The Falcon & The Winter Soldier's final episode honored the past of Captain America - by reassuring everyone that the MCU's future is in safe hands. Falcon & The Winter Soldier might've started with Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes' hilariously tense dynamic in Captain America: Civil War, but season 1 of the Disney+ spin-off has been much more than Steve Rogers' two best friends bickering in a car. Though Rogers handed down his superhero mantle to Wilson in Avengers: Endgame, the 2019 blockbuster didn't have time to unpack the weighty ramifications of a Black man becoming Captain America. Falcon & The Winter Soldier has steered Sam through self-doubt and historical complications to become the shining beacon of equality and hope he was always, inevitably, going to become.
Heading into Falcon & The Winter Soldier's season 1 finale, Sam Wilson finally figured out where Karli Morgenthou and the Flag-Smashers would strike next - the summit in New York City to decide the fate of citizens displaced by the Blip (an obvious target when you think about it). Though Falcon's wings were clipped by John Walker, a mystery box from Wakanda promises a brand new outfit. Walker himself was last seen preparing a Captain America outfit of his own after a visit from the mysterious Val, and Sharon Carter looked all but confirmed as Madripoor's enigmatic Power Broker.
Titled "One World, One People," Falcon & The Winter Soldier's season finale completes Sam Wilson's transformation, brings peace to Bucky Barnes and provides a measure of redemption for a certain super soldier, culminating in one of the most inspiring moments in MCU history. But we'll be damned if Falcon & The Winter Soldier didn't also lay the foundations for some fascinating future storylines.
The Flag-Smashers' Plan Explained
Picking up from the Flag-Smashers' arrival at the GRC conference in the previous installment, Karli Morgenthou's villainous plan quickly becomes clear. The summit building is sent into lockdown but, strangely, most of the Flag-Smashers stay outside. Rather than storming the assembly by force, Karli scares the politicians into evacuating, dropping gas bombs to hurry things along. Unfortunately for the frightened officials, escape is exactly what Karli hoped for. Using their covert operatives already inside, the Flag-Smashers seize the evacuees. Politicians are locked inside hijacked security vans, and a helicopter full of VIPs is stolen away. Karli's masterplan is to take the GRC council as hostages and use the threat of their safety to negotiate an end to the controversial repatriation act, and a fairer, border-free world. It's a bold strategy; let's see if it pays off for them.
Captain America & Friends Arrive
Those fearing Sam Wilson's Captain America wouldn't be unveiled until the very end of Falcon & The Winter Soldier's finale were quickly appeased, as the new Cap (for real this time) makes his debut immediately, flying across the New York sky and crashing through a top floor window - a true superhero entrance if ever there was one. Sam introduces himself as Captain America for the very first time, cementing his new role in the MCU. Meanwhile, Bucky has been briefed off-screen and joins Sam from the ground, only to be accompanied by Sharon Carter, who has made her own way to the scene. Having previously claimed that she was banned from entering the U.S., Sharon's presence, along with her hi-tech mask, is deeply suspicious.
The protagonists' countermove is simple enough: Captain America attacks the Flag-Smashers from above, while Bucky and Sharon come from the ground in a pincer, but when Karli's true motive becomes clear, the latter duo switch to hostage duty. Bucky is distracted by a decoy phone call from Karli begging him to join her, and this allows the hostages to be spirited away.
A couple of fascinating details can be found in this scene. While entering the crime scene, Bucky is referred to as "Sergeant," proving his military rank hasn't been revoked. Furthermore, one of the GRC council says he thought Captain America was on the moon - a nod to Torres' conspiracy theory from the premiere.
Sam Wilson's Captain America Suit Explained
Falcon & The Winter Soldier finally reveals what was inside that Wakandan box - a hybrid Captain America/Falcon suit. The ensemble is faithful to Sam's Captain America outfit from the comic books, sporting a blue and white color scheme with red strikes underneath a central star on the chest. The motif on Sam's torso also features wings on either side of the star, giving Captain America his updated logo. Mixing in elements of his former persona, Sam has a new color-coordinated pair of wings and traditional tinted goggles.
Across the course of the finale, viewers get a close look at the suit's capabilities and gadgets, as well as Sam's adapted combat style. The costume includes a shield launcher on Sam's flight pack, and the googles are equipped with heat vision. Captain America fights fluently with the shield and his Falcon wings, utilizing both seamlessly in an acrobatic display that compensates for his lack of super strength. Although not confirmed explicitly, it seems that Captain America's wings are constructed from vibranium. Not only did they originate in Wakanda, but Sam's feathered limbs take a falling helicopter like a champ, and dig into the ground to resist the super-strength of the Flag-Smashers. John Walker will have a hard time ripping those off.
