The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Reviewed

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier wrapped up its six week run and most fans have caught up with the final episode.  The show excelled at tackling everyday world problems like racism and depression through its two main characters, but fell short in providing full storylines for some of its characters. 

Starting this review off on a positive note, Sam and Bucky’s story has been the most interesting to say the least. With the focus on the human side to these superheroes, we see them struggle through personal obstacles and mental health issues. 

Sam struggles to find his identity in this fast changing world fearing that people will not accept a black man as Captain America. With Buck’s past taunting him everyday, we see an emotional side to him that struggles with PTSD and anxiety. In the end, the show provides a satisfying conclusion for these two proving to us that Sam is the perfect Captain America and Bucky can now live a peaceful life knowing nobody can use him as a weapon again. 

John Walker’s Captain America can easily be overlooked for being the worst character of the show, but he provides much contrast to his predecessor Steve Rogers. Unlikable from the beginning, this cocky and overconfident character struggles to fit in and is pushed around by others. The constant weight on his shoulders to live up to the name of Captain America makes us feel bad for Walker. 

The portrayal of Walker quickly changed during the climax of the show leaving the audience jaw dropped. After commiting murder, he is given a chance to redeem himself in the final episode. Yet, his redemption seemed too easy and felt rushed.  Coal, a senior at Sultana says, “I don’t get why he’s high-fiving and hugging Bucky after they fought each other like two days ago.” 

The weakest part of this story is the Flagsmasher storyline. This terrorist along with their leader Karli fail to appear menacing while having no huge impact on the world; the group just gets in the way between Falcon and Winter Soldier rather than creating a real war. 

Karli’s involvement with this terrorist group felt unrelatable as we can’t help but to immediately disagree on the teenager’s motives as she chooses to kill most of her victims believing she is doing the right thing. Gabriela, a senior at Sultana says, “ I think Karli is strong but mischievous as well. I get where she is coming from, but I don’t see her as a hero.” In the end, her death carried no emotional weight due to her character arc having the least focus.