The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: What’s hidden in plain sight in episode 1

Captain America II

With the episode ending with the announcement of a new Captain America (Wyatt Russell), it’s no secret that this will be John Walker. And make no mistake, if the comics are anything to go by, the MCU version of Walker will be a very different Cap than Steve. Although he’s still a very much a hero, Walker in the comics is also much more aggressive, opinionated, and arrogant. That’s because Walker believes that since Steve was a product of the Great Depression, FDR’s New Deal, and World War II, it makes him an outdated relic who no longer represents modern American ideals and values. Which, of course, Walker feels he better represents.

To prove this, Walker goaded Cap to a wrestling match as “The Super-Patriot”… and just barely won. That’s because in comics, Walker gained super strength, reflexes, and endurance from a crime boss called The Power Broker, who, in turn, hired Karl Malus (yes, the same guy responsible for giving Torres his powers). In any case, after Walker saved Washington D.C. from a would-be terrorist, the US government recruits him to become the new Cap after Steve quits and becomes “The Captain.”

We’ll see what differences there are between the comic book and MCU Walker to be sure. But one difference is his new government issued Cap suit, as it incorporates design elements from other suits. The front of uniform does resemble the U.S. Agent uniform he will eventually wear, but it also has design aspects of Bucky’s costume from the 1940s. It’s also a darker shade of blue than Steve’s uniform, which gives audiences a visual cue that Walker will be a darker version of Cap than they are used to.

One thing’s for sure, the ending perfectly sets the stage for Sam and Walker to butt ideological heads over who the true bearer of Steve’s legacy is.

What Easter Eggs did you spot in Episode 1 of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier? Let us know in the comments below!