Captain America vs. Batroc
Sam Wilson celebrates the racial importance of a Black Captain America by... er, dropping a series of tired stereotypes about French people. The new Captain America's first MCU fight comes against Batroc, which neatly brings Falcon & The Winter Soldier full circle, after the Captain America: The Winter Soldier villain gave Sam his first proper opponent in the series premiere. Never one to be underestimated, Batroc is a solid first opponent for the reborn Sam Wilson, with both men lacking superpowers, yet skilled enough to go head-to-head with those who do. Starting out as a relatively even martial arts contest, Captain America gains the upper hand when he starts deploying the shield. Crucially, Sam borrows one of Steve Rogers' trademark moves to put Batroc on the retreat, flipping the overturned shield with his foot to strike his opponent square on the kisser.
Redwing Returns
Falcon & The Winter Soldier's finale mercifully restores Redwing to Sam Wilson's side. The backpack drone seems to come with the same gadgets and features as the previous model, which was destroyed by Karli Morgenthou in an earlier episode. This includes a laser, AI control and, apparently, facial recognition too. As before, Redwing can split into multiple, smaller drones, but comes with an updated paint job to better suit Sam Wilson's new patriotic guise. Like the wings and goggles, Redwing is another element of Falcon translated over to the MCU's new Captain America.
How Sam Saves The Chopper
After battering Batroc, Captain America must next save a helicopter full of hostages from a juiced-up Flag-Smasher. He can knock the pilot loose easily enough, but uses Redwing to identify a passenger capable of commandeering the chopper's controls. Using his drone's hacking ability (presumably), Sam sends a text to the unsuspecting politician and gives her instructs via ear buds to coordinate the seamless ejection of one pilot and the tagging-in of another. Perhaps the most important scene in Captain America's save, however, comes when a NYPD helicopter gets caught in the action. Sam takes a detour to save the poor officer from certain death and drops him safely on a nearby bridge. A moment reminiscent of the Spider-Man movies, Sam is afforded a rousing round of applause by the onlooking crowd, and this is the episode's very first indication that the citizens of the MCU are accepting of the new Captain America.
Karli Loses Her Magic
In recent episodes, a split has emerged among the Flag-Smashers, with Karli becoming increasingly violent, and her followers less than enthusiastic about the change of approach. The Flag-Smashers no longer seem certain that Karli is honoring their original philosophy, but reluctantly join her "one world, one people" rallying cry anyway. Strangely, the division among the Flag-Smashers doesn't amount to much in Falcon & The Winter Soldier's finale. None of them betray or abandon her, and even in their final moments, all of the Flag-Smashers remain sold on Karli's cause, muttering their catchphrase in the back of a police van. It seems the growing tension between Karli and her super soldier comrades wasn't leading to Flag-Smasher civil war or a change of heart for their leader, but merely setting up Karli's final scene.
Bucky's Recovery Nears The End
Falcon & The Winter Soldier has taken Sam Wilson from Falcon to Captain America, but Bucky's arc has been more introspective. Attending his therapy sessions, Bucky is desperately trying to leave the shadow of the Winter Soldier behind, but has been unable to shake the nightmares. The final step in Bucky's recovery begins when he catches up with the Flag-Smashers and their VIP hostages. Facing off against Karli and her goons, the villains set one of the trucks ablaze, forcing Bucky to choose between continuing his fight, or saving the prisoners. He opts for the latter, going all-out to stop the GRC politicians being roasted, and their grateful reaction firmly establishes Sergeant Barnes as an MCU hero.
As far as fans are concerned, Bucky has been a good guy ever since his museum visit in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but the governments of the MCU have remained skeptical, largely thanks to a certain jiving Baron. Even in Falcon & The Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes is treated with caution, arrested as soon as he fails to attend therapy. Bucky wants nothing more than to leave that shady past behind and become the WWII hero he used to be, and when Barnes is thanked for breaking open the flaming truck, he realizes that his good deeds are beginning to erase the crimes of the Winter Soldier.
The Redemption Of John Walker
Bucky Barnes isn't the only character offered a redemptive lifeline in Falcon & The Winter Soldier's season 1 finale. After finally finishing his cosplay, Walker arrives on the battlefield hellbent on getting revenge on Karli for Battlestar's death. Walker quickly proves his reputation as an arrogant hot-head isn't undeserved when he's presented with the same dilemma as Bucky - beating up Flag-Smashers or saving innocent people - and continues the fight anyway, leaving no uncertainty as to where his priorities lie. Shaking off his rage, however, John Walker eventually comes to his senses and stops the truck tumbling from a scaffold, finally becoming the superhero he failed to be as Captain America. Walker's redemption is complete when Sam and Bucky drop their suspicions (some might argue a little too readily) and work alongside the former Captain America to hunt down a runaway Karli Morgenthou.
