Author: Megan Williams

Truth: Falcon And Winter Soldier – Disney+ Talk – After the last episode’s shocking ending, ‘The Falcon And The Winter Soldier’ has finally grabbed my attention. Unfortunately, this episode is also the penultimate one, with the series finale being next week. Because of this, the last section of this article will contain spoilers.

Episode 5, titled ‘Truth’, sees John Walker face consequences for his murderous actions from the last episode, while Sam and Bucky return to the USA. 

This was an episode that needed to happen for Sam and Bucky. This episode gives them time to actually bond and talk through issues that they’ve held in throughout the whole series. This is especially highlighted near the end, when Sam goes to stay with his sister, and Bucky travels there too. While doing throwing practise with the shield, they talk about the loss of Steve Rogers and Bucky’s nightmares, which he finally confesses he’s still having. Sam then tells him that he ‘needs to start being who he wants to be and not what other people tell him to be’. It’s a beautifully simple scene and one that was necessary. This advice was also important because Bucky’s used to being mind controlled for most of his life; he needs to learn to move on and regain his own life. He also needed to be told this by someone who is, arguably, a friend to him and not someone who was forced upon him. Sam then tells him that apologizing isn’t working because the victims don’t feel better; just him. Therapy sometimes has to be a 2-way system and, if that route doesn’t work, then both parties won’t feel better. It’s a simple but powerful and emotional scene that is one of my favourites in this show. This episode also highlights even more that Antony Mackie and Sebastian Stan are fantastic alongside each other, whether they’re fighting or just talking. Their interactions are enjoyable. 

The reason Bucky reunites with Sam is to deliver something, as well as help him and his sister fix the boat, something that was mentioned in the first episode. This montage was also a wonderful moment: because their monetary options have run out, all they have left is the community and manual labour to fix it. So, this is the option that Sam picks. It’s a wonderful moment and very symbolic: it’s almost a juxtaposition to the Flag Smashers: while they want humanity to be one kind of species, the fixing of the boat highlights that people can look past the Blip and learn to work together, whether they were snapped or not. 

However, this episode is not all happiness, as we see the consequences of John Walker’s actions from the last episode. As expected, he is stripped of his military roles with no monetary benefits. And he is, predictably, not happy about it, almost driving on obsession to still be Captain America. His behaviour after his court trial can potentially make him into a villain, something that would be interesting to see.

Overall, I am now starting to enjoy ‘The Falcon And The Winter Soldier’, which is a shame since this Friday’s episode is the finale. Rumours of a second season have been circulated and, despite my opinion of this series, I think a second series would be good to have and is needed because of other plot points that occur in this episode. However, whether this will happen or not remains to be seen. 

Please now note that the remainder of this Truth: Falcon And Winter Soldier – Disney+ Talk article will contain spoilers. 

Truth: Falcon And Winter Soldier – Disney+ Talk – This section of the article will now contain spoilers for Episode 5 of ‘The Falcon And The Winter Soldier’.

Like last week’s article, the focus will firstly, but not purely, be on John Walker. The beginning of the episode carries on from the ending of the last episode and sees Walker run into an abandoned station. Bucky and Sam then catch up to him where a fight breaks out. The result of this is Walker trying to behead Falcon with the shield while Bucky breaks his arm trying to take the shield. Not only is this fight sequence fantastically choregraphed, but it also shows signs of John Walker’s obsession with the role of Captain America. As Sam tries to ask Walker to give him the shield, he starts yelling that it’s his and his only. In the previous episode, it was revealed that the Super Soldier Serum empathizes a person’s strongest traits. While Steve Rogers was sympathetic and was willing to sacrifice himself to save a life, John Walker is a hot headed, arrogant soldier. So, while Rogers’ caring traits were highlighted, Walker’s anger and hatred is what’s highlighted via the Serum, making him an intimidating character. His obsession, anger and hatred can also make him a villain like previously mentioned. This is especially evident when Walker is shown creating a shield of his own in the show’s post credit scene.

