“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” Episode 5 Review
The penultimate episode for “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is setting up what could be quite a grand finale. It’s a great dive into how the characters are dealing with their situation, and the start of the great leap forward into whatever the finale has to offer.
The viewer can really feel the idea of legacy and what it means in this episode.
The episode itself starts with a great fight scene between characters, but after that the episode takes a more character development focus, specifically with Sam Wilson, who heads home to help his family and reflect on events. Bucky shows he’s developing in his own way and goes to the Wilson household to help out.
It’s the first episode that shows the pair interacting in a non-passive-aggressive way, at least in a peaceful environment.
The episode has a lot more narrative focusing on the legacy of the shield and Captain America as a public figure. The audience is treated with a more in-depth view into Isaiah Bradley’s views on Captain America, including a backstory into what he did in Korea as a super soldier.
Additionally, there is John Walker, who has been discharged from the military for his actions in the previous episode and he isn’t taking it well.
In the aftermath of his discharge, fans meet Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Otherwise known as Madame Hydra in the comics, she was originally meant to debut in “Blackwidow,” but due to the unfortunate schedule changes due to COVID-19, her debut came in this episode of “Falcon and The Winter Soldier.”
As mentioned above, the episode is slower in pace. It’s an hour-long tangent into the development and reactions of each character following what has happened previously.
It carries a “calm before the storm” feeling to it, especially with the next episode being the season finale.
As far as the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” goes, a break from the action to give the characters a chance to talk to one another and reveal their views and how they are developing is arguably a nice touch.
An interesting comparison to make in this episode is how John Walker further differentiates himself from the heroes of the “MCU.” Throughout the episode, Walker repeats the phrase “I am Captain America,” which is akin to the Tony Stark line “I am Iron Man.”
The difference being Walker is noticeably menacing, almost saying it as if he is trying to strike fear or obedience from whoever he is speaking to.
Additionally, as if the two Captain America’s viewers have seen so far couldn’t be more different, the same line contrasts with Steve Rogers, who rarely referred to himself by using his alias.
The episodes come to an end with Sam and Bucky training with the shield, almost playing a game of superhero catch in the Wilson backyard. It seems Sam is coming to terms with what he should do, and that the next episode will finally reveal his transition from The Falcon to the next true Captain America.
There’s a lot on the line in the story the series is telling, and it all comes to head with the upcoming release of Episode 6. Overall, the episode helps further drive the narrative between two “Marvel” veterans as they navigate a post-Thanos world.
Colton Pleslusky is a junior majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email csp5289@psu.edu.