Sam Wilson Does What Super Soldiers Can't
Despite John's best efforts, he cannot stop the packed security truck falling from its precarious position, and Bucky can only watch helplessly from below. Thankfully, Sam Wilson swoops to the rescue, using the power of America (and his jet-powered backpack) to lift the vehicle to safety. After Steve Rogers, there's obviously a question of whether the next Captain America needs super serum in order to be considered a true successor. Sam Wilson might have the guile and moral compass, but can he stop a helicopter taking off with a single arm? Saving the truck while Bucky and Walker look on helplessly proves beyond doubt that Sam's lack of super soldier serum is a non-issue. Strength can be compensated for with ingenuity, gadgets and technique, and this is proved by an impressive feat of brute power on Sam's maiden mission as the new Captain America.
"That's Captain America"
The line that finally, without question, solidifies Sam Wilson as the MCU's Captain America. Looking on after Sam's heroic truck catch, one onlooker praises the "Black Falcon," only for the bystander next to him to reply "that's Captain America." It becomes clear that what defines "Captain America" isn't a fancy press conference or official military status, but the will of the American people. The fact that ordinary folk are recognizing Sam Wilson as Captain America without being fed posters and TV appearances proves his suitability for the role, and removes any lingering ambiguity about Anthony Mackie's superhero status going forward.
The "Black Falcon" reference is a callback to Sam's first meeting with Isaiah Bradley, where a street kid referred to him as "Black Falcon" and received a swift lecture for his troubles. The line called out an unpleasant trope in comic books, whereby Black hero names often incorporate the word "Black." By revisiting this line, and correcting it, Falcon & The Winter Soldier takes a stand - dropping the stereotype and defining Sam by his skills and feats.
Sharon Carter's Power Broker Backstory
Falcon & Winter Soldier fans have suspected Sharon Carter to be the mysterious Power Broker more or less since her MCU return. That theory looked to be confirmed last week, when Sharon was heard plotting with Batroc, but episode 6 finally reveals the full truth behind Sharon's career change. Apparently, Sharon actually was exiled for her role in Captain America: Civil War, and this is indeed how she wound up in Madripoor - that much of her story is true. But instead of a humble art dealer, Sharon Carter became a not-so-humble arms dealer, and the infamous Power Broker that rules over Madripoor with a fearsome reputation. Sharon reveals that Karli and the Flag-Smashers were her enforcers, before they stole the super serum Nagel was developing and took off on their moral crusade.
Sharon's involvement with Sam and Bucky isn't so much helping old friends, but using the duo to reach Karli, who not only stole from Sharon, but also knows about her secret alter ego. Batroc was hired as a means of spying on the Flag-Smashers, but the Frenchman had no idea that his client was the Power Broker. It seems that Sharon's disillusionment ran far deeper than the good guys suspected, and Peggy's niece has zero intention of leaving her illicit life of luxury behind.
Is Batroc Dead?
It certainly looks that way, but with Batroc, you can never be entirely sure. In a standoff that shall henceforth be known as "The Bad, The Worse & The Ugly," Sharon shoots Batroc, while Karli shoots Sharon. The Power Broker takes a routine no-big-deal bullet to the stomach, but Batroc collapses onto the ground motionless, implying the MCU villain has breathed his last. Nevertheless, Falcon & The Winter Soldier leaves enough ambiguity around Batroc's fate to plausibly bring the character back, should his presence ever be required in the future.
Captain America vs. Karli
The final battle of Falcon & The Winter Soldier proves exactly why Sam Wilson is deserving of Captain America's shield. Battling against Karli Morgenthou, Cap is outmatched, but has no intention of going all-out against someone he believes is capable of redemption. Wilson repels Karli but refuses to strike back, driving his opponent to anger, and the fight ends with Karli pointing a gun at Sam's head, "forcing" Sharon to put the leader of the Flag-Smashers down permanently. On one hand, Karli seemed completely ready to take Sam's life, but Sharon was no doubt delighted that such a golden opportunity presented itself, allowing the Power Broker to tie up a huge loose end. Similar to the fight with Batroc, Sam Wilson vs. Karli Morgenthou features a neat Steve Rogers Easter egg, as the Flag-Smasher tells her opponent to stay down, and Sam staunchly refuses. He might as well have just said "I can do this all day" and be done with it.
