It looks as if Marvel Studios has lastly cracked the code to tv: final yr noticed two Marvel-based TV reveals, X-Males ’97 and Agatha All Alongside, obtain vital acclaim — in addition to a fan fervor that is hardly ever seen for Marvel’s small-screen tasks. However this is not the primary time the Marvel Cinematic Universe has launched a tv sequence. Ten years in the past this week, Marvel Tv launched Agent Carter on ABC — a spy sequence revolving round Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) following the occasions of Captain America: The First Avenger. Peggy has to work to clear the title of Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) when Howard’s weapons begin falling into the arms of international spies. With the assistance of Howard’s butler, Edwin Jarvis (James D’Arcy), Peggy carries out clandestine missions whereas working for the Strategic Scientific Reserve (S.S.R.) and coping with the lack of Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). Agent Carter was sadly canceled after two seasons, however it managed to tie into the MCU with out being totally beholden to different movies — and even cemented a spot for Peggy Carter in future tasks.

‘Agent Carter’ Has Wider Hyperlinks to the MCU, however Isn’t Depending on Them

Trying again at Agent Carter, it is stunning what number of points of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are touched upon in Season 1. Not solely does Howard play a key position within the plot, however Peggy comes into contact with Anton Vanko (Costa Ronin), who’s one in every of Howard’s companions: their sons Ivan and Tony will come to blows in Iron Man 2. Peggy additionally has to take care of the revelation that her next-door neighbor, Dottie Underwood (Bridget Reagan), is secretly a Black Widow — sure, the identical as Scarlett Johansson‘s Natasha Romanoff. Season 2 took this even additional, pitting Peggy in opposition to actress Whitney Frost (Wynn Everett); Marvel Comics followers will acknowledge Frost because the alter ego of terrorist mastermind Madame Masque. And, after all, Jarvis will function an inspiration for the pc program that Iron Man makes use of all through the MCU — even serving to give beginning to the Imaginative and prescient (Paul Bettany). What made Agent Carter distinctive amongst Marvel reveals is that it did not use its larger hyperlinks to the MCU as a stepping stone to different movie or tv tasks; slightly, it hinted on the wider world whereas nonetheless conserving the deal with Peggy’s spy adventures.

Agent Carter additionally boasted some severe artistic pedigree within the type of Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who helped develop the present alongside Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters. Markus and McFeely wrote all three Captain America movies along with Avengers: Infinity Warfare and Avengers: Endgame; from the very first episode, “Now Is Not The Finish,” the duo’s reward for balancing action-packed scenes with heartwrenching moments is on full show as Peggy is proven coping with sexist colleagues within the S.S.R. whereas additionally struggling to maneuver on after shedding Steve. Moreover, stated pilot was directed by longtime Marvel Studios producer Louis D’Esposito, who beforehand helmed an Agent Carter quick movie that acts as a prequel to the sequence; the second episode, “Bridge and Tunnel,” kicked issues up a notch by having Joe Russo — sure, the identical Joe Russo who helmed Infinity Warfare and Endgame — within the director’s seat.

‘Agent Carter’ Boasted a Proficient Forged Enjoying Nicely-Rounded Characters

The one factor extra spectacular than the individuals behind the digital camera on Agent Carter is the solid in entrance of it. Atwell headlined a gifted solid, and her dynamics with every member of the ensemble add layers to the present’s narrative. Her chemistry with D’Arcy is a delight; whereas Peggy is used to the subtleties of spycraft, Jarvis is woefully out of his depth, making for some nice comedic moments. Peggy additionally has to navigate a office the place the remainder of the S.S.R., together with chief Roger Dooley (Shea Whigham) and hotshot agent Thompson (Chad Michael Murray), both do not use her to her full potential or belittle her.

In the meantime, the supporting characters that stand out in Agent Carter’s solid are Peggy’s buddy Angie (Lyndsey Fonseca) and her fellow S.S.R. agent Daniel Sousa (Enver Gjokaj). Angie supplies some much-needed levity, particularly when she encourages Peggy to get out and date, and Sousa seems to be a much-needed ally in addition to a possible romantic curiosity. Additionally they relate to her wrestle, as Angie struggles to interrupt into performing — and offers with clients harassing her at her waitress job — whereas Sousa is usually handled as lower than a person as a result of struggling an damage in warfare. By crafting characters who’re simply as attention-grabbing as its protagonist, Agent Carter ensured it was a standout amongst Marvel’s tv choices.

‘Agent Carter’ Was Canceled on a Cliffhanger

Whereas Agent Carter was finally canceled as a result of ebbing viewers, its Season 2 finale, “Hollywood Ending,” closed on a slightly irritating cliffhanger: Thompson, who had turn out to be chief of the S.S.R. within the hole between Seasons 1 and a couple of, was shot by a mysterious determine who is seemingly serious about searching Peggy. This left the sequence with an awesome hook for a 3rd season that it will by no means comply with up on, and previous to Agent Carter‘s cancelation, Maureen Ryan wrote a stirring essay for Selection that highlighted all of the methods Agent Carter stood out from different superhero fare: it wasn’t as darkish as Daredevil and its deal with a feminine protagonist was a welcome break from the norm: “A 3rd “Agent Carter” season may assist solidify Marvel’s standing not simply with feminine followers, however with everybody who appreciates glorious and adventurous storytelling.”

Alas, it was not meant to be, as Atwell had signed up for the lead in one other ABC drama. Conviction was a authorized drama that featured Atwell as protection lawyer Hayes Morrison — who, not like Peggy Carter, was a scorching mess. Morrison finally ends up main the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), a corporation tasked with reevaluating sure legal instances. The catch? They solely have 5 days to ship a verdict. Conviction was neither a vital darling, as reviewers beloved Atwell however discovered the present to be a slog, or a long-running present; it was canceled after one season.

Peggy Carter Continues To Thrive within the MCU Regardless of ‘Agent Carter’s Cancelation

Regardless that Agent Carter has met its finish, Hayley Atwell has reprised her position as Peggy Carter in different MCU tasks. Peggy returned in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man the identical yr Agent Carter premiered, and later confirmed up in Endgame, the place it was revealed that she and Steve Rogers bought their completely satisfied ending through time-travel.

However the greatest use of Peggy has been What If…?, the place Atwell performs Captain Carter — a model of Peggy who took the Tremendous Soldier Serum in Steve’s place. Captain Carter made an look in all three seasons of What If…?, and Atwell even briefly performed the position in live-action in Physician Unusual within the Multiverse of Insanity. So far as future tasks within the MCU are involved, Avengers: Doomsday is reportedly set to characteristic her in a thriller position. In the course of the Season 1 finale of Agent Carter, Peggy tells her fellow S.S.R. brokers, “I do know my worth.” It is a sentiment that Marvel Studios appears to agree with, as Peggy’s frequent appearances have cemented her — and, by extension, Atwell — as a serious a part of the MCU, despite the fact that her personal solo sequence was finally short-lived.

Agent Carter is offered to stream on Disney+.

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