FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER Episode 4 Review; "Finds A Quintessential Balance Of Action And Character Moments"

FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER Episode 4 Review; "Finds A Quintessential Balance Of Action And Character Moments"

Today's episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier focuses on Flag-Smasher and Captain America, but what does that result in? Well, it's definitely one of the strongest instalments of the series to date.

Review Opinion
By JoshWilding - Apr 09, 2021 02:04 AM EST

Last week's instalment of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier felt a little like filler as the characters were moved around the chessboard in preparation for the show's final three episodes. Our visit to Madripoor was all too brief, and while there was no faulting Daniel Brühl's performance as Baron Zemo, "Power Broker" ever so slightly underwhelmed. That's not to say it was bad (we gave it 4*) but writer Derek Kolstad definitely redeems himself with this week's action-packed, character-driven effort. 

Director Kari Skogland once again proves that she has a perfect handle on fight scenes, and while we won't spoil anything here, some unexpected characters come to blows throughout the course of "The Whole World Is Watching" with magnificent results. Marvel Studios continues to effortlessly bring the big screen experience to Disney+ with The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, but it's Skogland who manages to find the perfect balance and deliver the sort of moments that make the Marvel Cinematic Universe so special. The cold opening, for example, takes us to Wakanda six years ago as Bucky was overcoming his HYDRA programming. It's a beautiful, emotional moment performed perfectly by Sebastian Stan in a piece of acting that is worthy of any and every award you can think of. 

However, this episode really gives Erin Kellyman and Wyatt Russell the chance to shine. Karli Morgenthau's motivations are better explained here, and we now have a greater understanding of both her past and intentions for the Flag-Smashers. Their end goal still hasn't been revealed, but there's potential here, and we can only hope this doesn't lead to an underwhelming conclusion. Kellyman adds some depth to the character, and she no longer comes across as a one-note villain. 

Russell's John Walker is taken down a much darker path here, and beyond the memes, it's worth noting that this episode does an incredible job of exploring a very different Cap. Steve went into World War II fresh-faced and keen to help his country in much simpler times; Walker has been put through the wringer after fighting in Afghanistan, clearly has signs of PTSD which those he serves haven't picked up on, and proves a fascinating character to follow as a result. We're used to seeing comic book characters pass their identities around (how many spider-themed heroes are there?), and in a series that is essentially about exactly that, it's great to see Marvel Studios exploring what it means and the pressure that comes with wielding Captain America's shield. 

Also deserving of a special mention is Florence Kasumba as Ayo; her small, but pivotal role is a memorable one, and she effortlessly makes us believe in her bond with Bucky here. 

With only two episodes left, there's still a lot of dangling threads the series needs to pull together, so it'll hopefully have enough time to resolve them all satisfactorily. Will Sam choose to wield the shield? Will Bucky find forgiveness from the man whose son he killed? What's going to happen with Sam's sister, a character who has mostly been sidelined until this week's instalment? Throw in the Flag-Smashers, John Walker, Power Broker, Sharon Carter, and Zemo, and the pressure is now on Marvel Studios to hit all these beats over the next two weeks and tie things up in a way that makes fans happy. If this week's episode is any indication, the characters remain in safe, and very capable hands. 

"The Whole World Is Watching" finds a quintessential balance of action and character moments, putting the spotlight on the excellent Wyatt Russell's John Walker and what it means to be Captain America in today's world.

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MyCoolYoung
MyCoolYoung - 4/9/2021, 2:22 AM
I do not say this lightly but this was a god tier episode. The suspense and tension throughout the whole episode was amazing. Watching John go off the deep end the entire of episode was hard to watch in a good way. “They weren’t even super soldiers” he really believes that he was going to be respected and beat everyone because of the shield?

Ayo came through with the Dora like the bosses they are... “James”

Sam talking to Karli was also a highlight. I knew his grief counseling would come back up. I think he really showed why he’d make a good cap in that scene.

My avi isn’t Bucky for no reason. That opening with him in wakanda, tell me that didn’t get to you? I keep saying it but he’s been one of, if not the best, actors in the mcu since the winter soldier. His emoting is top level
hummingbird68
hummingbird68 - 4/9/2021, 2:51 AM
@MyCoolYoung - This weeks episode was the best yet without a doubt - the story moved along with some really good character development. The mini fight sequence with Ayo and the Dora Milaje was epic, Bucky's face when she removed his arm was priceless.

Unsurprisingly Walker took the serum and predictably took things too far - we all saw this coming, but it was fun to watch.

Beginning to wonder about Sharon Carters role in all this - is she actually looking for a way back or is she quietly BROKERING her own deals with dubious allies?

I'm beginning to really like Karli's character and the funeral scene and subsequent talk with Sam was great.

There are so many moving pieces on the board now, especially with Zemo on the board as a solo player now. I know it goes against his morals, but there was that moment with all the vials scattered on the floor, where i thought he might actually take one like Walker did - glad he didn't.

Next two episodes are gonna be bonkers, looking forward to them :)
Tcb97
Tcb97 - 4/9/2021, 2:22 AM
Easily the best episode of the show so far. With actual tension between the characters and a good balance of drama and action. John Walker becomes more of a anti-hero and Kori's talk with Sam shows that her idea's aren't as villainous as one may think. That ending sets up something truly special for the final two episodes!
MyCoolYoung
MyCoolYoung - 4/9/2021, 2:29 AM
@Tcb97 - agreed. Like Josh said there are a lot of dangling threads but if they stick the landing on this my gosh.
Roodi
Roodi - 4/9/2021, 2:23 AM
It was chef's kiss.
SKetCH
SKetCH - 4/9/2021, 2:26 AM
As soon as Walker started his shield bashing I had my fingers crossed we'd see the shield with blood on it and I SCREAMED when it was the final shot of the episode.

That. Shit. Was. BEAUTIFUL.
Poopmaster89
Poopmaster89 - 4/10/2021, 3:08 PM
@SKetCH - really good shot. The disrespect on the shield. I felt like it was a really powerful moment.
SKetCH
SKetCH - 4/10/2021, 3:38 PM
@Poopmaster89 -

Absolutely agree!
PerrinNation1
PerrinNation1 - 4/9/2021, 2:36 AM
Ayo breaking out the secret trick on Bucky was f#cking awesome. The look on his face!!! “Bast damn you, James!”
MovieMonster
MovieMonster - 4/9/2021, 2:37 AM
John Walker went full Homelander on that dude at the end.
MyCoolYoung
MyCoolYoung - 4/9/2021, 2:39 AM
The parallel between Steve beating Tony in civil war and John beating super soldier in this has to be intentional right?
Roodi
Roodi - 4/9/2021, 2:42 AM
@MyCoolYoung -

Yep.

Good man > perfect soldier.
KWilly
KWilly - 4/9/2021, 2:40 AM
Slower paced episode than the last few, but still top notch. Captain MAGA done effed up lol
JohnnyTBP
JohnnyTBP - 4/9/2021, 2:46 AM
Love the episode. The Dora Vs John Walker fight was amazing along with the ending shot
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