Why Bucky Is So Angry Sam Gave Up Captain America's Shield

Warning! Spoilers for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 2.

In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 2, "The Star-Spangled Man," the titular heroes reluctantly reunite, with Bucky agitated that Sam returned Captain America's shield. Marvel Studios' ongoing Disney+ series kept its lead characters apart in the premiere to separately establish their respective personal stories in the show. For Sam, that meant passing on the chance to wield the iconic shield given to him by Steve at the end of Avengers: Endgame and dealing with his family's financial crisis. Bucky, on the other hand, continued with his rehabilitation by making amends for his time as the Winter Soldier. The latest episode of the show, however, brings them together to officially kick-off their collective mission.

In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's first episode, it was revealed that Bucky was ignoring Sam's messages; it's been a few months since the events of Endgame and they obviously went their separate ways. While it didn't reveal what exactly Sam wanted, chances are that it's simply his way of reaching out and trying to make sure that Bucky was okay. In episode 2, Bucky came to Sam after learning on TV that he gave up the shield, resulting in the U.S. Government introducing John Walker as the new Captain America. While Bucky's stakes in the return of the shield may seem low – his main connection to Sam is Steve – he was frustrated by the choice and the resulting new "national superhero." Bucky pauses his process of dealing with PTSD and making amends for his actions as Winter Soldier to confront Sam about it.

There are a couple of reasons why Sam giving up the shield evoked ire from Bucky. Firstly, he didn't like that Steve's legacy is being tainted by how the government and Walker use the shield and the Captain America mantle. Steve stood for something bigger than just being a PR machine for America's effort in World War II; he defied orders so he could be of actual service to his country and the people (saving Bucky in the process). Seeing how the John Walker/Captain America persona is being reverted to a mascot angers Bucky and he takes it out on Sam, whose actions allowed this to happen in the first place.

Bucky's second reason was self-analytical. During his joint therapy session with Sam, he revealed that Steve believed that Sam has what it takes to be the next Captain America, which is why he passed the shield to him. Sam refusing to take responsibility for it – even if his argument was that he's not worthy – implies that Steve might be wrong about choosing Sam as his successor. If that was the case, it means an increased probability that Steve Rogers could also wrong about Bucky being a good person. It jeopardizes Bucky's recovery, at the core of which is a belief that his actions as the Winter Soldier weren't truly his choices – inspired by Steve's unwavering faith in him. So, in Bucky's mind, his chances of putting his past behind him are indirectly tied to how Sam does as the next Captain America.

As dysfunctional as their relationship might be, Sam and Bucky need each other as they move forward in this post-Infinity Saga MCU in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Sam can help Bucky get settled in modern times just like he did with Steve when they first met in Captain Ameria: The Winter Soldier. On the flipside, Bucky can motivate Sam to finally embrace the role as Steve's personal choice to be the next Captain America.

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