Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprise their superhero roles for the latest Marvel/Disney+ series…
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Warning! Contains SPOILERS
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Daniel Bruhl, Emily VanCamp, Erin Kellyman, Adepero Oduye
Series created by: Malcolm Spellman (based on the Marvel comics)
What’s it about?
As the U.S. government unveils a new Captain America, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes unite to take on the threat of an emerging radical group…
In review
Following the conclusion of the first Marvel Cinematic Universe streaming series for the Disney+ platform – the excellent WandaVision – Marvel Studios’ six-episode superhero action drama The Falcon and The Winter Soldier has now also wrapped up and it’s another hit for entertainment goliaths Marvel and Disney. The series sees lead stars Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprise their roles as Marvel heroes Sam Wilson/The Falcon and “Bucky” Barnes/The Winter Soldier, respectively (both last seen in 2019 blockbuster Avengers: Endgame), as they take on the threat of a revolutionary group calling themselves the ‘Flag Smashers’ whilst also facing their own personal post-Blip concerns and the rise of the U.S. government’s newly appointed Captain America, decorated Afghan War veteran John Walker (Wyatt Russell – son of Kurt Russell).
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is an engrossing Tom Clancy-esque action-espionage thriller in the spirit of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War (the “flavour” further enriched by bringing back composer Henry Jackman to score the show). Series creator Malcolm Spellman and his writing staff tap into present day concerns, commenting on themes such as racial prejudice and division, the political state and social unrest whilst mirroring the buddy-cop character dynamics of the Lethal Weapon films, making the pairing of Sam and Bucky even more enjoyable. Blessed with a handsome budget, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier boasts top-notch action scenes – Sam’s aerial battle in episode one and a truck-top fight involving Sam, Bucky and Walker as they take on the Flag Smashers in episode two are early examples – but is not driven by them, taking the time to delve into its characters and plot more deeply than a two-hour film possibly can. This obviously results in a slower and more measured pace than an MCU film which some viewers might struggle with, but a generally consistent rhythm is quickly established, injecting the action where it’s called for and not just for the gratuity of it. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is far more motivated by character drama and the rich, thought provoking thematic elements it presents and as a result, anyone expecting straightforward superhero entertainment may be disappointed.
The series’ premiere episode does a good job of reintroducing the lead characters and their status quo following their return from non-existence in the ‘Blip’ (as per the events of Endgame) as Sam and Bucky attempt to get a grip on their lives. Doubtful about taking up the role bequeathed to him by Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson relinquishes Cap’s shield to the U.S. government, before finding out that his status as an Avenger won’t help him secure a bank loan to help his sister Sarah (played by Adepero Oduye) and save the Wilson family’s fishing business. Things are no better for Bucky Barnes, now gifted a Presidential pardon for his previous actions as The Winter Soldier, he begrudgingly submits to therapy for post-traumatic stress and plagued by guilt befriends an elderly Japanese man (Ken Takemoto), whose son he had murdered during one of his past operations as a Hydra assassin. It creates an interesting set-up for both characters giving both Mackie and Stan plenty of depth to explore and they have never been better in their roles as they are elevated above their place as supporting players in the MCU films.
With Sam and Bucky taking on government contracts to make ends meet and Bucky questioning Sam’s decision to give up Cap’s shield and all that comes with it, tensions rise as the two begin to clash with a headstrong and determined John Walker. Discovering that the Flag Smashers have super soldier serum-induced abilities, matters are further complicated when Sam and Bucky decide to team up with Zemo (Daniel Bruhl), incarcerated at the end of Civil War. Travelling to Madripoor (a location Wolverine fans will know, weaving an X-Men related element into the MCU) with Zemo, who we learn actually is a Baron, aligning the character more closely with his Marvel Comics counterpart (even donning the iconic purple mask at one point), allows the investigation of the Flag Smashers to progress as well as facilitating a reunion with exiled former S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp, also last seen in Civil War) who helps the mismatched trio search for the shadowy string-puller of events: the enigmatic Power Broker. The dingy criminal underworld vibe and accompanying action is comfortable territory for John Wick screenwriter Derek Kolstad and he gleefully infuses those elements here into The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.