Sam's refusal to fight when a non-violent solution remains is the main reason Steve Rogers elected him the next Captain America, and the Karli battle confirms Sam's ethical stance. But allowing Karli to die, even if Sharon was left with little choice, arguably goes down as a failure for the new Captain America. He set out to talk Karli around, but found himself cradling her fading body.
Bucky Catches The Flag-Smashers (But Zemo Has Other Ideas)
While Sam and Sharon tackle Karli, Bucky and John Walker round up the rest of the Flag-Smashers using their well-established knowledge of hacking and technology... Throughout Falcon & The Winter Soldier, Karli has been controlling her network of hidden followers via an app, but the last episode saw Torres finally work his way inside the code, uncovering a ping in New York City ahead of the GRC summit. The Friends of Captain America obviously found a way to send false commands using Karli's own evil app, luring the Flag-Smashers to a spot where they could be arrested. The redemption of John Walker continues here, as he willingly hands the baddies over for arrest, rather than smashing their heads with his crumpled shield.
Just as the Flag-Smashers are about to be sent to the Raft, their prisoner van explodes, and we see Zemo's butler Oeznik watching from a distance. Despite being a lodger of the Raft himself, Zemo has clearly found a way to contact the outside, and instructed Oeznik to mop up any super soldiers Sam and Bucky didn't kill. Before his arrest, Zemo assured Bucky that there was no other way to stop Karli, and he apparently remains committed to that philosophy.
What Next For Zemo?
The fact that Zemo can influence events from inside the Raft gives Daniel Brühl a direct route into future MCU projects, possibly alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus' Val. Speaking with John Walker's wife, Val knows that Zemo was the one responsible for BBQ-ing the Flag-Smashers, and suggests she might've had a part to play. The introduction of Val will likely lead to the introduction of the Dark Avengers or Thunderbolts in the MCU, and if Zemo is complicit in her machinations, he too could have a role in the group. Falcon & The Winter Soldier certainly leaves the door ajar for Baron Zemo to return at a later date but, predictably, Helmut's cards remain close to his chest.
As for Val, she promises John Walker that things in the MCU are about to "get weird" but stops short of explaining exactly what this means. Most likely, this is another piece of Dark Avenger/Thunderbolt foreshadowing, but it's also possible that Val has an inkling of the multiverse madness to come in Doctor Strange 2 or Spider-Man: No Way Home or is privy to the Skrull invasion set up in WandaVision's finale.
Why Karli Apologizes To Sam Before Dying
Dying from a bullet wound courtesy of Sharon Carter, Karli is gently cradled by Captain America. Visibly scared, her final words are apologetic, but having been resolute in her campaign of chaos for the entire season, why the sudden change of heart? Karli seems to have a moment of clarity in her dying moments, realizing how far she strayed from her original, noble purpose. She subtly acknowledges that Sam Wilson was trying to help her, and sees why her followers were having doubts as the body count racked up. Karli's last minute remorse is perhaps what the division in the Flag-Smasher camp was leading towards since the beginning. As Karli dies, she grasps the Flag-Smasher pendant in her hand, effectively confirming that she betrayed her ideals, but saw the light in her final moments.
Karli's apology frames her death as a sacrifice of sorts. Although her methods were undoubtedly flawed, Karli always maintained that she wasn't concerned about dying so long as the mission was completed, and Falcon & The Winter Soldier does eventually confirm that the GRC proposals were scrapped. To ensure Karli's legacy as an antihero rather than an outright villain, Captain America refers to her as "misguided" in his epic speech.
Sam Wilson's Landmark Speech
Undoubtedly the most important moment in Falcon & The Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson, as the new Captain America, addresses a rescued senator live in front of the entire world. In a monologue that hits deliberately close to real-world events, Cap addresses systematic racism, inequality, poverty, refugees, and privilege in a stirring piece of writing. Sam then turns Thanos into a real-world metaphor, explaining that politicians hold lives in their hands every day, and must make the right choice, or else risk more like Karli rising from the carnage.
In this moment, Sam proves himself a Captain America for the modern age, no longer the dancing, smiling, old-fashioned superhero of the 1940s, but someone who'll stand up for the oppressed, call out injustice in all forms, and acknowledge the darker aspects of his country, instead of merrily waving a flag and hoping for the best. He even drops a "sh*t" which Steve would no doubt be irked about. The speech earns the respect of Bucky and the public at large, but also gets a nod from John Walker (tacit admission that Sam is the true successor to Steve Rogers), and impresses the skeptical Isaiah Bradley, who is watching from home. Following his big moment, a politician requests the help of "Cap," giving Sam Wilson the authority of his government.
