The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Limited Series, TV-14, Disney+
Science Fiction, Buddy Action-Adventure, Superhero
In the new Disney+ show, Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan return as the title characters, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The show starts six months after the events of Avengers Endgame. Sam Wilson, aka the Falcon, is getting ready to go somewhere with Captain America’s Shield. Eventually, we see that Sam donates the infamous Shield to the Smithsonian. He’s not sure the world needs another Captain America, and he certainly doesn’t see himself in the role.
But before that, the scene cuts to the Falcon in action. Here we are introduced to a new character, Joaquin Torres. He’s a little overeager. I’m not sure how much of that is genuine or put on. Or if he will end out being a true friend to Sam or a calculated plant to misguide him.
Meanwhile, Bucky Barnes, alias the Winter Soldier, is in New York at therapy. The government has decided to pardon his crimes as the Winter Soldier. But of course, there are conditions. Attending therapy is one of these conditions. And through that therapy, a route to making amends which are also a condition of his pardon. It’s a great scene.
Fans of Felicity will recognize Amy Aquino. She once played an acerbic, no time for BS counselor to the titular undergrad played by Keri Russell. So this may be typecasting, but it’s been over 15 years between the two roles. And Aquino as Dr. Raynor injected some much-needed energy into the gloomy vibe of the first episode.
Don’t get me wrong, the gloom is understandable. Both Sam and Bucky vanished during the Blip, the five-year time frame between Thanos’ snap in Avengers Infinity War and the climax of Avengers Endgame. They have a lot to reconcile. And they have to do it without their closest friend, Steve Rogers.
There are other light moments. After all, this is the MCU, whose trademark seems to be impending doom with a side of wit. Sam interacting with his sister and nephews is among these moments. And Bucky’s new BFF Yori is adorable.
New World Order is one of six episodes for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The positive to that is six episodes give potential for in-depth storytelling. However, if this were a movie, the events in episode one would be the first fifteen minutes. And so the negative aspect of the first episode is that it isn’t showing a good pace. Exhibit A: Sam and Bucky do not interact in any way in the first episode. Although, I admit it’s a good way to get the audience to return on week two.
As for the quality of the show, Marvel is sparing no expense. These productions bringing the MCU stories to television are just as meticulous as the films. Because they have more time, there seems to be less of a chance of plot holes.
So what is the takeaway here? The overall theme of the show is symbols and heroes. And how Sam will accept his ability and responsibility to take on the role of Captain America. Bucky is going to be a critical part of the journey. It’s very evident now why Steve chose to pass the shield to Sam over Bucky. Yes, Bucky’s mind has been cleaned of any Hydra brainwashing thanks to Zuri in Wakanda. But he still remembers the deeds he did as the Winter Soldier. That doesn’t go away, and he likely doesn’t want the job. I’m betting Steve knew that.
