Episode Seven of Agent Carter, "Snafu", set the fanbase ablaze with anticipation and speculation for multiple reasons, the most prolific being the surprise reveal of the major supervillain that was previously promised, that being Doctor Faustus, the true identity of Ralph Brown's Doctor Ivchenko. Beyond this, there was also the death of Chief Roger Dooley (Shea Whigham) in a climactic sacrifice that sets the stage for the final confrontation between Peggy and Leviathan.
To discuss the episode and how the finale plays out, showrunner Michele Fazekas (her partner Tara Butters was MIA) sat down with Entertainment Weekly, shedding light on some of the details of the finale and the writing process for the entire series.
Entertainment Weekly: Why did you decide to kill off Chief Dooley?
Michele Fazekas: It has been an idea almost from the beginning—almost from before we had cast the role. We knew we wanted something big to happen and something that had actual consequences that wasn’t just a red shirt getting killed. It was very early on when we were breaking the season arc.
Does Dooley’s death pave the way for a possible cameo from Bradley Whitford, who was the SSR boss in the One Shot?
It does not. That was never the intent.
How will Stark’s rage-inducing invention play a role in the finale?
It plays a huge role in the finale. The invention that Dr. Ivchenko is after plays a huge part in a very big set piece in episode 8.
Does the SSR now trust Peggy?
By the end of episode 7, they understand more that they can trust her.
What can you tease of Peggy and Dottie’s face-off in the finale?
There’s a satisfying confrontation between Peggy and Dottie, but there’s also a loose end by the end of it.
What will we see of Leviathan in the finale?
The immediate problem with Leviathan is dealt with, but in the future the bigger picture is still out there.
What role is Howard Stark playing in the finale?
A very big role. He actually puts himself at risk in the finale. Despite the fact that he’s a confident guy and an arrogant guy, he has a lot of guilt about his involvement in all of this. He will actually put himself at risk, but you will still see him doing things that are self-serving. His resolution in the last episode is also tied in with Peggy’s resolution for her whole personal arc for the season.
Are you ending the season with some closure or is there a cliffhanger aspect in case the show is renewed for Season 2?
There are a couple of things that are very nicely resolved in both the case and Peggy’s personal life, but there are loose ends that are very obvious that could play in future seasons.
Episode Eight of Agent Carter, dubbed "Valediction", is scheduled to air on February 24th.