5 Things About ‘Agent Carter’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

Marvel’s Agent Carter burst onto screens with a bold mix of 1940s spy thrills and a fierce female lead. Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell, captivated audiences with her grit and charm as she navigated a post-war world of espionage and sexism.

The show wasn’t without flaws, though. Some plot points left me scratching my head, while others felt spot-on for the story and era. Let’s dive into five things that didn’t add up and five that nailed it, alternating between the two.

Made Zero Sense: Jarvis’ Risky Loyalty in Season 2

Edwin Jarvis, Howard Stark’s butler, was a fan favorite for his wit and loyalty. In season 1, his devotion to Peggy made sense—he was helping clear his boss’s name.

But in season 2, Jarvis risks life and limb for Peggy’s missions with no clear motive. His wife, Ana, even gets hurt because of his involvement, yet he keeps diving into danger. Why would a butler with a comfortable life gamble everything for Peggy’s crusades? It felt forced and lacked a solid explanation.

Made Perfect Sense: Peggy’s Fight Against Sexism

Peggy Carter’s struggle against 1940s workplace sexism was a core strength of the show. At the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR), her male colleagues often dismissed her as a secretary, ignoring her wartime heroics.

This rang true for the era, when women were pushed out of jobs as men returned from war. Peggy’s determination to prove her worth through action, not complaints, made her a compelling hero. Her sharp wit and fists handled the rest, grounding the show in real-world challenges.

Made Zero Sense: Leviathan’s Weak Reveal

Season 1 built up Leviathan as a shadowy, terrifying enemy. The hype suggested a massive organization threatening global security.

The finale revealed Leviathan as just two people—Dottie Underwood and Dr. Ivchenko. This tiny crew pulling off a city-wide gas attack felt underwhelming. After all the buildup, I expected a larger, more complex threat, not a duo that Peggy could outsmart in a single episode.

Made Perfect Sense: The 1940s Aesthetic

Agent Carter’s retro vibe was a visual treat. From Peggy’s red hats to the sleek cars and jazz-filled bars, the show captured the 1940s with style.

The attention to period details—costumes, sets, and even the way characters spoke—made every scene immersive. It felt like stepping into a classic noir film, blending Marvel’s action with a distinct historical flair. This aesthetic set the show apart from other superhero series.

Made Zero Sense: Howard Stark’s Disappearing Act

Howard Stark kicks off season 1 by asking Peggy to clear his name after he’s accused of treason. Then, he vanishes for most of the season, leaving her to clean up his mess.

His absence felt convenient for the plot but didn’t make sense for his character. Howard’s a hands-on genius—why would he trust Peggy to handle everything while he hides? His brief return in the finale didn’t justify leaving her in the lurch for so long.

Made Perfect Sense: Peggy’s Emotional Depth

Peggy wasn’t just a tough spy—she was a woman grieving Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. Her quiet moments of pain, like when she lets go of his blood in season 1, added layers to her character.

This balance of strength and vulnerability made Peggy relatable. She fought villains and sexism while carrying personal loss, showing that heroes can be human. Hayley Atwell’s performance brought this emotional core to life beautifully.

Made Zero Sense: Zero Matter’s Vague Powers

Season 2 introduced Zero Matter, a mysterious substance tied to Whitney Frost’s villainy. It gave her creepy abilities, but the show never explained how it worked.

Zero Matter’s effects seemed to change based on plot needs—sometimes it corrupted minds, sometimes it opened portals. This lack of clear rules made Whitney’s threat feel inconsistent. I wanted a better grasp of what Zero Matter could actually do.

Made Perfect Sense: The Jarvis-Peggy Partnership

The chemistry between Peggy and Jarvis was a highlight. His dry humor and her no-nonsense attitude created a perfect odd-couple dynamic.

Jarvis wasn’t just comic relief—he grew into a loyal ally, learning to handle danger alongside Peggy. Their banter and trust grounded the show’s wilder plots, making their scenes some of the most enjoyable. James D’Arcy and Hayley Atwell played off each other effortlessly.

Made Zero Sense: The SSR’s Incompetence

The SSR, Peggy’s employer, was meant to be an elite agency fighting global threats. Yet, most of its agents were shockingly incompetent, missing obvious clues and relying on Peggy to save the day.

This made the SSR feel like a plot device to make Peggy shine, not a credible organization. Why would a top-secret agency hire such bumbling men? It stretched belief and undermined the stakes of Peggy’s missions.

Made Perfect Sense: Ties to the Marvel Universe

Agent Carter (2015-2016) wove itself into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with smart connections. Season 1 introduced the Black Widow program and season 2 explored Zero Matter, linking to Doctor Strange.

These ties enriched the show without overwhelming it. Cameos like Howard Stark and Dum-Dum Dugan rewarded Marvel fans, while the focus stayed on Peggy’s story. It felt like a natural part of the larger universe, adding depth to her world.

What’s your take on Agent Carter’s highs and lows? Drop your favorite moment or biggest plot hole in the comments!