Avengers: Endgame — In defense of Steve Rogers

Marvel Studios INFINITY WAR..Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes in Avengers Infinity War TV Spot..©Marvel Studios 2018

Steve Would Not Have Abandoned Bucky

There is no question that Bucky Barnes is the most significant cinematic character relationship for Steve Rogers. Others are important. Others have meaning. Bucky Barnes is the most significant. The story arc for all three Captain America films focused on Steve losing and saving Bucky. Steve repeatedly risked everything for Bucky, even when Bucky didn’t remember him. When he had nothing, he had Bucky. Bucky is his brother, his best friend, his home. Some would argue, his soul mate.

Bucky was the first character dusted in Infinity War so that we could share Steve’s confused, devastated reaction. In the Steve/Steve fight in Endgame, 2023 Steve told 2012 Steve that Bucky was alive because he knew that would be the one thing that could distract him.

So, yes, leaving Bucky behind was a surprising decision. However, Bucky knew what Steve was going to do. Pay close attention to Bucky’s limited lines the next time you watch Endgame.

"Steve: Don’t do anything stupid til I get back. Bucky: How can I? You’re taking all the stupid with you. They hug. Bucky: I’m gonna miss you, buddy. Steve: It’s gonna be alright, Buck."

Bruce reminds them that Steve’s journey to replace the stones in time will take as long as it takes for Steve, but for them, he’ll only be gone five seconds. Steve mounts the platform and locks eyes with Bucky once his helmet slips into place. He disappears.

You may have been so swept up in the nostalgia of the two of them echoing their conversation from before Bucky shipped out in Captain America: The First Avenger that you missed Bucky saying he was going to miss Steve. Why would he tell Steve he was going to miss him if Steve was only going to be gone for five seconds? Because he knew Steve wouldn’t be coming back, that’s why.

When Steve misses the expected re-entry after five seconds, watch Bucky. As Sam panics and insists Bruce get him back, Bucky sadly smiles and turns away from the platform. He doesn’t look at Bruce or Sam. He doesn’t look surprised or concerned, just sad. His eye catches something in the distance and he calls to Sam. He and Sam approach a figure on the bench, but Bucky stops short of approaching. Instead, he smiles and tells Sam, “Go ahead.” When Old Steve offers Sam the shield a few minutes later, Sam turns back to Bucky before reacting. Bucky smiles and nods his approval.

Steve Rogers —he of high moral compass, loyalty to his friends, and a devotion to doing what is right —absolutely discussed his plan with Bucky beforehand. What’s more, Bucky accepted Steve’s decision. While I wish we would have gotten a more poignant, weighted scene with Bucky and Steve, while we did not see the conversation, Steve discussed his plans with Bucky and Bucky approved.

Bucky also chose not to go with him for another shot at living a happier life. Bucky Barnes, who survived years of brainwashing and torture, chose to stay in his current reality and timeline, where he finally had agency over his own life. Even if it meant saying goodbye to his best friend. He didn’t lose his past with Steve; it doesn’t change their relationship. That still exists.

Bucky accepted the fact that Steve wanted a chance with, as he put it, “the love of his life”. We didn’t see this discussion, obviously, that would’ve ruined the surprise reveal of Old Steve on the bench, but the carefully selected dialogue for Bucky Barnes makes it clear that he knew. (I’m also certain that Steve and Bucky discussed passing the shield to Sam.)