Daniel Bruhl is assuredly excellent, bringing a snarling arrogance and scheming duplicitousness to the wholly untrustworthy yet surprisingly helpful Zemo. Releasing the Baron naturally has its consequences, drawing the attention of Wakanda (again, recalling the events of Civil War, where Zemo was responsible for the death of King T’Chaka) heating things up further as the eminent African nation dispatches it’s formidable royal guard, the Dora Milaje. Lead by Ayo (Black Panther’s Florence Kasumba), there’s a gripping hotel room fight that’s a swift reminder of how down-right awesome and unstoppably efficient Wakanda’s warrior woman are. Flashbacks to Bucky’s recovery in Wakanda burdens him with a sense of betrayal as the scenes demonstrate how Ayo helped to break his Hydra induced programming. It’s another small but significant aspect that enriches Stan’s character whilst providing organic connectivity with the wider MCU.
As John Walker, Wyatt Russell is a great addition and enjoys a strong character arc, the new Captain America a harder-edged combatant who becomes more intense and increasingly frustrated at the perceived interference from Sam and Bucky, their methods seen as too tame in order to get results. Walker is very much a man of action and prepared to do what is necessary so it’s fitting that angered by the slaying of his partner Lemur Hoskins – a.ka. Battlestar (Cle Bennett) -, the new-Cap gets himself serum-boosted. Consequentially, no punches are pulled in the shocking scenes (in the closing moments of the aptly titled “The Whole World is Watching”) of an enraged John Walker, giving chase and bludgeoning a Flag Smasher with Captain America’s shield as crowds capture the brutal event on their smartphones. It presents some unsettling and potent symbolism that once again presses upon the issues of today and makes the need for a more noble-spirited and just Captain America in the mould of Steve Rogers even more desperate. Walker is not “bad” in simple black and white terms, but a product of a different time and forged by a different kind of conflict, this notwithstanding it remains a reminder of Captain America: The First Avenger in that it’s not just an enhancing super solider formula that makes a Captain America but that there also needs to be a good and balanced soul at the end of the needle.
What really works well with The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is that beyond its characters and action set pieces, it paints an interesting picture of the post-Blip world and how many who have returned after a five-year absence are displaced and that not everyone is fortunate to receive the help and understanding they need. Whilst the Flag Smashers are labelled as terrorists and commit deplorable acts, the series provides its villains with believable motivation and even an angle of sympathy through the group’s leader, Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman) and the scripts bring some prescient arguments to the table. This is exemplified in a philosophical exchange between Sam and Morgenthau as the heroic Flacon recognises her cause but questions the execution of her agenda. It’s well-written and wonderfully performed by both Anthony Mackie and Erin Kellyman and makes for good drama. There’s also an addition to Marvel mythology as Sam and Bucky’s initial investigations lead them to the doorstep of Isaiah Bradley (first introduced to the Marvel Comics universe in 2003’s Truth: Red, White and Black #1 and played here by the superb Carl Lumbly), an African America super soldier who fought in the Korean War and was subsequently imprisoned and experimented on. This abuse makes a powerful and evocative statement that highlights important issues and does so in a thought-provoking manner.
Given John Walker’s turn, the penultimate episode opens with a necessary confrontation between the rogue Captain America and Sam and Bucky, before unexpectedly changing gear to a contemplative character-driven piece that’s actually a highlight of the series as Sam, through the counsel of Bucky, realises that he is the man for the job. Whilst also introducing Veep’s Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Marvel Comics character Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, it lays the groundwork for a pacey and poignant finale (“One World, One People” – another appropriately titled episode) in which Sam finally takes up the role of the true Captain America. It’s a triumphant moment and the battle to stop the Flag Smashers once and for all allows the former Falcon to display all the daring-do and heroics incumbent of any Captain America. It culminates in a potent and evocative media-facing speech from Sam Wilson that, although could be seen as a little too ‘on the nose’ is, once again, an address of important issues of race and equality.