One aspect of the episode that should be especially highlighted is the importance of a black Captain America. While Sam Wilson does become Captain America in the comics, he still questions whether he should take up the role or not in the show. This episode also brings up whether the world is ready for a black Captain America. Despite the world being a much better place than it was 60 years ago, it’s still facing racial unrest, especially with recent events unfortunately. Therefore, this aspect is important to bring up and discuss, especially in a genre as popular as the Superhero genre. The change in racial unrest is brought up too, when Sam goes to revisit Isaiah, a soldier who was also given the Super Soldier serum but was arrested and experimented on after escaping the laboratory where he was changed. Both him and Steve Rogers went through the same events but ended up with different results, purely because of the times. It’s an extremely sad scene as we hear of the unfair treatment that Isaiah suffered. However, it also shows that the world is more accepting now and that it’s important that Sam takes up the role more than ever. Like previously mentioned, this episode is therapeutic for Bucky, but also for Sam. The third act sees Sam accept that he should be Captain America, and trains with the shield. It’s fantastic to see but is also a visual representation of something Steve Rogers would say a lot: ‘I can do this all day’.

Lastly, I want to end this article with a theory, that is quickly becoming a popular one: I think Sharon Carter is the Power Broker. She hasn’t been mentioned in my articles until now, just because she appeared in one episode, and served as a way for Bucky, Zemo and Sam to hide. However, her lack of appearance can be seen as deliberate: she tells Sam that she doesn’t want to go back to America because she’s wanted there, but I think there’s also another reason for her hiding. Because she’s remained mostly anonymous, it leaves room for speculation as to what she’s been doing all this time. And, considering we haven’t seen the Power Broker yet, it would make sense for her to be this character. This means that she is working with the Flag Smashers and agrees with what they’re doing, whilst being sympathetic towards Sam and Bucky. If that is the case and the theory turns out to be true, then the series finale will be extremely interesting indeed. 

Truth: Falcon And Winter Soldier – Disney+ Talk

The Whole World Is Watching: Falcon And Winter Soldier – Disney+ Talk (SPOILERS!)

We’re now past the halfway point in ‘The Falcon And The Winter Soldier’ and, while I’ve just found the show ok overall, I can happily say that this is my favourite episode. Furthermore, this article will be discussing the ending, so there will be spoilers at the end. 

Episode 4, titled ‘The Whole World Is Watching’, sees Sam and Bucky close in on Karli, in the hopes that they can negotiate with her and learn her motivations, all while John Walker grows impatient with them.

The episode starts where the last one finished: Bucky reunites with General Okoye. The beginning of the episode was interesting and something we hadn’t seen before: Bucky’s training in Wakanda. This was only something that we saw in the end credit scene of ‘Black Panther’ so, to see more of his mind control resistance training was interesting and emotional in a sense. Because of the context of Bucky’s past, him succeeding to overcome the code words was fantastic to see. So, when Okoye informs him that she knows about Zemo being broken out of prison, it would feel like a slap in the face after everything she did for him. I hope she plays a more prominent role in the next two episodes, presumedly overlooking the lead characters so they can take Zemo in for killing King T-Chaka. 

This episode is essentially what I wanted from the last episode: Karli’s motivations and plans are explained, and she’s given more screen time. One of the best scenes is after the funeral of her guardian, where Sam talks to her. This shows that she’s a calm, logical person who can hold a conversation without lashing out. It isn’t until her plans are threatened that she’ll attack. This scene also highlights that Sam agrees with her cause, but just not the way in which she’s getting to that cause. And this, despite the end of the show nearing, is finally a decision of Sam’s I can agree with. Her plan also highlights an unexpected problem with the Blip: the major event has almost created a class divide between the people who were snapped and brought back and the people who weren’t. An example that’s given is that if someone lives in a certain house but is snapped, someone else will eventually move into that house. But, five years later, that previous owner comes back and will defend their ownership of that house because, for them, only a second has passed. The government then decided that the previous owners were still the rightful owners so the people who weren’t snapped were placed in Resettlement Camps. Like Wandavision briefly brought up, the Blip may have been a joyous event for the Avengers, but it was ultimately disastrous for the economy, housing market, relationships, etc. However, if Karli made everyone super soldiers, then they’d be no class divide. Her plan makes perfect sense, even if her methods are less than favourable.

Overall, Episode 4 was fantastic and is my favourite. Admittedly, the show has been fine with some interesting aspects, specifically the physiological aspects of the lead characters, something that was mentioned in the last episode. And, with the way this episode ended, I am now very interested to know where the last two episodes will go.

So, please be warned that the article from this point onwards will be spoilers!

The Whole World Is Watching: Falcon And Winter Soldier – Disney+ Talk

The Whole World Is Watching: Falcon And Winter Soldier – Disney+ Talk

So, once again, this section will cover spoilers for Episode 4 of ‘The Falcon & The Winter Soldier’.

And the spoilers will be wholly focused on one character: John Walker. 

While I only hated this character because of the situation he was placed in (him being the new Captain America), he seemed like a good guy just trying to do the right thing so far. It wasn’t until the beginning of the last episode that we saw how hot headed he can be. And, in this episode, his behaviour becomes worse. 

