The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Starring: Anthony Mackie (6 episodes), Sebastian Stan (6 episodes), Wyatt Russell (6 episodes), Erin Kellyman (6 episodes), Desmond Chiam (6 episodes), Dani Deette (6 episodes), Indya Bussey (6 episodes), Daniel Bruhl (5 episodes), Danny Ramirez (5 episodes), Adepero Oduye (5 episodes), Renes Rivera (5 episodes), Lotte Verbeek (7 episodes), Kurtwood Smith (7 episodes), Dominic Cooper (5 episodes), Matt Braunger (5 episodes), Emily VanCamp (4 episodes), Cle Bennett (4 episodes), Noah Mills (4 episodes), Florence Kasumba (4 episodes), Carl Lumbly (3 episodes), Georges St. Pierre (3 episodes), Julia Louise-Dreyfuss (2 episodes), Don Cheadle (1 episode)
Directed by: Kari Skogland (6 episodes)
Rating: TV-14
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
2021

Seasons Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky (Sebastian Stan) team up to take down a terrorist organization known as the Flag Smashers.

Review:
Tim: After Marvel blew the doors off with their first full MCU series, Wandavision, there was a lot of excitement for the follow up, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. This series is really entertaining and effectively made, but it's clearly not on the level of Wandavision. I'll dig into it a bit more, but a lot was introduced in 6 episodes, but the series still managed to be boring. The antagonists are some of the worst we've seen. It's a series that has quite a few highs and some regrettable lows. As a whole, though, it's still an effective piece of entertainment.

On the plus side, though, it's amazing that we get a series dedicated to Falcon and the Winter Soldier. These characters might never have gotten their own film, so it's a delight to be able to spend more time with Sam and Bucky. They are great characters and it's fun seeing their banter as their relationship develops over the course of these six episodes. I wouldn't say I love how all of Phase Four feels directly tied to the heroes from the Infinity Saga, but I think it made sense to have these two characters dealing with the absence of their best friend, Steve Rogers. Too often in movies, we see characters seemingly have amnesia about their lost friends. Someone dies, they grieve for a scene, and then never mention them again. I love that these six episodes were all tied to the fallout of Steve's choice to not return. This involves him as a man and a friend, but also the idea of what the world looks like post-Captain America.

That part of the series was fascinating. It explores that the idea that Cap is more than just one man. His shield is a symbol, he's a symbol. And in the absence of Steve Rogers, the question emerges- who should hold the shield? That's what this series is really about. John Walker emerges as the "next" Captain America, but we soon discover that it's not the shield or the suit that makes someone a superhero- it's their character. That aspect of the series was stunning and it results in the most visible image from the entire series- the bloody shield. That was a terrific moment, as horrifying as it was. That's when the series is at its best.

Unfortunately, much of the series involves the Flag Smashers. They might have had a better run in the comics, but they felt weakly developed here. I'm trying to remember their specific goals, but it wasn't that memorable. Their efforts are hurt by Erin Kellyman. I love the idea of gender swapping this character (I was unfamiliar with them before this series) and I'm all for increasing diversity in the cast. I just think Kellyman was absolutely the wrong actress for this role. I have no idea what the casting department saw in her. I thought her performance was bland and one-note. She makes for one of the least interesting antagonists in the MCU. I think her performance sinks the series. John Walker was fascinating, the Flag Smashers feel like a waste of our time.

As if this wasn't enough, the series adds so much more. Our heroes break Baron Zemo out of prison, which definitely felt like a highlight- especially because we get to see Daniel Bruhl return. This leads our heroes to Madripoor, where they team up with Emily VanCamp's Sharon Carter. I loved this aspect of the series. VanCamp was a terrific addition to the MCU, but she'd been relegated to the sidelines. That happens a bit here, too, but she gets a little more screen time and the series is better for it. I have no idea what the future holds for her character, but she was excellent here. I also loved the addition of Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley. It was yet another new character, but Lumbly and his character add so much to the series. This series fearlessly tackles racism, mostly tied to Sam Wilson potentially replacing Steve Rogers. But, to introduce this character of Isaiah Bradley and to tell his story (even in just a few episodes) was incredible. I love that the MCU is expansive enough now that it can examine political and racial topics. It adds much-needed depth to this series. I sincerely hope we see more of Lumbly.

Now, while this is all good, it's far too much. In six episodes, we see the friendship between Sam and Bucky. We're introduced to a new Captain America in John Walker and his buddy, Battlestar. We learn about the Flag Smashers and their deal. We go to Madripoor, reunite with Sharon Carter and learn about the mysterious Power Broker. We learn about Isaiah Bradley and his tragic past. It's all a bit too much and the series feels scattered. I forgot to mention Julia Louis-Dreyfuss as Valentina, plus we see Rhodey for an episode, Batroc shows up again, and we learn about Joaquin Torres. It's just so much. We'll have to wait and see if all these threads pan out in the larger MCU, but you have to wonder why so many new threads were introduced in the second series at a time when the MCU is entering its rapid expansion phase. Would it have made more sense to introduce fewer? To use more time to connect with Sam and Bucky and to intentionally set up 1-2 new players? I think it would have.

Remember, at the heart of this all are Sam & Bucky. Yes, we get more time with them- more than we've ever had. But this series is so crammed with new and returning characters that they don't get as much breathing room as they deserved. Anthony Mackie is fantastic as Sam and his arc here is wonderful. Sebastian Stan elevated Bucky to be one of the more beloved characters in the MCU. Them together is so entertaining and I wish we had even more time with them. Bringing back Daniel Bruhl and Emily VanCamp was wonderful, to see these great actors/characters again. Wyatt Russell was perfect as the unlikable John Walker. The cast was all top notch here, it's just too much and therefore, they get a bit shortchanged.

All this to say, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is still a resounding success. This series might not have felt as pitch perfect as Wandavision, but it couldn't be more different in tone. This is an examination of political and racial issues, whereas the first series was a look at mental illness and a love letter to comedy sitcoms. Both can coexist within the MCU, which has never been done before. This series' effectiveness will depend on where the MCU goes. If the Flag Smashers, US Agent, the Power Broker, and the rest all connect in the future, than I think this series will rise in estimation. If threads are dropped, then we'll wonder why so much was thrown in here. It's odd to not know entirely how to think about a miniseries by its end- normally, by its very nature, they are self-contained. I liked this series immensely, and we'll have to wait to see how it all connects in the future.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: N/A



If You Enjoyed This Series, We Recommend: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Wandavision