‘Agent Carter’ returns with a bang

Spray some fragrance, dab some lipstick and don’t forget to secure your holster.

Hayley Atwell is back reprising her role as Peggy Carter in the second season premiere of “Agent Carter,” this time she’s taking over Los Angeles.

It’s rare for side characters to get their own television series, let alone a female character! But to get a second season? It’s like living on cloud nine.

The two episode season premiere started off six months after season one’s finale. Carter starts off completely kicking ass in her job, working in espionage and tracking down last season’s villain: Dottie Underwood. Only to be reassigned to the Strategic Scientific Reserve in sunny California. There, she put to work when new Atomic Age threats arise that send her in another life or death, bizarre adventure.

After a year of anticipation, I was not disappointed.

The series takes an interesting place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It essentially takes place after the events of “Captain America: The First Avenger” and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” which is a 70 year gap.

It depicts the events of what happened with Carter in between the time gap. Alongside the famous characters of Edwin Jarvis (played by James D’Arcy) and Howard Stark (played by Dominic Cooper) — both important in Tony Stark’s backstory, also known as Iron Man. There’s a possibility that the show will also introduce more complexity in the MCU that will foreshadow what fans expect.

While the first season showed the characters in a fun mini storyline, it’s evident that this season is going to offer more character depth and development.

Carter is now in a different emotional stage, after letting go of Captain America’s grief. She holds more confidence and grace in everything she does and more prepared for whatever may come her way.

Atwell still dominates as a strong female lead, proving that ladies can fight a dozen men and still remain feminine at the same time. She brings a great performance as she still overcomes external and internal conflicts. Viewers get to see the beloved Agent Carter blush, stutter and even flirt. It’s a new side of Carter that we haven’t seen before and it’s exciting.

Jarvis remains the comedic relief and D’Arcy does nothing but his best as Stark’s butler. He guarantees a few laughs with his witty remarks and generally being the fish out of the water next to Carter. It’s impressive how awkward the man can be in so many different situations.

The two of them are a powerful duo on screen as the foreigners who are taking on the West Coast.

If Marvel could be praised for one thing, it should be for their depiction of eras. The 40’s were never as appealing before I watched “Agent Carter.”

The historical accuracy in 40’s Hollywood surely is credible. Change is good.

The season promises a few comic book characters and arcs which were glimpsed at the end of episode two, “A View In The Dark.” I’m sure Marvel fans like myself are eager to find out more and analyze the episodes for easter eggs.

My only complaint is the overwhelming wave of new characters. Some are familiar faces but it seems as if the show has gotten more complex. Characters like Whitney Frost, Anna Jarvis, and Jason Wilkins are all making their debut from the comic book pages to the television screen. It’s exciting to see where the series will take their story arcs.  It seems as if ALL the minor characters are branching out deeper into their own story arc included in the show. It’s a little difficult to follow when there’s so much going on. I’m not complaining per say but I do wonder how they’re going to balance the plots.

2016 certainly is starting off with a bang. There’s more diversity and glamor this season which guarantees a colorful and thrilling journey. “Agent Carter” will broadcast during ABC’s other popular Marvel show “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” which is simply a pleasure.

Overall, I highly recommend getting on board with this promising season of “Agent Carter.” It’s definitely something to look forward to every Tuesday night.