If you've been keeping up to date on the MCU's projects, then you'll know that "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" release date of March 19th, 2021 was highly anticipated. It revolves around Sam Wilson - The Falcon - and Bucky Barnes - The Winter Soldier - after Steve Rodgers is gone and everyone has returned from the Blip. Now 4 episodes deep, this show has become my new favorite MCU installment.
1. Sam Wilson
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Since his debut in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," Sam Wilson, or the Falcon, has been one of my favorite characters in the MCU. He's witty, intelligent, and compassionate. Also, Anthony Mackie does an excellent job portraying him.
Since Sam Wilson has had limited screen time in the MCU movies, I was thrilled when "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier" was announced. In the 4 episodes so far, Sam Wilson's character is explored in-depth, and we are even able to see his background a bit.
Now, you may be wondering how this makes the show my favorite. Well, to start off, being able to see Sam Wilson in action, as more than just Captain America's sidekick, is incredible. The most recent episode, "The Whole World Is Watching," shows that Steve Rodgers made the right decision handing the shield to him. When dealing with Karli, the show's "villain" so far, Sam is insistent on talking to her before attacking her. To my surprise, it was working, much better than I thought it would. He was able to reason with her and was well on his way to getting her to rethink how she's going about making change. In every situation, where people are expressing their problems, he wants to help and asks them how he can do it.
Seeing Sam Wilson's character development throughout this show is one of the reasons why "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" ranks highly on my MCU scale.
2. Bucky Barnes
A fan favorite of the MCU is Bucky Barnes. With only around 120 lines throughout the MCU movies, Sebastian Stan has managed to effortlessly portray Bucky, the Winter's Soldier.
As each episode is released, Bucky's past and journey to recovery from The Winter's Soldier is shown. In episode 4, we see Ayo using the Winter's Soldier's trigger words. Bucky doesn't turn into The Winter's Soldier, and Ayo tells him "you're free." This scene alone surpasses almost any other Marvel project. We also learn that Bucky is trying to make amends with those he's hurt as the Winter's Soldier. It showcases the guilt and regrets he has for how he acted while brainwashed. Sebastian Stan captures this perfectly in this scene and throughout the show.
On the lighter side of things, Bucky throws plenty of shade and sarcasm around. A personal favorite is him yelling "Looking great, John" to John Walker while the Dora Milaje is kicking his butt. His back and forth with Sam does wonders and lightens up the show a bit. The dynamic between Sam and Bucky brings the show to another level, and it is what secures "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" as my favorite.
3. The Cameos
One of the best aspects of this show is all the cameos. Sharon Carter makes an appearance in episode 3. She helps Sam and Bucky out and manages to take on around 10 bounty hunters solo. Incredible.
Another surprise cameo that I wasn't expecting to see or like for that matter was Zemo. Listen, I know he caused Civil War. I get it. That being said, in "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier," he is shockingly likable and sports a boujee coat. After being in prison, he's surprisingly reasonable, at least so far. He's been proven useful to Sam and Bucky thus far.
Like I already mentioned, Ayo makes an appearance, as well. She comes for Zemo. I would too if he coldly murdered my king.
Overall, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" has been excellent. It's managed to showcase these two characters perfectly, while also keeping the audience on their toes every week. The show has managed to bring real-life issues into a fictional universe flawlessly, and somehow still has humor incorporated throughout. Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan truly do get a chance to shine with this show.
