The second Disney Plus, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series is officially in the books. After a comparatively short six episodes, we came to the conclusion of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (FWS). This was a very different experience than WandaVision, as we’ve already discussed. I’ve heard it described as Captain America: The Winter Soldier Pt. 2. That actually is pretty on target.
When episode 5 wrapped up, Sam was opening the case from Wakanda, with his new wings and getting ready to head to New York for a final showdown with the Flag Smashers.
Meet The New Captain America!
It’s nice to officially and finally retire #NotMyCap. It took a bit of time, but Marvel fans finally have their new Captain America - Sam Wilson. The immediate reveal was Sam Wilson in his new Captain America costume, which was very true to the comics. Cap flies to New York and gives us a fun fight with the terrorist he defeated in the series intro, followed by an awesome aerial battle with a helicopter that helped show off some of the cool new tech in his suit, and the eventual takedown of Karli, the leader of the Flag Smashers.
We also get a great call-back to Steve Rogers’ Cap, when Sam effectively refuses to fight with Karli in their final showdown. It was very reminiscent of the fight between Rogers and Bucky in Captain America: The Winder Soldier and was clearly drawing a parallel between the two characters and their sense of right and wrong.
I don’t want to delve too deeply into the complex racial issues discussed in the show, for example, the challenges for Sam taking on the mantle of Captain America - even in the fictional world of the MCU. Perhaps the government officials were too easily swayed by Sam’s speech about equality and finding common ground. But, the final scene where Sam helps Isaiah Bradley finally get a fraction of the recognition he earned with the exhibit at the Smithsonian is a powerful moment.
Its a lot to ask for a superhero show to take on such a serious issue and handle it properly, but I have to give the MCU credit for making it a focal point of the story.
A John Walker Redemption… Sort of?
Episode 5 gave us a look at John Walker creating his own Captain America shield in his garage. Well, he breaks out that shield in episode 6, along with his old Captain America outfit. Walker shows up to fight the Flag Smashers. Largely we know this is his attempt to take final revenge for the death of his partner Lamar (aka Battlestar). It doesn’t help when he confronts Karli who effectivley says that Lamar’s death didn’t really matter. Walker is (rightfully) furious. But, when he is faced with the option of getting his vengeance or saving a van load of hostages, he makes the right (albeit obvious) choice to save people. Walker and Bucky then fight together against the Flag Smashers and eventually helps capture the remaining three without any bloodshed.
So, what we’re left with is a complex character with MANY flaws. It’s difficult (impossible?) to get past his murder of the Flag Smasher in episode 4, followed by attempting to kill Sam and Bucky in episode 5. Perhaps the supersoldier serum just amplified his own character flaws. At the same time, he isn’t a simple villain. He believes what he is doing is right or at least for the greater good. It makes for an interesting character and one we can expect to see down the road, now that he has his new alter ego as US Agent.
The Ultimate Villain?
The Flag Smashers are no more, after Karli is killed by Sharon Carter (aka The Power Broker) and then the remaining supersoldier members of the group are blown up by Zemo’s “Alfred” stand-in. The group was a challenging fit to be the ultimate villains of the series. It wasn’t hard to see that they had valid points, while recognizing that their methods were too extreme. As villains go, Karli and her crew don’t stand up to many of the other MCU villains.
John Walker was a clear villain in episodes 4 and 5, but as noted above, his story is complicated. So, it’s hard to cast him as the ultimate villain in the show.
Zemo? Definitely still a villain. But, a bit like Hannibal Lecter, his charming character makes him a tricky one to fill that ultimate villain role either.
The Power Broker? Well, let’s put a pin in this one. Sharon Carter is taking back her position in the government (SWORD?), but plans to use it to access various secrets and intelligence that she can sell to the highest bidder.
Where Does this all Lead?
This is actually kind of a big question. WandaVision is fairly well known to have set things in motion for the next Doctor Strange movie, and key character Monica Rambeau will play a prominent role in Captain Marvel 2. But, we don’t know quite what is in store for any of the characters in FWS. I think we can all see a new Captain America movie, with Anthony Mackie in the title role, but there is nothing announced in the upcoming MCU movie release slate. The same for Bucky, US Agent, The Power Broker, etc. At the same time, the series is clearly setting the stage for more content about several of these characters. So, stay tuned!
