Was The Falcon and The Winter Soldier the serotonin boost of 2021? Hells yeah. This comedy-action series by Marvel premiered on Disney Plus from March 19th to April 23rd, focusing on two lovable, independent, and unlikely heroes that happen to share one thing in common: they both were Steve Rogers’ (a.k.a. Captain America) right-hand man.
The show explores the rocky, wholesome, and genuine character growth between Sam Wilson and James “Bucky” Barnes as they navigate a world of extreme activism, complicated superhero roles, and identity struggles. Following the events of Avengers: Endgame with Steve now out of the picture, the Falcon and the Winter Soldier have to figure out how to transition from “a couple of guys with a mutual friend,” to just a couple of guys, and eventually to a couple of ride-or-dies. It’s the kind of friendship where you can roast the other person for hours and then fling your body over any danger that dares stroke a hair on their head the wrong way, and I’m here for all of it.
The first episode follows Bucky (played by the talented Sebastian Stan) recovering from his brain-washed era of being a controlled and weaponized Winter Soldier, now wanting to make amends to the families of the lives he’s taken. Bucky struggles to find his path forward as the kind of soldier that Steve always believed he was. Meanwhile, Sam (played by the charismatic Anthony Mackie) has decided to relinquish Captain America’s iconic vibranium shield to the government. Sam struggles to embrace his identity as the next Captain America, and decides to focus on helping his sister restore the family boat. As Episode 1 ends, it is revealed that Steve’s shield has been passed to military hero John Walker. This is the catalyst that forces Sam and Bucky (the Falcon and the Winter Soldier) to cross paths.
I applaud Marvel the most for not being afraid to talk about the stuff that matters—the serious stuff, the stuff that makes people uncomfy. Sam’s journey from the Falcon to Captain America was not only about his immaculate character. His story emphasizes coming to terms with the reality that he may not receive the same response from the public when he wields the same shield because he doesn’t have the same blue eyes and blonde hair. Sam’s story reminds us yet again that being black in America, being a black man in America, and being a black man in America carrying the stars and stripes is not the same experience that someone who looks like Steve Rogers will have—not even in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What impresses me the most about Sam is the fact that his heart gives him more strength and clarity than any super-soldier serum ever could. I sometimes forget that he is the only central character who has not intentionally injected himself with the life-altering serum. His empathy, compassion and listening skills ultimately make him the ideal hero this country—and the world—needs.
Another central plot in the show focuses on Karli Morgenthau, leader of the anti-patriotism group known as the Flag Smashers. Life became even more complicated after the Blip. The relocation of millions displaced so many people, so she and her group fight with their lives to unite the world without any borders. With stolen contraband super-serum in hand, Karli uses her voice, actions and sometimes violence all in an effort to fuel her movement. What I admire about her character is that through Sam’s eyes, we can see that she is a confused teenager. She wants the world to stop forcing people to relocate and migrate against their will, and instead unite to help them survive and thrive. Although her methods may be questionable, her intention deep down is admirable.
One of my favorite things about this show is the character growth not only for Sam and Bucky (independently and together), but also John Walker (thank you Wyatt Russell for playing the character we love to hate), Sharon Carter (it’s been a while), and our beloved Zemo (thank you Marvel for blessing us with an hour of Zemo’s *rocking* dance moves). As it is revealed that Zemo is actually LOADED and a well-connected guy, it makes it more believable that he could pull off what he did back in Captain America: Civil War. In this series, I adored watching Zemo flaunt his affluence so casually, respectfully accept defeat by the Dora Milaje (the elite, all-female, Wakandan bodyguards), poetically obsess over Turkish delights and of course, break it down on the dance floor in Madripoor. I’m glad that Marvel revisited Zemo and his character development because he really adds a special vibe to the show. His comedic relief is appreciated and needed.
How can I continue without touching on the incredible gem that is Sebastian Stan’s performance at the beginning of Episode 4? Don’t get me wrong, his acting and bro-ship chemistry with Mackie is no doubt the fuel behind the show’s success, but what really got me is his emotional release on a mountain in Wakanda. Accompanied by Ayo, the second-in-command of the Dora Milaje, Bucky is finally starting to see the end of the tunnel. He is working to be free from the mental and emotional shackles that first gave him the title of Winter Soldier. The performance simultaneously gave me chills and filled me with awe at Stan’s talent. What a way to start such a pivotal episode.
The subtle nods to the earlier stages of Sam and Bucky’s complicated relationship stemming from Captain America: Civil War did not go unnoticed. One of my personal favorites is when the gang is in the glowy, rogue country of Madripoor departing in a convertible. Zemo and Bucky take the front seats, leaving Sam with the back row. As Sam slides into his spot, he sighs and says to Bucky in front of him, “You’re not gonna move your seat up, are you?” Bucky replies in the most unbothered and unphased way with a simple “No.” What a clever reference to the iconic and hilarious scene when Steve, Sam, and Bucky decided that it is a good idea to stuff two super-soldiers and one super-fit soldier into the tiniest car you ever did see in Civil War, except Sam is riding shotgun poker-faced refusing to pull up his seat for a long-haired Bucky smushed in the back row.
Lastly, the end credit scene starring Sharon Carter as she is finally being offered a pardon exudes such strong *power broker energy*…All I can say is that I forget that she is Peggy Carter’s niece—the same Peggy Carter who dedicated her life to serving others and her country—as Sharon pursues a more sinister path.
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is a show I can see myself watching over and over again. From the aviation action shots to the simple moments filled with community, family, and boat restoration, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is a story about finding your place in this world, your identity, and your home.