The Falcon and The Winter Soldier opened to a fast start, providing fans with action, character development and some very emotional moments.
*Spoilers for season 1, episode 1 of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier*
Marvel’s second Disney Plus series has now officially aired its first episode, with this Marvel Cinematic Universe outing feeling closer to the traditional Marvel roots than WandaVision. Still, this works for the series, which has serious Captain America: The Winter Soldier vibes from the get-go.
While the titular pair do not come together during the first episode, there are plenty of moments that they have individually which will no doubt be of major importance to both the plot and their characters moving forward. Both characters are living in a post-Blip world without their best friend, and are both struggling in the process.
With the Flag-Smashers group and the reveal of US Agent taking up the mantle of Captain America, there has simply never been a better time for the pair to join forces (which we will likely see in episode 2). In the meantime, this episode sets up both Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes as protagonists capable of carrying their own stories, with a number of great moments showcasing the beginning of each character’s journey.
5. Falcon Soars Against Batroc in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s opening
The first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier starts with an incredible action sequence, as Falcon attempts to rescue a US soldier from Batroc and his forces. In an action-packed scene, Falcon and Redwing fly over a massive jet and enter to free the hostage.
After getting beaten by Batroc in an awesome hand-to-hand fight, which is reminiscent to the fight between Rogers and Batroc from Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Wilson is forced to chase the bad guys in the air.
This leads to a terrific aerial battle, filled with explosions, with Falcon dodging missiles and obstacles as the Avenger is able to save the soldier before Batroc and his crew crosses the border.
While being a thrilling action piece, it also sets up Batroc as a recurring villain in the series, as he was the only member of the crew to escape Falcon’s wrath. We could see the villain team-up with either the Flag-Smashers, Zemo or both (or perhaps resurface in the MCU in a later project).
Whatever the case may be with Batroc, what is certain is that Marvel opened up the series brilliantly with this action set piece that is sure to play a part in the rest of the show.
4. Bidding Farewell to Steve Rogers
On an emotional note, the show displays Falcon ultimately rejecting the mantle of Captain America, as he believes the shield belongs to Steve Rogers. This results in Wilson handing the shield to the United States government and it is then put on display in the Captain America Exhibit. It also allows Sam some closure, providing some somber words about his friend (who may or may not be dead).
This scene also provides a great moment between Sam and Rhodey (Don Cheadle), as the pair tour through the Captain America exhibit and discuss the question on everyone’s minds: Why Sam did not take up the mantle. This results in an important conversation between the two, as Sam reflects on the scene at the end of Avengers: Endgame.
While Rhodey may disagree with Sam, he does not show this and their conversation sets up Sam’s storyline for the series as the Falcon contemplates his future as the new Captain America. It is unclear whether Cheadle’s character will return in the series, but his appearance during this scene is meaningful and further solidifies the bond between the pair.
Cheadle will, however, return at some point in the future of the MCU as he stars in his own Disney Plus series Armor Wars.
3. Bucky goes to therapy
While the episode does not see Sam and Bucky come together, the Winter Soldier is given his own arc throughout the episode. The audience first sees Bucky in a flashback to his Winter Soldier days, where he kills multiple people – including a witness to the crime. This scene is occurring in a nightmare for Barnes, who is haunted by his time as the Winter Soldier.
As it turns out, Bucky has been going to therapy due to the conditions of his pardon, with the conversation between Bucky and his therapist providing both comedic moments and some emotional scenes too. It turns out Bucky has created a list and is trying to undo the wrongs he did as the Winter Soldier – or, at the very least, make amends for them.
This scene brilliantly conveys Bucky’s struggle to open up, as he grapples with the trauma of his military past and his mental struggles. As he mentions, he has not had a break and has been in and out of battles for 90 years (besides his brief stint in Wakanda).
Arguably the best scene in the episode, it clearly sets the stage for more to come from this narrative thread as the therapist will return in the future (if the Super Bowl trailer is anything to go by), meaning that Bucky’s mental state and his past will receive further exploration as the series continues.
2. Flag Smashers are a threat!
MCU newcomer Joaquín Torres (who may or may not be a future superhero) has been tracking down a new group known as the Flag Smashers, as made evident early on in the episode. Their anarchist group is upset by Hulk’s second snap that brought back everyone after five years, as they believed life before the Blip was better. The group wishes for a world without borders, much like the character from the comics.
In a scene that has major V for Vendetta vibes, the group give masks to civilians and confuse the police officers during a break in. When Torres encounters the leader of the group, it turns out the character has some major enhanced abilities. Torres is easily dispatched and beaten, as the leader gets away.
This moment establishes the group as a major threat, with this enhanced individual potentially being the counterpart from the comics. His powers could also indicate that a variation of the Super Soldier Serum could be on the loose in the MCU, which would have extreme consequences for both the protagonists of the series and the wider MCU.
The world isn’t ready for a new Captain America, so you can imagine how devastating more Winter Soldiers would be.
1. U.S. Agent is here… as Captain America
The ending of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier‘s premiere may have set up how Bucky and Sam will finally come together, as a press conference shows the government betraying Sam’s wishes of having the Captain America mantle remain with the memory of Steve Rogers – announcing a new Captain America. The audience knows that this Captain America is in fact John F Walker aka U.S. Agent (played by Wyatt Russell).
Walker does not say a word, but simply elects to wink at the camera. The move to replace Captain America has outraged fans, which means Marvel has done their job well. While it is unclear where Walker’s character arc will take him during the series, it will no doubt be on a negative pathway.
With the introduction of a new Captain America, Sam may question whether he made the right choice, leading him down the pathway that was teased at the end of Avengers: Endgame.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier adds a new episode to Disney+ every Friday.
What were your favorite moments from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier‘s season premiere? Did you enjoy the first episode? Let us know in the comments below!