THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER Episode 2 Review; "[This] Is The Marvel Cinematic Universe At Its Best "

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER Episode 2 Review; "[This] Is The Marvel Cinematic Universe At Its Best "

Today's episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is a big step up from the premiere, with the dynamic between Sam and Bucky, and Wyatt Russell's John Walker, among the highlights. Here's our verdict...

Review Opinion
By JoshWilding - Mar 26, 2021 03:03 AM EST

There was nothing wrong with the series premiere of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, but it felt more like a prologue than the show we'd been promised by the trailers (after all, Sam and Bucky didn't share so much as a single scene). Well, this second instalment - fittingly titled "The Star Spangled Man" - more than makes up for that, delivering a can't miss 45 minutes of television which bodes well for what's to come over the next four weeks. If you weren't fully invested before now, make no mistake about it: this episode does not disappoint. 

A vast improvement on an already strong opener sees us learn more about John Walker, the Marvel Cinematic Universe's new Captain America. While it may be inevitable that Sam will ultimately wield the shield, this Cap is more than just a stand-in, and Wyatt Russell is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting, intriguing additions to this shared world for some time. He's neither a one-note villain nor a stereotypical hero, and it feels like The Falcon and The Winter Soldier will be as much about peeling back his layers as it will exploring the dynamic between the two leads. That's an absolute blast here (seriously, Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan are on fire), and Michael Kastelein's script is packed full of laugh out loud pieces of dialogue, but also plenty of strong character beats which singles this series out from anything Marvel Studios has done before. 

For example, one scene sees Sam and Bucky arguing in the street after a tense meeting with a big name comic book character. However, when a nearby police car pulls up to see what's going on, Sam is immediately identified as the aggressor and asked for his ID. If the series continues to explore ideas like that about race (which is more relevant now than ever before, especially after the events of the past year), then we could finally see the MCU embrace real life issues to both educate and make its stories more timely and relevant. 

In terms of action, director Kari Skogland once again impresses with a thrilling blockbuster-level outing for Sam and Bucky as they look to stop the Flag-Smashers. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier definitely feels like a Marvel Studios movie, and if the set pieces are this good at such an early stage in proceedings, we can only imagine what's heading our way in the weeks to come. The story is also moved forward nicely here, and if last week's cliffhanger didn't leave you counting down the days until the next episode, this one most certainly will. Throw in the introduction of some big names from the comic books, and it's becoming clear why Marvel Studios once hoped to launch its Disney+ shows with this one. The Falcon and The Winter Soldier looks set to be a tough act to follow, even after the highs of WandaVision

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is the Marvel Cinematic Universe at its best with this second episode. Michael Kastelein's script tackles timely issues, while making Wyatt Russell's John Walker a character we can't wait to see more of.

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Se4M4NSt4ine
Se4M4NSt4ine - 3/26/2021, 3:09 AM
First...

I’m loving the psychology of the show so far. Being ex-military, I must say they’re really nailing the mindsets and resentment that goes on within squads and ranks of leaderships being replaced or changed. From Walker just wanting to do his best, to Bucky and Sam rejecting him and Hoskins as Discount Cap and Falcon, it’s just so accurate to the drama that goes on behind the scenes with squads.

Loved the White Wolf line too, I wonder if that’s something that’ll come into play down the line. Bucky projecting his own insecurities onto Sam, whilst wrestling with his own guilt - dammmmnn, can’t wait for episode 3.
bazzlefrazzle
bazzlefrazzle - 3/26/2021, 3:16 AM
Man the chemistry between our boys is just SO DAMN GOOD! That therapy scene. And that confrontation in Maryland. Me oh my. For me this is the best Marvel has ever been. So topical regarding all sorts of things that happened in 2020. Everything feels organic too, nothing seems rushed or forced which is really great to see. Seems the writer and director really gelled on this project because it all comes across so unified and sure of the story it wants to tell. Also, Young Avengers set up for the win. I reckon it's in the next batch of D+ shows to be announced for 2023 or something. Anywho, that was immensely satisfying. Looking forward to getting some sock-face next week
hummingbird68
hummingbird68 - 3/26/2021, 3:17 AM
Good episode, I'm liking the slow build up and the introduction of characters we know little about. The Flag Smashers are intriguing - their set up so far, does not lend itself to them being full on baddies. Ok so they have somehow gotten super strength, but they are stealing / buying medical supplies for those in camps who were displaced by the blip.
I have a feeling that they are pawns, created and being used as an adversary for a Nationalistic Hero like the new version of Cap.
JDL
JDL - 3/26/2021, 3:36 AM
@hummingbird68 - "I have a feeling that they are pawns, created and being used as an adversary for a Nationalistic Hero like the new version of Cap."

