone forever?
Of course not. So that means that I REALLY NEED DANIEL TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH AND BECOME HER OTHER ALLY BECAUSE THIS IS CLEARLY THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME. Do not dispute me.
Nitramene
I don’t know whether I should expect Agent Carter to be this serialized beyond “Bridge and Tunnel,” but goddamn it, you throw in a mystery like this, and I get hooked. I can’t help it!!! I know it’s a heavily-used trope to have a dying character give a nonsensical clue, but I AM TRASH, I WILL FALL FOR IT, UGH.
Over the course of “Bridge and Tunnel,” Peggy and Jarvis do their best to track down the dairy truck that she spotted at Roxxon Oil, and it leads them down a complicated path to…what? We learn of the rivalry between Hugh Jones and Howard Stark, but is that meaningful to the larger story or just a red herring? I definitely didn’t expect this plot to be resolved within this episode, but I also wasn’t anticipating being given more questions to ask. Who are these agents communicating with over their Fringe-esque typewriter? Is the Leviathan a group or a thing? What was the ultimate end for Stark’s weapons? We now know that the scientist, Van Ert, was making them for Brannis, who double-crossed…someone? Whoever is in control of the Leviathan? Oh god, I don’t even feel like I’m the slightest bit right about this. I AM SO FAR FROM THE TRUTH, AREN’T I?
I also wonder how long the show is going to keep Agent Carter’s activities a secret from the rest of S.S.R. That can’t be kept up forever, can it? Now that Krzeminski found the license plate, that’ll lead them to Stark (or at least Jarvis), and Peggy can’t constantly lead a double life, can she? Mostly, I just want to see the faces of these assholes once it’s revealed that she’s more competent than all of them combined.
The video for “Bridge and Tunnel” can be downloaded here for $0.99.
Mark Links Stuff
– I am now on Patreon!!! MANY SURPRISES ARE IN STORE FOR YOU IF YOU SUPPORT ME.
– IÂ will be at numerous conventions in 2016! Check the full list of events on my Tour Dates / Appearances page.
– My Master Schedule is updated for the near and distant future for most projects, so please check it often. My next Double Features for Mark Watches will be season 1 of Agent Carter, seasons 1 & 2 of The 100, Death Note, and Neon Genesis Evangelion. On Mark Reads, Diane Duane’s Young Wizards series will replace the Emelan books.
- Mark Does Stuff is on Facebook! I’ve got a community page up that I’m running. Guaranteed shenanigans!
