The Falcon and The Winter Soldier expands the scope of the MCU

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has been an interesting show thus far, and its scope and influence on the MCU cannot be ignored.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier‘s story revolves around Sam Wilson, the most grounded Avenger who just so happens to operate a suit that makes him fly. And then there’s Bucky, a former super-assassin who’s trying his best to redeem his horrific past life.

As of this writing, only four episodes are available to stream on Disney Plus, but it’s quite impressive what this show accomplishes in that time. Sam having relevant financial troubles back at home with his family and Bucky dealing with the past actions he had no control over. Both characters also have to deal with the fact that their old friend Steve Rogers isn’t Captain America anymore and they both feel the pressure to live up to his name.

Steve gave Sam the shield, but he chose to reject it. Of course, the government didn’t waste any time picking a replacement if Sam wasn’t going to do it. John Walker played by the very likable Wyatt Russell is quite a fascinating character. On paper, he’s an honorable man who saved lives serving his country, so why wouldn’t he be a good choice to take on the mantle? As we learn throughout the MCU’s events, there truly is no one like Steve. The pressures and power of being Captain America is bringing out the worst in John, and it’ll be interesting to see him go down a dark path in the last two episodes.

Familiar faces return in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Sharon Carter’s reintroduction is also an interesting one as well, as we see her live in a city like Madripoor where criminals rule. Knowing the MCU, Madripoor could play a bigger role down the line.

Then there’s the reemergence of Zemo, the master schemer who internally split the Avengers so badly that it took Thanos’ arrival for them to unite again. Daniel Bruhl’s performance makes him one of the most compelling villains so far. A man who lost everything, who always has an agenda whenever he does something and is able to do what it takes to get what he wants. Zemo being out and about brings complications since he organized the assassination of King T’Chaka and Wakanda most definitely doesn’t like him being free. This results in the Dora Milaje, the highly-trained Wakandan Royal Security, being on the hunt for Zemo.

At first glance, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier could’ve easily been a two-hour movie. At times it seemed like it wasn’t taking advantage of its longer episodic nature like WandaVision but the fourth episode demonstrates otherwise. From Sam and Bucky to John, Zemo, Madripoor, Wakanda, and the still yet to be identified Power Broker; it seems like this show justified its six episodes to properly manage this huge roster of characters and locations.

It’s mindblowing to see Marvel pull off the grounded aspects of the MCU while also believably getting Wakanda and Madripoor into the mix, making it a very interesting balancing act that gives fans an overall satisfying deep dive into the universe. It’ll be exciting to see how this epic spy action thriller with a large variety of characters ends up in its last two episodes with some hopeful twists and turns in store.

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