by Graham Osborne
The penultimate episode of Agent Carter is full of palpable tension, as various plots and machinations come out of the woodwork. At the centre of it all is the shadowy Leviathan, but will Agent Carter be able to foil their operations and clear Howard Stark’s name?
The penultimate episode of Agent Carter is full of palpable tension, as various plots and machinations come out of the woodwork. At the centre of it all is the shadowy Leviathan, but will Agent Carter be able to foil their operations and clear Howard Stark’s name?
This week takes on a darker tone than previous episodes, which is most evident during the opening scene, both literally and thematically, as we are treated to a World War Two battlefield surgery and the sinister Dr Ivchenko using his ability to hypnotise people as anaesthetic. It shows a different view of the Doctor, and mirrors his conversations with Chief Dooley, as he is subtly persuaded to betray his people.
Meanwhile, Agent Carter is treated to a montage of interrogation, as Dooley, Thompson and Sousa attempt to gain a confession from her. It’s fascinating to watch the their differing styles of questioning, with Sousa attempting to focus on their now shattered friendship, Dooley admitting admiration for how she was able to get away with the charade for so long and Thompson questioning the events in Russia. The actors’ approaches also help subtly show their true feelings towards Carter; the hollow threats of violence are all underlined with the knowledge that even that won’t break her.
The use of music throughout the episode was an aural delight. Of particular note was Dottie’s shopping scene. A melodious lullaby played over the conversation, switching from diegetic to underscore at the very end as the harmony deteriorated into clashing notes and an off-key rhythm. The chilling effect that it created beautifully underlined the nature of Dottie and her designs for the SSR.
Meanwhile, Agent Carter is treated to a montage of interrogation, as Dooley, Thompson and Sousa attempt to gain a confession from her. It’s fascinating to watch the their differing styles of questioning, with Sousa attempting to focus on their now shattered friendship, Dooley admitting admiration for how she was able to get away with the charade for so long and Thompson questioning the events in Russia. The actors’ approaches also help subtly show their true feelings towards Carter; the hollow threats of violence are all underlined with the knowledge that even that won’t break her.
The use of music throughout the episode was an aural delight. Of particular note was Dottie’s shopping scene. A melodious lullaby played over the conversation, switching from diegetic to underscore at the very end as the harmony deteriorated into clashing notes and an off-key rhythm. The chilling effect that it created beautifully underlined the nature of Dottie and her designs for the SSR.
Whilst Carter’s scenes within the interrogation room were played for tension, Jarvis once again returned to prevent the show from turning into a morose quagmire of depression and despair. His lighthearted buffoonery and good intentions added a levity to the proceedings that was rapidly becoming necessary.
Special mention for acting this week must go to Shea Whigham’s Chief Dooley. His interactions with Dr. Ivchenko are wonderfully heartfelt, playing onthe image of the American family that pervaded the media at the time. The scenes with his family, also reinforced the stereotype. The characterisation of Dooley made his final actions in the episode all the more noble, and the aftermath helps give the characters all the more reason to go into the finale with renewed vigour for kicking Leviathan’s arse.
There’s just one more episode of Agent Carter left. What will it bring? Will Leviathan be defeated? Will Howard Stark’s name be cleared? Hopefully these questions will be answered next week, but even if they’re not, they’ll be worth watching for a second series.
Special mention for acting this week must go to Shea Whigham’s Chief Dooley. His interactions with Dr. Ivchenko are wonderfully heartfelt, playing onthe image of the American family that pervaded the media at the time. The scenes with his family, also reinforced the stereotype. The characterisation of Dooley made his final actions in the episode all the more noble, and the aftermath helps give the characters all the more reason to go into the finale with renewed vigour for kicking Leviathan’s arse.
There’s just one more episode of Agent Carter left. What will it bring? Will Leviathan be defeated? Will Howard Stark’s name be cleared? Hopefully these questions will be answered next week, but even if they’re not, they’ll be worth watching for a second series.
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