When it comes to the entertainment industry, female leads are still seen as a risky bet. But the initial buzz surrounding “Agent Carter” could put similar projects on the drawing board.
Tuesday night’s two-hour premiere of Marvel’s “Captain America” spinoff series saw the hashtag #AgentCarter trending worldwide, with the bulk of the kudos going to star Hayley Atwell, notably her talent with accents and weaponizing office supplies.
Hayley Atwell could probably play my sister and I wouldn’t even notice, she’s just that great an actress #AgentCarter
— Sarah (@ncis_geek) January 7, 2015
Atwell portrays Peggy Carter, originally a fringe character who was a love interest for Captain America during World War II in the comics. Marvel’s films have expanded her role, promoting her to a soldier who worked alongside Cap.
Given that Atwell had already made a strong impression in the films, and the stakes riding on the success of “Agent Carter” for other women-led franchises, viewers understandably came in with high expectations.
Absolutely loving #AgentCarter. I’m so, so happy. It’s everything I’d hoped it would be and more.
— Christina Bee (@ChristinaBeeWho) January 7, 2015
This was about the extent of the drama they encountered while watching the show.
I want to get a snack, but I might not get back before commercials are done. D: #AgentCarter
— tsukinofaerii (@tsukinofaerii) January 7, 2015
Though there was a bit of wistfulness for what could’ve been had Cap not been frozen in the Arctic while saving New York City.
This is making me sad that the Capt isn’t around. He and Peggy would have made a badass couple #AgentCarter
— ~Mally~ (@Mally_lee) January 7, 2015
Others just had a lot of feelings.
#AgentCarter I legit expected to liveblog some kind of content but I can’t. I have too many emotions. Like, Cap2-levels of emotions.
— Amy Von Doom (@spooloflies) January 7, 2015
(If you didn’t see “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” it involves Cap being hunted by his best friend, who’d been brainwashed into a Hydra assassin. So, no shortage of feels there.)
There was some catharsis, too.
#AgentCarter is like a wish fulfillment fantasy episode of Mad Men where Peggy Olsen gets to beat up all the guys in the office.
— Joshua J. Bell (@JoshJBell) January 7, 2015
Some fans have already begun revising their costume plans for the year.
*searches online for 40’s inspired clothes for cosplay* #AgentCarter
— Carla Mikkelsen (@daddymads) January 7, 2015
While others tried to cope with the rigors of episodic television.
I mean, why didn’t they premiere with *three* episodes is what I wanna know. #AgentCarter #AgentCarterWithdrawal
— Briana (@writerskog) January 7, 2015
And she may not be a superhero (or is she?), but Peggy Carter was an inspiration just the same.
#AgentCarter knows when an idiot isn’t worth running in those awesome shoes of hers. I want to be her when I grow up.
— Samantha (@SoleilSam) January 7, 2015
“Agent Carter” will run for six more episodes before Marvel’s other superhero series without any superhero stars, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” returns.