Of course, it was never in doubt that we would see Sam Wilson’s inevitable transition from Falcon to Captain America and a natural and fitting evolution for the character as has been seen in the comics. It’s similarly unsurprising that Sharon Carter is revealed as the Power Broker (speculation is already rife that she is actually a Skrull agent, given that the Secret Invasion series is nearing production…but who knows?) and likewise that John Walker would be redeemed, in a manner, as he assumes his new identity: U.S.Agent (again, mirroring the Marvel comic books), ready to take on the under-the-radar assignments Captain America morally cannot and under the orders of the Contessa.
As we’ve seen with WandaVision and now The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, there is a lot of creative potential for the various other upcoming Disney+ Marvel series (Loki being the next to arrive this June) and provide fans with some substantial long-form storytelling and entertainment between the popcorn blockbuster offerings of the MCU films.
The bottom line: The Falcon and The Winter Soldier presents viewers with a superior form of dramatic superhero entertainment that’s laced with prescient and thought-provoking themes.
All six episodes of The Falcon and The Winter Solider are now available to stream via Disney+.
Image(s) used herein are utilised for illustrative purposes only and remain the property of the copyright owner(s).
GEEK BLOGGER REVIEWS 
Congrats on a thorough and incisive look at The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. This review covered all the major highlights of the show, which is a splendid hybrid of intense action movies and the detailed character developments that you can only get from an extended television program.
Marvel did a fine job with their latest, though it has its issues, such as pacing and some of the villains were more interesting than others, which I go over in my review. I do wish that it was not so obvious that Sharon Carter was the Power Broker. I think it would have been better if they gave us either more viable suspects or left the identity as a mystery to be covered in other MCU productions to engage our interest as to who is the Power Broker, but so be it.
I am rather glad that Marvel Studios is so happy with the show that they are planning a second season and are looking at another Captain America film starring Anthony Mackie as the title character, which is appropriate. I also hope that we get to see Old Man Steve appear in a cameo, that would be so thrilling to watch the two Captains onscreen together.
Thanks, it was great to read your review as well. I get what you say about the villains – Zemo was the obvious standout but I do think they gave us something a bit different with the Flag Smashers than the usual “comic book bad guys”.
I’m very interested to see where things go with Cap 4 and a second…or technically first season of Captain America and The Winter Soldier (we do need some sort of confirmation on what the status with Steve Rogers is).
I am happy that Marvel Studio is always selective and detailed in working on big film projects, such as the film ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’. I also like the new Captain America actor, Wyatt Russell …, he is suitable for the role.
Regards.
Great to hear you enjoyed the series, I’m looking forward to more from Marvel both on Disney+ and on the big screen – it’s exciting times to be a fan of these things!
Excellent and thorough thoughts on this mini-series, my friend. I can tell how enamoured you were by all six episodes and how much you appreciated the characters, the themes, and the action sequences that came with this show. The amount of Easter eggs for comic book readers also makes it excellent on that front! As you noticed from my own review, I was far less enthused by how it was all executed but definitely had fun going through it, especially to see the transition for many of these characters, ultimately giving us Captain America 4 in the near future. I do think an episode or two could’ve helped this mini-series cover more grounds. I heard that there were a lot of post-production cut/edits that affected the story, and that could explain a lot of the issues I had with the show too. I do look forward to Loki now. I’m more optimistic about what that story will explore! Again, awesome review, Chris!
Thanks Lashaan, you made some interesting observations in your review. I also read that there were last minute changes to the story, which supposedly involved some sort of biological threat tied to the Flag Smashers. But I didn’t find myself “bumping” up against that and enjoyed the series as it turned out.
Likewise I’m looking forward to seeing Loki when it launches!
I thought the discussion this show was trying to have between Sam and Karli was good in that they not only tried to do a “punching doesn’t solve everything” plot, but also in how it lends Sam Wilson some much needed character, given how he is mostly side-lined in the movies. However the way in which these scenes are executed often confuse me – like one moment they’re punching each other and the next they’re buddies. The only scene this really worked in was the finale when Sam had grown into his own philosophy and become comfortable with who he was, but for the previous ones I think it made both sides look a little silly. That’s what a lot of the show was for me; a lot of good mixed in with a lot of bad.
Some fair points, I think they were perhaps trying to balance the MCU film-like aspects with the longer-form elements of a multi-episode series.