Firstly, I understood his feelings towards being Captain America: he had a lot to live up to after the passing of Steve Rogers. On top of this, there was also pressure from the government and public that would’ve been a huge weight on his shoulders, as well as pressure from himself. He wants to be as good as Steve Rogers. However, he’s also hot-headed, arrogant and lacks compassion and empathy. He sees a situation in black & white/good vs evil; nothing is complex for him. Someone is either evil or they’re good and there’s no in-between point. Which, as a person, isn’t always a great mindset to have but, as Captain America, is dangerous. It would be even more dangerous if this mindset was mixed with the Super Soldier Serum, but that won’t happen…right?

Earlier, I mentioned that Karli’s plan was to change people into super soldiers and had been developing more of the serum. This is discovered by Zemo after John Walker and Bucky interrupt Sam’s interaction with Karli. As predicted, Zemo destroys the serum vials…but forgets one. Which John Walker finds and, predictably, takes it. And his reasoning makes sense, even if he doesn’t deserve the serum: He had previously been defeated and left humiliated by the Wakanda General in a fight that they easily won. So, it makes sense as to why he took the Serum. It also meant he could easily fight the other super soldiers. However, this doesn’t mean he deserves it. Because a dangerous mindset mixed with the Serum can potentially lead to a death. Which it does. 

The final scene of the episode sees Walker’s sidekick Hoskins die in a fight. Walker, seething with rage, catches up to the Flag Smasher who killed Hoskins and brutally murders him with the Shield. All whilst in the public eye, so everyone can film the horrific act. Not only is this a complete PR disaster, but it also indicates a lot of things: firstly, it’s time for Sam or Bucky to take up the shield, as Walker has now proven himself unworthy of the role. Either one of them can replace him (and both characters have done in the comics), and it would make sense, as they both had close relations with Steve Rogers. Secondly, the symbol of hope that Captain America once held is now gone: people will now know the shield as a symbol of cold-blooded murder and hatred. This is showcased beautifully in the final shot: a low angle shot shows John Walker standing tall in his Captain America suit, holding a bloody shield. What once would’ve been seen as a joyous image is now tainted and vile. 

But, because of this final scene, I am now very interested to see what the last two episodes hold. 

Power Broker: Falcon And The Winter Soldier – Disney+ Talk

Last week saw the 3^rd episode of ‘The Falcon And The Winter Soldier’ come to Disney+, also marking the show’s halfway point. And, while the two previous episodes focused on the Blip and the more human side of the lead characters, this episode aims to move the story along. 

Episode 3, titled ‘Power Broker’, sees Sam and Bucky team up with General Zemo after he is broken out of prison. They then discover how the Super Soldier Serum has resurfaced. 

This episode focuses on how the Serum resurfaced, as well as Sam and Bucky reuniting with an unlikely ally to help them: General Zemo, previously seen in ‘Captain America: Civil War’. And, because of Zemo and Bucky’s history, Zemo is happy to see how far he can test the character’s patience. This is specifically shown when Bucky decides to see Zemo alone in his prison cell. Zemo sees him and the first words out of his mouth are the codes to unlock Bucky’s mind control, just to see how he’d react. And, while Bucky may appear calm, his eyes show a hint of fear; the past still affects him and Zemo is aware of this. It’s also important to note that the last time these two characters saw each other was when Zemo was trying to mind control Bucky in ‘Civil War’, so tensions are running high.

However, it’s Bucky that ultimately helps Zemo break out of prison, and his argument makes sense: Zemo is the only one who can help them and, if they don’t accept help from him then they have no leads at all. While I’ve been looking forward to seeing Sam in this show, it’s clear that Bucky is the more logical character. Furthermore, the actual prison break sequence was such a delight to watch and was extremely well-choreographed. And, even when Zemo is broken out of prison, he spends most of the time testing the leads’ patience. This, strangely, makes the trio enjoyable to watch.

Meanwhile, John Walker suspects (and rightfully so) that Bucky and Sam broke Zemo out of prison. So, I imagine the next episode will focus on this aspect, as they chase after the trio. I imagine the next episode will also focus on Bucky as the White Wolf, as he reunites with General Okoye from Wakanda. The White Wolf name was briefly mentioned by Bucky in the last episode, but hopefully the next episode will give some of its runtime to this particular story arc. 

