The Model Context Protocol promised a standard way for agents to connect to tools and services. But CLI-native approaches and direct API integrations are challenging whether a protocol layer is even necessary. This session examines where MCP is gaining real traction, where it is being bypassed, and what the MCP versus CLI debate reveals about standardisation in agentic architectures. Attendees will leave with a grounded view of whether MCP deserves investment, monitoring, or reconsideration in their own stack.