ana jarvis

Agent Carter 2×10 “Hollywood Ending” Recap

Spoilers Ahead

I feel as though the episode should’ve been titled “Hollywood Beginning” instead.

Episode Summary: “Hollywood Ending” picks up six seconds after “A Little Song and Dance” ends, but the enormous explosion is surprisingly not Jack’s fault. Howard Stark returns and with the help of his (strange) friend Joseph Manfredi, the team manages to beat Whitney in her game. Zero Matter is permanently removed from both Jason and Whitney. Peggy chooses her happy ending. Ana Jarvis returns home. And Jack’s left in a critical state with Peggy’s files in an unknown man’s hand.

Review | Analysis: “Hollywood Ending” did what Agent Carter does best; it reminded its viewers of the importance of unity while keeping a wonderful balance between heart and humor. I have no plans to write about this season finale as though it’s the end because much like Ana Jarvis, optimism runs heavily in my veins. There’s a lot to be appreciated about this particular finale, and it’s mainly due to the fact that through each and every character we met last year, we’ve seen palpable growth (except maybe in Howard, but we all need that one ridiculous friend, right?). And that’s precisely why we need to move forward with the series because there are still countless stories to be told.

The reason Agent Carter is Marvel’s most inexpressibly unique series is because of how well it works around its characters in the 1940s. It’s without a doubt one of the most female dominant series, but it’s also the one that promotes the significance of equality most eloquently. And that not only comes from the fact that each of its characters fit into the storyline, but the writers know how to give us profound moments in the most subtle ways. If this were any other series, the finale would’ve felt anti-climatic, but for Agent Carter, it works. I did however feel as though there wasn’t enough Peggy and that may have actually been the biggest flaw.

However, the most important component the finale dealt with is Peggy Carter’s happiness. And that’s fundamentally what this series has always been about. Yes, Peggy’s an incredibly strong female agent at a time where the men don’t see her fit, but at the end of the day, it comes down to her moral compass and happiness — the importance of choosing for ourselves and moving forward with honor despite what the world attempts to throw in our paths.

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Agent Carter 2×08 “The Edge of Mystery” and 2×09 “A Little Song and Dance” Recap

Spoilers Ahead

Does anyone else feel as though they’ve just gotten off a wild roller coaster?

Episode Summary: There was a lot of double crossing and way too many plans to keep up with, but the best news is, Ana Jarvis is alive. Peggy and Jarvis argue over everything that’s occurred making their friendship even stronger than before. Dr. Samberly and Rose return to help our heroes. Jason Wilkes is strong with the force, but Whitney Frost isn’t. Angie Martinelli (Lyndsy Fonseca) returns in a dream sequence to help Peggy with her difficult decisions. And in the end, it appears as though Zero Matter has completely consumed Wilkes.

Review | Analysis: “The Edge of Mystery” and “A Little Song and Dance” were superlative episodes continuing to remind viewers of the fact that Agent Carter is a series that knows how to keep a proper balance between an ongoing plot and character development. It’s also the series that tackles prominent issues in a way that allows us to understand things we may not have otherwise on much profound levels. It’s about learning to lean on other people with each and every character contributing something exceptionally unique. And if these two episodes were to teach us to anything, it is that we must learn how to take responsibility for our actions. The choices we make determine the kind of person we are, but above all, it’s how we react to the consequences of our choices.

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Agent Carter 2×06 “Life of the Party” and 2×07 “Monsters” Recap

Spoilers Ahead

In the words of Edwin Jarvis: ABORT.

Episode Summary: Chadwick turns Whitney in to the council, but it backfires when she absorbs him and a few other men. Dottie escapes after helping Peggy. Wilkes was taken captive. Daniel’s been beaten then later demoted. Vernon can’t be trusted. Thompson’s still terrible. And the ever so sweet Ana Jarvis has been drastically injured after being shot by Whitney.

Review | Analysis: As all episodes of Agent Carter, tonight’s two hour special was an absolute adventure — a roller coaster of way too many feelings I have no idea how to work through. “Life of the Party” and “Monsters” played with a variety of noted spy drama tropes, but what they’ve done most phenomenally, is given each of the female characters an opportunity to shine. Both episodes also did a great job of exhibiting the fact that despite the fear that resides in us, we’re all far more courageous than we think, and sometimes, a single step is all it takes to showcase that bravery.

Before we get into the episode, I feel it’s important to acknowledge that this series is filled with some of the most talented actors and actresses. They’re not only incredibly fun to watch, but when things need to take an emotional turn, they’re as evocative as can be delivering some of the most incredible performances. Again, why aren’t more people watching this show?

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Agent Carter 2×01 “The Lady of the Lake” and 2×02 “A View in the Dark” Recap

Spoilers Ahead

A badass queen who’s now twice as remarkable, a new city, new characters, impeccable banters, and good ol’ fashioned drama.

Episode Summary: Dottie Underwood is still causing havoc, but now she’s disguised as Peggy. When a body’s found in a block of ice, Los Angeles based S.S.R Chief Daniel Sousa calls Thompson for backup and gets a surprise when Peggy’s sent in. In an attempt to uncover the body’s strange form of decay the two visit Isodyne Energy in order to access more information and here we have the pleasure of meeting Jason Wilkes (Reggie Austin). We later get to meet this season’s big bad husband and wife duo Calvin Chadwick (Currie Graham) and Whitney Frost (Wynn Everett). It also appears as though the thing otherwise known as Monolith will bring a lot more eeriness to the cases, but thankfully we’ve got Jarvis’ delightful wife Ana (Lotte Verbeek) to lighten and brighten the vibe.

Review | Analysis: Both “The Lady of the Lake” and “A View in the Dark” were solid episodes that not only did a wonderful job of setting the rest of the season in motion, but it was able to effortlessly evoke all sorts of emotions. And in my book these are the kind of episodes that make writing genuinely fun. Although it was a bit overwhelming for a moment in the beginning, the new characters feel as though they belong. The biggest flaw in these episodes however was the absence of Lyndsy Fonseca’s Angie Martinelli, but thankfully she won’t stay gone too long. And while I’d normally object to any sort of a love triangle, it seems as though Agent Carter writers have found a way to tastefully execute a much more entertaining version of what I like to call #HowIMetYourFather.

LA always appears much more magical in the 1940s — Hollywood was the place to be and glitz and glamour was a marvel to be exposed to. Palm trees, pink flamingos, and what feels like 365 days of sunshine plus dry heat aside, it’s beautiful to be witnessing a more open and happier Peggy Carter. Her life still isn’t as easy it should be, but she’s no longer carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders and though the trouble in LA will be far worse than it was in New York, it’s clear we’ll be witnessing what’ll be an elegant illumination of the fact that with confidence, solid partnerships, and honor there’s nothing that can’t be done.

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