What an excellent way to start off a new year. A badass female character beating up a bunch of guys in her own television show!

Taking off immediately after the fallen events of Captain America: The First Avenger, Hayley Atwell returns to reprise her role as Peggy Carter in a 7-part spin-off television series, Agent Carter. Agent Carter intentionally scheduled to air during the hiatus of Marvel’s Agent of Shield. What a treat for loyal viewers.

Being a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and strong female leads, I was completely ecstatic with the news of our beloved Margaret “Peggy” Carter, from the Captain America movies, getting her own show.

It debuted January 6, 2014 with a two-hour premiere and an exceptional 12.1 million viewers watching that night.

After being accused for treason, Howard Stark (played by Dominic Cooper) puts it upon Peggy Carter to clear his name with the help of his butler, Edwin Jarvis. Peggy risks her position in the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) as she secretly takes on these missions, being the only one qualified for the job.

The show maintains historical accuracy, with makeup trends, music and slang from the time period of 1946. The producers even set the vintage ambiance with a filter. Agent Carter also addresses the post-war outcome of the female workforce where women often took over the jobs while many of the men were enlisted in the war.

We follow Peggy’s story as she struggles with living the double-life as a woman in the 40’s and a crime-fighting secret agent.

She demonstrates that although she is a determined, self-reliant woman, she does not have to give up her femininity. Peggy, who is constantly surrounded by misogyny and sexism, uses it to her advantage rather than letting the arrogance get the best of her.

Carter does not fight with the grace that other female characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe convey. She’ll use any heavy object nearby as a weapon to beat you unconscious. She throws punches, kicks to the genitals or places your hand on the stove. She’s brutal and rough and isn’t afraid to get bruised up.

She gets the job done — and looks stunning while at it.

I could write a novel about my admiration for Peggy Carter. She runs and kicks ass in heels. She has confidence. She’s kind. She eats scones and ungracefully bumps her head on desks while sneaking around. Her purse essentials are a tube of lipstick and a gun. (She has incredible aim, by the way.)

Atwell is absolutely brilliant as Peggy.

She is a versatile actress when it comes to portraying Peggy; every emotion seems genuine. The screen comes to life whenever she’s on.

Peggy Carter brings great girl power to the screen and fights the crime of ridiculous stereotypes, especially during a sexist and misogynistic time era. It’s a Marvel-ous series that is found every once in a blue moon.  Terrific supporting actors such as Dominic Cooper, Lyndsy Fonseca, Chad Michael Murray and James D’arcy help fulfills the show’s purpose with such vibrant talent.

Overall, I’m overjoyed with Agent Carter. It’s practically a dream come true to have one of your favorite minor characters’ stories expanded.

And as always, Marvel never disappoints.