Probably Series Finale Truth Be Told
*UK viewers please be aware, this is a review at American pace by one of our US writers. In the interest of spoiler phobes we advise not reading until after the UK transmission which is March 31st on FOX at 21:00.
Synopsis
To stop Whitney, the team attempts to steal her research so that they can build a rift generator of their own and send the Zero Matter back to where it came from.
Review
So first up then, ending on a cliffhanger? Not cool Agent Carter, truth be told it was a wonder that the show came back for another year after season one failed to set the ratings alight so it was a bit of a dick move to end things here on such a note. Season 3 was always a long shot and now it would be a miracle, it would have been smart and respectful to the fans to tie up as much as possible and whilst yes, the zero matter story does come to a conclusion, that final scene with Jack meeting the violent end of a bullet ended things on a very sour note that was easily avoidable with a bit of common sense.
So that was Whitney’s end then, stripped of her zero matter powers and thrown into a mental state that she is unlikely to come from she certainly came back down to Earth with a thud. Was it all a little easy though? After all that the day was saved thanks to the return of Howard Stark and the handy capabilities of the gamma cannon. Don’t get me wrong there was a lot to love here and it was brilliant getting Howard back for the finale but after all this build up and hype to a confrontation, they just shot Whitney in the back and that’s that–powers gone.
It’s like the writers realized that was a bit easy too, giving us the “you’ll get sucked into the portal” tension to make things feel more high stakes but then that was largely played for comedy–I dunno, I liked this but it definitely felt that for such a great season it needed something more. But whilst the action and dramatic side of things was kept to a low Agent Carter certainly made sure it had enough warmth and comedy to make up for it. Daniel’s near sacrifice coming right after we’ve seen everyone else debate whether they should be the ones to do it was a nice touch, we also saw what was probably the first flying car which is something that the MCU definitely played with again in the future.
Jarvis may have bounded back to being his comedic self again rather quickly–I kinda wish we had seen he and Ana’s talk about her condition–but then I won’t hold that against this, he’s such a brilliant character that it would have sucked not to see at him best for the shows likely final bow. Besides all this then what really made this feel like a finale was the focus on relationships and seeing as the characters make this such a great show that was only fitting. Wilkes and Carter came to an understanding they were not meant to be in a way that was brilliantly free from any drama or angst, Carter and Daniel had a kiss that was so obviously long awaited given how long it went on for–guess that whole sweet fiancée thing is just forgotten about then?–and Jarvis and Ana seemed to have found peace.
We even got a nice final scene between Jarvis and Carter where he proved once again that she needs him around and not just when she needs a lift or is stuck in a jam. Agent Carter has been a great ride all season, the season finale may not quite match the heights of what came before it but it still manages to leave me wanting more, more sadly seems to be very much not on the table.
Quotes
Howard: Jarvis, you just hit a woman with my car!
Jarvis: I know, sir.
Howard: She’s a two-time Oscar nominee.
Jarvis: Miss Frost is quite resilient. She’s fine. Trust me.
Howard: How do the most successful scientists achieve greatness?
Jarvis: Given your history, drinking copious amount of alcohol and cavorting with loose women.
Howard: That’s a good guess, but it’s wrong.
Peggy: Yes, there are many obstacles. But I’m standing in front of three of the most radiant minds on the planet. Surely, you can find a way to overcome them.
Jarvis: I believe you can actually hear the sounds of their egos growing.
Howard: What am I doing wrong, Jarvis?
Jarvis: Sir… we are standing before an incomprehensible rip in the fabric of our world. Use the 7-iron.
Verdict
Not quite the high I was expecting this finale to hit but this is a nice enough end to the season. The issue is though is that season 3 is more than a long shot, so that cliffhanger ending seems wildly misjudged.
