The Falcon & The Winter Soldier - Episode 1

By Ephraim Belnap

Everyone would do this if it were easy

Source: Marvel

    What do superheroes do when they're not saving the world? They go to Japanese restaurants and try to get bank loans. 

    The Falcon & Winter Soldier deals with the world of superheroes after Captain America's retirement.  In the aftermath of the Blip - the return of the people Snapped by Thanos - a fearsome terrorist group called the Flag Smashers is looming. The American government is looking for a symbol, and the bad guys still need to be stopped. 

    This story blends breathless action-adventure with character moments, finding a depth of theme not previously seen in its programming. In the character of Falcon, they explore the question of American representation; how brands like Captain America last in the public sphere. And in the character of Bucky, they explore continuity for a veteran; how you handle the baggage you acquire from serving. It's not that he wants some nebulous ideal of peace, a therapist notes, it's that he has things weighing on him that compel him to action.

    That action is as crisp as ever. The opening features a flying sequence as good as anything in the movies, Falcon darting around like a Red Bull-fueled Buzz Lightyear. Similarly, a flashback of Bucky's lets us see the Winter Soldier in action, and harkens back to the suspense roots of his first film. Action enforces character. The character moments feel equally meaningful, even with things as mundane as Bucky having lunch in Brooklyn, or the Falcon discussing financials with his sister. And here we get a hint of a deeper issue, which is the economic reality of guys like them. Falcon is a decorated Air Force vet and an international figure, but can't seem to get a loan, which is typical bank BS, but in the context it's presented in almost feels racial. To see a big-budget brand like Marvel even flirt with this idea feels meaningful, and the end of the episode suggests that they're just getting started. 

    

Bucky doesn't rest easy, in a bed or not

Source: Marvel

    Unlike WandaVision, which wore its mystery roots on its sleeve for too long, TFATWS looks to be a straightforward action story, promising to be a rocket-fueled, highly enjoyable series with the bones of real thematic weight. And at a brisk 43 minutes with a promised six episode run, it promises a premium of story and a minimum of filler. Five out of Five. 

The Falcon And The Winter Soldier is available to watch on Disney Plus