Even though Agent Carter is a miniseries airing during the winter hiatus of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the series continues to establish itself as one of the most important narratives Marvel has produced for reasons explained here.
The showrunners capitalized on a great storytelling opportunity in providing a powerful backstory to Agent Carter’s fellow countrymen and associate, Edwin Jarvis, Howard Stark’s butler and friend.
It would’ve been easy to keep the cheeky manservant as a lesser imitation of Alfred Pennyworth but during season one where Jarvis discloses his past, actor James D’Arcy truly shined. I’ve been a fan of D’arcy since The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby.
Formerly of the British Armed Forces, Edwin Jarvis was a general’s aide. While in Budapest, he met and fell in love with a young Jewish woman named Ana.
Although Jarvis’s general had transit letters and could have saved Anna from the Nazis, he refused to sign them. Refusing to allow an innocent person, much less the woman he loved be condemned, Jarvis forged the general’s signature.
Jarvis was caught and tried for treason. Howard Stark, who had befriended Jarvis while in Budapest, used his influence to save Jarvis from court martial and secure Anna’s safety. Dishonorably discharged, Jarvis and Anna married and relocated stateside to work for Stark.
As the comedic foil to the all-business Carter, the dark tragic origins for the light quippy Jarvis made for a powerful juxtaposition.
While society chooses to glamorize, ignore, and let’s face it, rewrite much of history, Jarvis’s and Anna’s past is a reminder that the forties were an especially dark period for people of Jewish descent, women, people of color and other minorities. Sadly super-powered Avengers weren’t around.
Jarvis is someone who is fiercely loyal and willing to risk his life without hesitation to aid the people he cares about. He clearly regards her with the same respect he holds for a male peer.
In fact, many of the same virtues that made Steve Rogers a hero can be found with the British bantering butler. Much like Carter, Marvel didn’t miss a chance with Jarvis to remind us that heroes aren’t the stuff of super serums but a dedication to good.
James D’Arc first caught my eye as First Lieutenant Tom Pullings in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, which starred Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany , who interestingly enough later voiced “Jarvis” in the Iron Man, Captain America and Avengers movies and who was also cast as VISION the Marvel movieverse. (Avengers: Age of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War)
I love Jarvis on Agent Carter and he is the perfect yáng 陽 to Peggy’s yīn 陰. Thanks for reminding that Jewish people were also oppressed circa 1940s right along with non-whites. Jarvis really brings depth and humor with his pithy remarks. You look at his face and you just know there’s a deep well of understanding and experience behind those limpid eyes.
Back to Jarvis and Peggy, they have a symbiotic relationship and there’s a synergy that flows between them that often makes me think that if Jarvis weren’t already spoken for, he and Peggy might make a fantastic couple!
Looking forward to tonight’s episode, “Better Angels”!