I also hope the next episode will give more of its runtime to Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman). She is supposedly the show’s villain, however, she is the weakest Marvel villain ironically since Zemo. This is purely because she has no character, because the show hasn’t given her enough runtime to develop any. It also hasn’t explained her story arc and motivation well. I still don’t understand what her plan is and, while it can be argued that the show will explain it soon, there’s only 3 episodes left. Therefore, if it’s going to explain her motivations, it’s got to start doing so from the next episode! It’s a shame that the writing hasn’t given her any screen time because the idea of another female Marvel villain is fantastic, considering the lack of female lead/villain characters in the MCU. But this feels like another missed opportunity.

And, despite everything that has happened in this episode, Sam and Bucky still find time to talk about whether Sam’s decision to give up the shield was a good one. It’s clear that the one small act at the beginning of the show has deeply affected Bucky which, again, I agree with. Bucky’s emotional reaction to this decision makes sense. 

Overall, while I don’t dislike ‘The Falcon And The Winter Soldier’, it does feel like it’s dragging its feet. The psychological side of the characters are the most interesting aspects so far, as well as more focus on how the Blip affected normal civilians. However, it also has the weakest Marvel villain to date, thanks to the writing, and not enough humour to balance out the seriousness of the story. Hopefully the last half of the show will improve on these aspects.

The Star-Spangled Man: Falcon And The Winter Soldier – Disney+ Talk

Like my coverage with ‘Wandavision’, my coverage of ‘The Falcon & The Winter Soldier’ will be done via weekly episodic articles. However, this article (like last week’s one) will not contain spoilers.

Episode 2, titled ‘The Star-Spangled Man’ sees John Walker be introduced as the new Captain America. Bucky and Sam also team up to figure out what the terrorist group from the previous episode are planning, all while ‘trying’ to get along.

Ultimately, this episode serves as an introduction to the dysfunctional duo that is Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. From the moment they meet in the show, they were delightful to watch onscreen. They have fantastic onscreen chemistry and, while that may have been expected to some people, it’s easy to forget that Bucky and Sam didn’t share many solo scenes together when they both featured in the MCU films. So, essentially, it’s an introduction to how they’ll interact with each other. And it’s both hilarious and heart-breaking. The former is because their banter is reminiscent of child-like bickering at times. Bucky’s therapist even asks that they ‘don’t answer with a childish response’ when she interrogates them near the end of the episode. The closest I can think of is Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson in ‘Fast & Furious Presents Hobbs & Shaw’ when thinking of inspirations. 

But there’s a reason why they don’t get along: Bucky is angry that Sam gave Captain America’s shield away when it was given to him for the sole purpose of him taking up the role of the new Captain America. And, while Sam says he wasn’t ready for that, it’s hard to disagree with Bucky Barnes. His argument is understandable, especially considering that they were both close friends with Steve Rogers. Bucky essentially feels that Sam betrayed Steve which is hard to argue with. 

A detail that wasn’t mentioned in last week’s Disney+ Talk article was how the first episode ended. The reason for that is because I knew this episode would give viewers more answers and details. Therefore, more discussion could be had this week, rather than briefly mention it in last week’s article. And, yes, the episode ended with the government announcing a new Captain America, complete with the shield that Sam had donated to be displayed. Not only is this decision disrespectful to Steve Rogers, Sam and even Bucky, but it also feels like a PR stunt until a fight scene takes place later on in the episode. This new Captain America is John Walker (who later becomes U.S. Agent in the comics) and, from the moment he opens his mouth, he seems genuine and humble. He truly believes in what he is doing, but also knows that he will never be like Steve Rogers, so won’t try to be. However, the one thing he can do is try to keep people safe. He has similar morale values to Steve Rogers, so it’s clear why he was picked for the role. He also portrays strength and can hold his own, for the most part, in a fight. But, because of Sam and Bucky’s connection to Captain America and Steve Rogers, it can’t be helped that I feel dislike towards John Walker. Unfortunately, the only thing he’s done wrong is take up the role of Captain America, not matter how good he is at it at the moment. 

And the fight is against a terrorist group of super soldiers, presumedly led by Zemo, judging from the handprint logo. These were people who were introduced in the last episode, but it’s in this episode that they get to show their super strength. While Zemo’s story arc was one that I found dull in ‘Captain America: Civil War’, his appearance makes sense within this context: because the MCU civil war is done, his character has more time to expand here, so I’m interested to see this plot line develop. 

Overall, this episode was better than the last one and serves as a great introduction to Bucky and Sam’s interactions as well as their first meeting with the new Captain America. And, with Zemo reappearing, I’m more interested in his character now that the MCU civil war is over.