Please God no. It's a compelling storyline as it stands. Your false flag scenario at this point just cheapens it.
hummingbird68
hummingbird68 - 3/26/2021, 3:46 AM
@JDL - The original John Walker / US Agent storyline had him going up against adversaries of his own creation to make himself look good .......

Sorry you don't like the potential narrative, but its on the table and is based off the original US Agent run :)
hummingbird68
hummingbird68 - 3/26/2021, 3:51 AM
@JDL - Apologies - John Walkers original name before US Agent was Super Patriot - Its that initial incarnation that I am referring to, not the revised version of John Walker as US Agent.
JDL
JDL - 3/26/2021, 11:11 AM
@hummingbird68 - Your scenario feels to me like it would take more time to set up than I think has passed. Of course my assumption is that this all a post return thing. It may have roots that started during the blip but as I indicated the movement itself would have to be pretty recent.

Tell ya what, I'll accept a "used by" rather than "pawn of". How's that for bipartisanship ?
JDL
JDL - 3/26/2021, 2:04 PM
@hummingbird68 - I just re-watched it and I think I see where you are coming from on the pawns idea. It very well may be a former pawn situation.
clornelas
clornelas - 3/26/2021, 3:19 AM
This one really had the "I don't want this to end" feeling that we all know very well. I half expected Walker or "Battlestar" (lol) to get ripped in half by home girl, but this is Marvel/Disney, so I guess they'll be around for most if not all of the remaining episodes.
I'm cautiously optimistic about the Falcon/Bucky dynamic. Hoping it evolves from what has been entertaining banter so far only because I wouldn't want them to wear it out by the end of the season.
An I the only one disappointed that it wasn't Zemo tracking down the Flag Smashers?
RandyOrtonLF
RandyOrtonLF - 3/26/2021, 3:23 AM
I'm really loving the more mature tone of this show. The actor playing Walker is fantastic. Really layered performance.
Satan
Satan - 3/26/2021, 5:24 AM
@RandyOrtonLF - That’d be Kurt Russell’s son, Wyatt.
VicSage
VicSage - 3/26/2021, 3:29 AM
Just found out the actor who plays Hoskins -- Cle Bennett -- is 50 years old. WTF. I could have sworn he was in his early 30s. Jesus.
DoubleD
DoubleD - 3/26/2021, 3:39 AM
Marvels Extended Universe Done RIGHT!
lemric
lemric - 3/26/2021, 3:47 AM
black falcon XD
GhostDog
GhostDog - 3/26/2021, 4:00 AM
Excellent episode. This show is ramping up to be something special for the MCU.
lemric
lemric - 3/26/2021, 4:06 AM
well looks like the people that were saying they got their powers from the power broker were right(even if they stole it from him)

cant wait for zemo next week
PerrinNation1
PerrinNation1 - 3/26/2021, 4:39 AM
Great episode. The build up to Zemo is nicely paced. The drama is ramping up.

The revelation about Isaiah was heavy. I kinda wish we had more time on that. It could have been an episode all on its own. I was half expecting a flashback scene when he starting reminiscing about his mission in Korea. How cool would that have been to get a glimpse of 50’s era WS fighting Isaiah?
bobevanz
bobevanz - 3/26/2021, 5:08 AM
The slow burn on Wandavision was bad yet this gets a pass lol some of you are hypocrites, having said that it was a good episode. We're only getting 6 with this right?
PerrinNation1
PerrinNation1 - 3/26/2021, 5:10 AM
@bobevanz - this is a 6 episode season. It equates to two big movies I think.
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