U.S. Agent Is Born
John Walker might've accepted his time as Captain America is over with the rapid ascent of Sam Wilson, but his days as a superhero are far from done. Val arranges for Walker to be pardoned and presents him with a brand new costume, extremely similar to his Captain America getup but black, with white and red overpowering the blue. The mysterious Contessa also christens John with a brand new superhero name - U.S. Agent. This is who Walker evolves into after losing his Captain America title in the Marvel comic books, and is the moniker he's generally associated with in the printed world. Obviously, fans will be seeing more of Walker in the MCU's future, and Val hints at her intentions for him, suggesting the current crop of heroes aren't up to the task of whatever comes next. Exactly what she means by this remains to be seen.
John Walker exits Falcon & The Winter Soldier on typically ambiguous ground, ethically speaking. The character hasn't exactly atoned for his crimes and shortcomings, but has at least demonstrated a willingness to do better. Like his comic counterpart, John could continue to walk a thin moral line, despite usually having the best of intentions. Nevertheless, it speaks to the power of "Val" that she could organize John Walker's complete pardon. Despite finally doing the right thing, his actions in Falcon & Winter Soldier's finale surely weren't enough to warrant such leniency.
Bucky Confesses To Nakajima
Bucky Barnes gets a mostly happy ending in Falcon & The Winter Soldier. Following Sam's advice during their game of shield-catch last week, Bucky realizes he can only vanquish the Winter Soldier by confessing to Mr. Nakajima about the death of his son. The scene doesn't spend much time exploring how Nakajima reacts to the news, but implies that, despite the obvious sadness, the old man is healed by the closure. Naturally, Bucky decides not to stay in the area, but reunites with the Wilson family and the people of Delacroix, who finally provide the sense of family Barnes has long been searching for. The metal-armed uncle of the Wilsons is here to stay.
Isaiah Bradley
The last time Sam Wilson saw Isaiah Bradley, the old man proclaimed no self-respecting Black man would ever become Captain America. Since then, Sam became Captain America, so resolution is needed before the season draws to a close. Although Isaiah Bradley remains as cynical as ever, it's clear that seeing Sam in action and hearing his eloquent mission statement has changed Isaiah's mind. The veteran is now at least a little hopeful that having a Black man carrying Captain America's shield can inspire change in the country that wronged him. To prove that point, Sam takes Isaiah to the Smithsonian's Captain America museum, which now houses a section dedicated entirely to Bradley and his unit, complete with statue. Finally, Isaiah breaks. He previously believed that going public would mean being hunted down by government agents looking to cover up their deplorable past. Sam has apparently used his considerable influence to ensure Isaiah Bradley is not only free, but that his deeds are honored alongside those of Steve Rogers. Isaiah is now an official MCU Captain America.
Captain America & The Winter Soldier
If Sam Wilson's transition from Falcon to Captain America wasn't clear enough already, a revised closing title card leaves no doubt, with the Falcon & Winter Soldier title now reading Captain America & The Winter Soldier. If the show is granted a second season, this will likely be the title Marvel Studios go with. At any rate, Anthony Mackie is now officially playing the MCU's Captain America, and will surely be a key component of Phase 5 and beyond. Nevertheless, it's curious that, despite his obvious progression, Bucky remains listed as "The Winter Soldier." Could this mean the demon inside him isn't completely exorcised?
The Power Broker Returns Home
Flexing his Captain America clout further, Sam honors his promise to get Sharon Carter pardoned, blissfully unaware that she's the Power Broker of Madripoor. The U.S. government bashfully apologizes for punishing someone so dedicated to the country, and Sharon accepts with a tear in her eye. But Peggy's niece is merely putting in a late Oscar contender, as she has no intention of fighting for Uncle Sam all over again. Instead, Falcon & The Winter Soldier makes clear that, despite being readmitted onto American soil, Sharon remains the Power Broker, and will be using her position to lift all manner of juicy weapons from SHIELD custody onto the black market.
This has two major consequences for the MCU's future. Firstly, Sharon Carter will almost certainly become a villain in a future project - either Falcon & The Winter Soldier season 2, or Armor Wars, perhaps. Secondly, Sharon could be responsible for creating future MCU bad guys. Without Tony Stark around, the franchise needs a new way to generate antagonists, and Sharon's free-wheeling weapons trade could do exactly that.