Agent Carter Recap: "Now is Not The End/Bridge and Tunnel"

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

I think I have finally learned my lesson when it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe on television after not giving Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. a fair shake.  It's a show that has quickly turned into one of my favorites, so when word came down that we were getting a special mini series by way of Agent Carter, I made sure to tune in this time around and you know what? I'm glad I did. Last night's two hour premiere was worth every minute of my time, so let's get down to recapping last night's super sized premiere of "Now is Not The End" and "Bridge and Tunnel".

The Good: Let's be honest, this is a show for the fans through and through, filled to the brim with one awesome reference and pseudo cameo after another and I loved every single second of it. The Captain America pieces completely made sense since I think it's a wonderful stroke that Carter is still struggling heavily with the loss of Steve Rogers and it works on so many levels, since it sets up Peggy Carter to not only be a woman who has lost the love of her life, but she has also lost her sense of purpose in life.  Sure, she works for the SSR still...but she has been reduced to a stereotype. A pretty dame who is good for filing and bringing the boys their coffee.

It's a stark, and undoubtedly accurate contrast of the world after the war and it sets up her secret mission to clear Howard Stark's name quite well and that's when the stakes get interesting as we get back to some good old fashioned spy work and this is where Hayley Atwell shines in the role. She can become anyone and she can handle most situations, and that brings us to the other awesome character introduced last night, her sidekick if you will, Stark's butler, Edwin Jarvis. It's cool to meet the man who sticks around in his own special way years later and he is just a joy on screen and it goes back to my earlier point...there are easter eggs abound in this show.  But, either way, these two episodes left me hooked and I'm dying to know more about Leviathan and who is behind the theft of Stark's secret weapons. Solid start to the show for sure. 

The Bad: At times however, the "go fetch us some coffee or file these papers" routine gets a little old, and quite frankly considering how badass Agent Carter was during the war, you'd think she would have a little more respect from her peers. It feels a little forced at times, and while its necessary to the story, it could have been handled differently. That's honestly my only complaint.  

The Verdict: This show is a blast. Easter eggs abound to keep the fans happy, a new and exciting plot complete with evil villains. Not to mention we finally get to see Hayley Atwell show off her depth and range as an actor and do some serious ass kicking along the way.  The show is clearly classic Marvel and I'll definitely be tuning in to see how this story ends.  

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