“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” Episode 3 Review
The third episode of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” gives fans the much-anticipated reintroduction to one Baron Zemo, first introduced in “Captain America: Civil War.”
The episode features the titular duo teaming up with Zemo, albeit reluctantly, using his knowledge to track down the origins of the new wave of super soldier serum that is giving the Flag Smashers their strength.
The episode starts with a scene showcasing a collaborative raid in Germany, giving viewers a good idea of how some people in the world see John Walker and his status as the new Captain America. Obviously, he is not the same person as Steve Rogers, but this short scene shows the viewer just how different they are in terms of being respected.
As for Zemo, the purple Baron is broken out of prison indirectly by Bucky Barnes. The viewer also gets to finally see Zemo and his life outside of the contents of “Civil War.” Additionally, the iconic purple mask makes its appearance in this episode.
Watching the episode grants the viewer access to more depth when it comes to Baron Zemo. The way he behaves throughout the episode—the deceit, the occasional goofy moments trying to fit in—adds more to the mastermind the viewer knew in the third “Captain America” film.
The episode is heavily themed by the criminal underground. Taking another step closer to mutants, the trio arrive in Madripoor, a fictional island city that is a safe haven for criminals, to track down the super soldier serum.
They assume different roles, with Sam playing a crime lord, Bucky acting like he is still the Winter Soldier, and Zemo as himself.
Eventually, viewers are treated with seeing what had happened to Sharon Carter following her smuggling Cap’s shield and Sam’s wings to them. A final surprise by the end of the episode is the appearance of a warrior from the Dora Milaje, the all-female guards from “Black Panther.”
They heard Zemo, who killed King T’Chaka, was broken out.
The episode is quick with the transitions and has no intent on wasting the viewer’s time. With there being only three episodes left in the story arc, episode three presents the heightened circumstances as more and more previous characters get involved, such as Sharon and the Dora Milaje.
As it has been, Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan do a fantastic job playing as their respective heroes. It should also be noted that Wyatt Russel does a stellar job representing a much different take on Captain America, showcasing a Cap that is not as renowned and has somewhat of a temper to him, perhaps originating from the pressure of the expectations placed on his shoulders. Finally, Daniel Bruhl steals a little bit of the limelight this episode with his fantastic resurgence as Baron Helmut Zemo.
Episode three of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” is phenomenal and adds so much depth to already established “MCU” characters, also hinting at what is to come. The last half of this series should be a joy ride for any Marvel fan.
Colton Pleslusky is a junior majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email csp5289@psu.edu.
