Marvel television on Disney+ is killing it. First, the charming, funny, and heartbreaking WandaVision delivered a compelling story and character development. Now, Falcon and the Winter Soldier not only provides more screen time for fan-favorite characters Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, but also tackles issues such as racism and capitalism while simultaneously propelling the characters into their next chapter.
(SPOILERS AHEAD)
Falcon and the Winter Soldier picks up a few months after the events of Avengers: Endgame, where Sam takes down bad guys as the Falcon, and Bucky tries to make amends to the people he wronged while under HYDRA’s control. Additionally, Steve Rogers gave Sam his Captain America shield before he passed in the hopes that Sam would take up the mantle, a decision Sam does not take lightly. As a Black man in America, becoming Captain America is a much more controversial endeavor for him than it was for Steve—a reality that Marvel does not shy away from in the slightest.
I’m not sure anyone saw this callout of racism coming. Falcon and the Winter Soldier dives deep into what it would mean for Sam to become Captain America, as well as the differences in how he is treated compared to his White friend, Bucky. To see a TV show set in a universe where everything comes with quirky costumes, codenames, and superpowers address an issue as real and important as racism was shocking. It was bittersweet and even painful, but overall brilliant and beautiful. It made Sam’s ascension to Captain America all the more satisfying and powerful. His speech in the finale was so moving and honest that I sincerely hope people take it to heart and apply it to their own lives in the real world.
This is not to say that Falcon and the Winter Soldier isn’t also funny, action-packed, and light-hearted. On the contrary—Sam and Bucky bicker constantly, and there are some wonderful bonding moments between them and other characters, in addition to the captivating fight scenes we have all come to enjoy. However, the deeper issues are essential to the story being told; so take them to heart when you watch. While Falcon and the Winter Soldier is an enjoyable series, it is also a necessary commentary on our world. I hope Marvel continues to address these issues to provide proper representation and accountability.