After fans followed the intriguing series for six weeks, given the high stakes of a post-Blip world, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier ended with a mind-blowing finale, filled with action-packed moments, and highlighted a powerful message about social injustice and hypocrisy.
Of course, the show would not be successful without the effortless and brilliant chemistry between Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan as Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes, whose growing friendship was the high point of the series.
Several things were resolved, including Sam finally accepting the moniker as Captain America and Bucky finding closure of his dark past. The finale also hinted at what is to come for other secondary characters like John Walker, Sharon Carter, and Baron Zemo, which opens up for future storylines. Although the series ended on an uplifting and promising note, there are still loads of unanswered questions.
Do Sam & Bucky Know What Happened To Wanda Maximoff?
It seems surprising that there is no mention of the events that took place in WandaVision. This problem comes with the knowledge that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier takes place six months after the Blip, and WandaVision was three weeks after the Blip.
Given Sam and Bucky have been acquainted and even fought alongside Wanda Maximoff as part of Team Cap in Civil War, the situation in Westview should have raised concern for both of them. Instead, the series never addressed if they were informed of the issue nor attempted to check up on Wanda about her whereabouts, especially considering she is grieving about Vison's death. The lack of knowledge is underwhelming considering no one seeks to help a heartbroken Wanda Maximoff.
What Purpose Will John Walker Serve As U.S. Agent In The MCU?
The moment John Walker was introduced as the new Captain America, audiences instantly despised him. However, after being stripped as Captain America following his murderous actions in public, it seemed that he was on the road to becoming a villain.
Instead, John appeared to have redeemed himself by helping Sam and Bucky save government officials and stopping the Flag-Smasher. However, did John Walker truly redeem himself, or was that a one-off? Considering that he is now U.S. Agent, what purpose will he serve, and will it turn it something dark?
Will This Be The Last Of Baron Zemo?
Baron Zemo lives another day and that too at the Raft. After escaping prison in Berlin, he became a valuable asset to locate the Flag-Smasher. He eventually ended up arrested by the Dora Milaje and sent to the Raft.
Surprisingly, Zemo becomes one of the few villains who is still alive. However, his current status and location imply that the MCU is not done with him just yet. Zemo could escape from prison again, but not without creating a team called the Thunderbolts. It is only speculation in the meantime, but his fate opens up to possible future storylines.
Is That It For The Flag Smashers?
With Karli Morgenthau and her comrades dead, it leaves uncertainty about the fate of the anti-patriotic organization, Flag Smashers. With the talk from Sam Wilson, the GRC decided to postpone the Patch Act by handling the situation differently without displacing anyone. The group technically succeeded in their mission to stop a bill that would have hurt those who survived the Snap.
Of course, things are not that simple with the government as it has to handle things like poverty and hunger across the world. Even Karli was confident that the movement would still go on without them since they have enough support from people worldwide. While the Flag Smashers' name itself possibly becoming inactive, alternative groups could arise as successors to the movement. Of course, who could reach the same caliber of threat to that of the Flag Smashers?
Did The Mid-Credit Scene Set-Up Sharon Carter As A Future Villain?
One of the most predictable revelations was that Sharon Carter was the Power Broker. It was confirmed in the finale as Sharon confronted Karli before ultimately killing her. Of course, it seems odd that she conducted business by creating supplies of the super-soldier serum, given what she does know in the Captain America trilogy.
Although Sharon finally received her pardon, it seems that Sharon has gone completely rogue, and she now has access to high intelligence. Her phone call to a stranger implies that she is creating a HYDRA type of infiltration with access to weaponry. Neither Sam nor Bucky are aware that she is the Power Broker, which opens up to future plots that could make Sharon the new big bad. But what is her endgame to doing all of this as the Power Broker?
Will Joaquín Torres Become The New Falcon?
Joaquín Torres was one of the newest characters in the MCU, and fans already grew fond of him. Of course, Joaquín was the person who learned and tracked the anti-patriotic group, Flag-Smashers, and has since started a friendly working relationship with Sam.
Throughout the series, Joaquín showed his fascination for the Falcon suit, even giving pointers about fixing Redwing. In the penultimate episode, Sam allowed Joaquín to take possession of his broken Falcon suit. Considering Joaquín took the mantle as Falcon in the comics, it appears that he might become the new Falcon someday. Unfortunately, he did get to wear the Falcon suit in the finale, but it leaves some anticipation when he will officially adopt the title.
What Are Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine's Plans?
The penultimate episode introduced Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who recruited John Walker. It is unclear who she works for in the MCU, although Black Widow could reveal more information about her.
Now, the question remains as to what she is really up to and why she and her unknown organization need U.S. Agent. Also, aside from the Black Widow movie, when will Contessa reappear again to execute such plans? Nevertheless, her intentions are pretty shady.
What Is Next For Bucky Barnes & Sam Wilson?
The series ended things on a heartwarming note, with Sam and Bucky returning to Louisiana for a get-together. Furthermore, they appear to become good friends. While the finale did leave quite a shocking cliffhanger about Sharon Carter, it does not indicate what is next for Sam and Bucky, given that their main character arcs have ended.
Will they continue fighting together as a team? What other threats do that they have? It would not be known for sure, and their future adventures will now become a waiting game.
What Happened To Old Steve Rogers?
Fans last saw Steve Rogers become an old man, who lived his long and happy life and passed his shield down to Sam Wilson in Endgame. Although there have been some implications that Steve died in Far From Home, the series also started a running gag that Steve is conducting a secret mission on the moon.
Considering how many times it was referenced in the series, viewers thought that the finale would feature a Chris Evans cameo as old Steve Rogers or at least some answer where old Steve is if he is still alive. Unfortunately, it will remain speculation as the prediction never came true, and his whereabouts are still up in the air.
Will There Be A Season 2?
A second season has not been confirmed, although some people like the director hope that it happens. Furthermore, the final moments and mid-credit scene may have suggested potential storylines, such as Zemo potentially forming a team at the Raft, John Walker becoming U.S. Agent, and Sharon Carter taking advantage of governmental access as the Power Broker.
Recent reports announced that a movie is in development with Captain America 4, focusing on Sam Wilson. Therefore, it means that the story of Sam Wilson and probably Bucky Barnes has not ended yet. Of course, there could still be a potential for a second season under Captain America and the Winter Soldier since anything can happen in the MCU. Nevertheless, the future is promising!