The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

Release Date: March 19, 2021
Creator: Malcolm Spellman
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Emily VanCamp, and Don Cheadle

Alright, alright, alright—grab your glass, folks, because we’re diving into Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and let me tell you, this show is like a smooth cocktail with a spicy twist, a little punch, and a whole lot of drama. By the end, I was half convinced I could take on Hydra myself... after a few more shots of tequila, of course.

So here we are—Marvel’s first deep dive into the post-Endgame world. Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) are the stars of this show, and you might be thinking, “Oh, two sidekicks just chilling? Sounds like a buddy cop movie.” And you’d be right... but way more intense and emotionally complicated. Oh, and there’s also some serious government conspiracy stuff happening. Buckle up, buttercups!

The Plot: The Most Awkward “Passing the Torch” Ever

Now, let’s talk about the plot for a sec. So, Captain America—our old friend Steve Rogers—throws his shield into the wind and says, “Alright, Sam, you take this bad boy and carry on the legacy.” And Sam’s all like, “Uh, no thanks, I’m good.” But the government? Oh, the government’s like, “Nah, we’re just gonna give it to some random guy named John Walker.” And you know what? This dude John Walker—oh, he’s a whole mood.

I get it, John Walker (played by Wyatt Russell) seems perfectly nice on paper—like that one guy at the office who alwaysbrings donuts but never remembers your birthday. So, he’s good enough to hold Cap’s shield, right? WRONG. This guy is like if Captain America’s shield was made of plastic and dreams. He has the energy of a guy who thinks “This is fine” while the whole world burns around him. And I’m sitting there watching this pretend Captain America try to fill Steve Rogers’ shoes, and I’m like, “Bro, I can already feel the cringe from here.”

But hey, it’s a superhero show. So, of course, we’ve got the action. And of course, Sam and Bucky are both side-eyeing the hell out of Walker. So what do we get? Oh, just a whirlwind of trauma, betrayal, and the kind of tension that you can cut with a knife—one that’s also coated in emotional baggage and abandoned trust issues.

The Characters: Bromance, But Make It Complicated

Alright, we need to talk about Sam and Bucky—the true dynamic duo of this show. It’s like watching two guys fight over the last slice of pizza, but also, you can feel the emotional weight of their histories in every awkward exchange. It’s got the perfect mix of passive-aggressive and heartfelt, like when you finally sit down with your ex for a coffee and realize... maybe you’re still mad, but you’re also kind of sad about it.

Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie)
Okay, let’s give it up for Sam. Anthony Mackie plays him like the world’s most charming uncle who also happens to save the world. If Sam Wilson ever made a Tinder profile, it would be: “Likes long flights, saving the world, and really hates the idea of being Captain America.” This dude is reluctantly heroic, which is honestly why I love him. He’s like, “I’m not worthy to wear the shield,” and I’m over here like, “Dude, just grab the thing, you’re already way cooler than half the MCU.”

Sam’s whole deal is that he’s juggling being a superhero and dealing with what it means to be a Black man holding the Captain America mantle. It’s heavy, it’s deep, it’s emotional, and honestly, I feel like Sam might just need a strong drinkand a hug after everything he goes through. But damn, does he pull it off. I can’t think of anyone else more deserving of that shield—and Sam proves it, one emotional punch in the face at a time. You go, Sam.

Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan)
Then there’s Bucky. Oh Bucky, sweetie, you need therapy. Like, a LOT of therapy. And maybe a new wardrobe, because let’s be real, he looks like he’s about to go hunting for vampires in every scene. Bucky’s trauma is real, though. He’s been brainwashed, tortured, and turned into a mind-controlled assassin for decades. That’s enough to make anyone drink their feelings. But Bucky does something I never expected—he actually starts having conversations with people instead of just punching them. Like, talking about his feelings? Who knew?

And the best part? The friendship—or rather, the bromance—that blooms between Sam and Bucky. They’re like that couple of friends who are always snarking at each other but you know deep down that they would literally take a bullet for the other. But also, like, they’re both so stubborn that it’s a miracle they ever work together without strangling each other first. It’s like watching a very dysfunctional but loving family try to solve the world’s problems.

John Walker (Wyatt Russell)
Let’s take a second to appreciate John Walker—who might be the least likable person in this show. Look, I know he wantsto be Captain America so badly, but this guy is like the kid who shows up to a party and is like, “Hey, everyone! I brought a potato salad!” and then it’s immediately clear that no one asked for potato salad. But hey, the guy’s trying. I mean, I guess, right? His good intentions are absolutely overshadowed by his cringe level of confidence. And honestly, I’m kind of terrified by the fact that I was low-key rooting for him to get his act together. That’s how much of a hot mess he is.

The Action: Punches, Explosions, and the Occasional Hug

So, I know what you’re here for: the explosions, the punches, and the drama. And let me tell you, this show delivers on all of those fronts. From Sam’s epic flying superhero moves to Bucky just flipping through the air like it’s a Tuesday, the action in this show is intense. But what makes it interesting is that it doesn’t just give us endless punches and explosions for the sake of it. Oh no. It ties all of those epic scenes to the emotional stakes of each character’s journey.

Plus, there’s a moment—you know the one—when Bucky gets out of his brooding shell and actually shares feelingsinstead of just throwing a punch. I know, I couldn’t believe it either. It’s like when your friend finally admits that they actually care about the group chat, and you’re all, “Wait, what?” These characters actually grow. No joke, they actually grow and I love that for them.

And then there’s the fight choreography. Wow, you thought you knew how to throw a punch? Sam and Bucky would make you reconsider every fight you’ve ever had in your life. They flip, they fly, they tackle, they basically do everything except for asking for a snack break. But that’s okay. I’m here for the adrenaline and the emotional rollercoaster. Just don’t expect them to stop for a snack break anytime soon. There’s too much at stake.

The Themes: America, Race, and the Shield

So the most interesting part about this show isn’t the punching (though, yeah, there’s a lot of that) but the themes. Specifically, how the show takes a hard look at America, the legacy of Captain America, and what it means for Sam, a Black man, to pick up the shield. There’s a lot to unpack here, and the show doesn’t shy away from it. It tackles the issue of race with no fluff, no hiding, and no sugar-coating. And honestly, I loved it. The show says what a lot of us don’t want to talk about, but in a way that feels real and necessary.

Sam is forced to reckon with his identity as the new Captain America, and the show asks questions like, “Who gets to be the hero in America?” It’s a show that forces us to confront uncomfortable truths while still delivering superhero action. And, let’s be real—it's refreshing to see a Marvel show tackle real-world issues while still being entertaining as hell. It makes everything feel grounded and... yeah, kind of important.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just Superheroes

Alright, here we are—Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Is it perfect? No. Is it a superhero show with punches and explosions? Hell yes. But more than that, it’s a show that makes you feel something. Whether that’s frustration, hope, or the desire to throw your TV out the window when John Walker does something unbelievably dumb (again), this show hits deep. It’s a ride, and one you’ll want to take. And just like any good Marvel show, it leaves you craving more.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8 out of 10 stars)

So yeah, pour yourself a drink, kick back, and let Sam and Bucky show you what happens when two superheroes have to face the real world. And don’t forget your snacks—or your tissues. You might need both.