Two years ago, ABC Television Network unveiled two freshman midseason series: Marvel’s Agent Carter, an adventure drama based on Marvel comics’ Peggy Carter, and a new medieval comedy-musical Galavant, a parody-like medieval series featuring original songs by Disney’s very own Alan Menken. Though both these shows have been hit rough in the ratings, both have delivered unparalleled quality in both their genres and formats. Currently, ABC has yet to comment on the fate of these two shows, so today I’ll be looking at why both these shows are so wonderfully superb and why these two series should be well deserving of a third season at ABC.
Though I’ve been an avid Agent Carter viewer since the very first episode, I only got around to watching Galavant in its entirety this past weekend, which only makes it a total shame that I missed this in its original run. It’s been a long time since I’ve come across such a clever, brilliant comedy that’s so brave and original. Galavant is one of those rare perfect shows that’s not afraid to take a ridiculous amount of chances. There’s some beautiful original musical moments, thrilling action sequences, all wrapped in a brilliantly hilarious jam-packed twenty-two minutes. Galavant is a clever musical that is constantly active in”breaking the fourth wall” in all the most cleverest of ways and addressing their flaws and bad ratings throughout. Galavant is a rare modern show akin to the likes of Monty Python or The Muppets — so wonderfully memorable, fun and silly and meta. The series did a good job at delivering a comedy unlike any other on network television and, along the way, crafting some likable characters and story arcs. Though season 2 offers a rather pleasing conclusion to our heroes’ journeys, I’m hopeful that ABC has their heads in the right places and renews this clever little show for another round. But, if we’re being brutally honest, the show earning a second season is unto itself a miracle (one the show even is sure to make mention of several times), but time will tell if miracles do indeed strike twice, and I remain with high hopes that Galavant has not sung its last song.
On the complete opposite side of the television genres is Marvel’s Agent Carter, chronicling the adventures of Agent Peggy Carter of the SSR, and later S.H.I.E.L.D. This adventure drama stars Hayley Atwell reprising her role as Peggy Carter from the Marvel Cinematic Universe of films, in which she was introduced in Captain America: The First Avenger as Steve Rogers (a.k.a. Captain America)’s love interest. Agent Carter continues shortly after the events of The First Avenger, finding Peggy trying to rebuild her life after Steve’s apparent death and with the war having come to a conclusion. The show just wrapped on its second glorious season just a few short weeks ago and has been absolutely superb from its premiere right down to its latest finale. Agent Carter offers a compelling story, blending sci-fi elements of the Marvel universe in a spy-filled comedy caper adventure, and thrilling down-to-earth action, making it a welcome addition in the Marvel Universe. Like Galavant before it, the fate of Agent Carter hangs in the balance, leaving its future as uncertain as its season two cliff-hanger ending. Because of its absolute perfection and its role in the Marvel universe, we hope ABC recognizes Agent Carter for the gem that it is.
Both these shows were fun creative additions to an excellent lineup on ABC and an example of high-quality television through great storytelling. I was surprisingly pleased by both these unsuspecting series and I’m so thankful the network took a chance with them, having provided such an entertaining viewing experience for two consecutive winters. Certainly the future for both Agent Carter and Galavant doesn’t look far too promising, and sadly both could get the ax this season.
ABC, you know what to do.