Secret Agent Woman

While I will freely admit that I stopped watching “Agent of Shield,” I am very much enjoying “Agent Carter.” Just further proof that things in the same universe can still be – and feel – light-years apart. (Granted, I stopped watching Shield after only a handful of episodes, so I can’t comment on its current state…) Anyway, where was I? Agent Carter, now there’s a hell of a dame. I always thought Hayley Atwell’s Peggy was the absolute best thing about “Captain America” – barring (and baring - hubba hubba) Chris Evan’s perfect V-shaped torso.

Peggy Carter is a perfect feminist protagonist for the period. Smart, no nonsense and infinitely capable she is a sly superhero functioning in a world that constantly underestimates her. But instead of dark-rimmed glasses and a tie as a secret identity she hides her super abilities by being the one thing no one of the era expects – a woman. She is a woman who is every bit as good and even a damn sight better than most men at her job.

Sure, it’s frustrating to see her constantly undermined by the specter of sexism. But that’s kind of the point, we’re all supposed to be annoyed by The Sexism and all want Agent Carter to triumph over The Sexism. A show that roots for a female hero to triumph over her sexist male counterparts is pretty alright in my book. So, yeah, I have a new steady Tuesday show.

Also alright in my book is the friendship between Peggy and waitress friend Angie Martinelli as played by “Nikita” veteran Lyndsy Fonseca. Angie and English even already has a shipper name: Cartinelli. I kind of prefer something a little more poetic like English Martini or whatnot. But, hey, who am I to question fandom. Though, I have to think there’s more to nice, Schnapps-offering Angie than meets the eye. Plus, from all of Lyndsy’s Nikita work we know she can kick some serious ass. So it would seem a waste to just have her slinging hash behind a counter the whole time. Plus, don’t these two make a fine couple? Yes, ma’am.