The Falcon and the Winter Soldier have played prominent roles in the MCU, particularly in the films featuring Captain America. However, they were always second fiddle to Steve Rogers. With the introduction of television series from Marvel Studios, some of the lesser-known characters receive their chance in the spotlight. Much like with Wanda and Vision, audiences have a chance to become better acquainted with Sam and Bucky in an exciting new journey. We’ll cover our initial impressions of the first episode in a non-spoiler way with a more in-depth review following the premiere.
More Heavily Blip Influenced
The events take place months after Avengers: Endgame and the world is still trying to transition back to a state of normalcy. It’s difficult adjusting from the lost time for half the population and there are many repercussions in everyday lives, not all of which could be foreseen. In addition, a powerful new world order developed in the five years before the Avengers save the day and there are some who are hesitant to revert back to the previous ways. Although post-Blip has been explored in Spider-Man: Far from Home and WandaVision, we receive a more interesting and deeper dive of the more serious aspects in the aftermath.
Grounded Real-Life Problems
Not everyone has the resources of a billionaire or a god and the Falcon and the Winter Soldier are managing deeply personal issues. For Sam, his family hits a rough patch financially and he wants to help. But he realizes all the good will that he’s earned protecting humanity isn’t enough to compensate for being a young black man and not even existing for some time. Bucky is still coming to terms with his dark past and is haunted by all the atrocities he’s committed as a Hydra operative. We see a more humanizing and vulnerable side to these these fan favorites.
A Globetrotting Adventure
The settings jump from place to place. One moment you’re in Africa, the next in Europe, and then back to the United States. Traveling to the different continents gives the show a feeling of grand scale and magnitude. Plus, it’s nice to finally get out of Westview, New Jersey and visit some exotic locales.
Familiar Marvel Action
One complaint of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s Phase Four predecessor was the pacing and slow burn gradually unraveling the mystery. Right off the bat we’re treated with a thrilling aerial action sequence. There’s explosions, cool gadgets, and fistfights for those who like their superhero content loud.
The Focus on Legacy
The shadow of Captain America looms large over the titular duo. As the handpicked successor, the Falcon wrestles with becoming the symbol of a country that may not entirely represent him. But these guys’ identities aren’t defined by their old colleague. They are their own person. The Wilsons have a history in Louisiana and Sam wants to maintain the good name and ensure the fruits of his parents’ labor doesn’t go to waste. Bucky hopes to change his narrative as a cold-blooded assassin and pursues ways to make amends for his past misdeeds.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier premieres Friday, March 19, on Disney+.
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