The MCU is expanding for the first time through the small screen. WandaVision wowed fans with a unique story-telling tool, Loki revealed where phase 4 was heading with a shocking finale, and in between, the new Captain America was revealed in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.
Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame, the series follows the titular characters as they cope with personal struggles and eventually team up to take on the anti-nationalist group, The Flag Smashers. Of course, they have to contend with John Walker, the soldier appointed by the U.S. government to take over the mantle of Captain America. Full of plenty of fast-paced action and political intrigue, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier presents questions about moral code, a corrupt system, and racial intolerance. But how was each episode rated according to IMDb?
New World Order - 7.7
In episode 1 of the series, Sam Wilson is re-adjusting to life after his return from the "blip" and feels he isn't worthy of the shield handed down to him from Captain America. He turns the shield over to take its place in a museum as a tribute to the hero who once wielded it. Away from his life as a superhero, he tries to help his sister move past financial struggles only to find his 5-year disappearance has had a negative effect on his credit.
Meanwhile, James "Bucky" Barnes struggles with his past atrocities committed as The Winter Soldier and hopes for forgiveness from the families of those who've been affected. On the other side of the globe, a group of super-soldiers calling themselves The Flag Smashers wants to eliminate national borders through terrorist acts, and the U.S. has chosen a new Captain America of their own in the form of John Walker. The first episode shows viewers what Sam and Bucky have been up to and how they're adjusting to life after the blip. The real attention grabber was the introduction of John Walker as Cap.
One World, One People - 7.8
In the season finale, Karli leads the Flag Smashers in their climactic attack on the GRC but first must go through The Winter Soldier, John Walker, and Sam Wilson, now the new Captain America. With new wings built with Wakandan technology, a new costume, and a mastery of the fabled shield, the new Cap flies into the fray and quickly takes control of the situation.
Bucky takes the fight to the ground along with John Walker, who appears to be making an effort to redeem himself after his past sins. In the end, the heroes emerge victoriously, and it's revealed that the Power Broker is actually former S.H.I.E.L.D agent Sharon Carter. Additionally, John Walker is recruited by the mysterious Valentina Allegra de Fontaine and given a black variation on the Captain America suit along with the name U.S. Agent. The season finale certainly delivered on action, but many fans were disappointed in the writing and Sam's new suit.
The Star-Spangled Man - 7.9
In episode 2, John Walker is introduced as the man who takes up the mantle of Captain America. A decorated soldier and skilled fighter, Walker steps into the spotlight for TV interviews and press conferences but is ready to jump into battle with evildoers everywhere. In the meantime, Sam and Bucky are hot on the trail of a group of Flag Smashers who are moving stolen vaccines across European borders.
As they move in to confront their targets, the new Captain America and his sidekick Battlestar join the fray and John Walkers seems overwhelmed by the enhanced strength and agility of the super soldiers. Desperate to discover who supplied the Flag Smashers with a super soldier serum, Sam and Bucky decide to take desperate measures. After the season opener, MCU fans were anxious to find out more about the imposter donning the Captain America uniform, and this episode delivered.
Truth - 8.0
Zemo, having served his purpose, is turned over to the Dora Milaje in the show's fifth episode. After defeating John Walker, Sam and Bucky return home and soon after, reunite in Louisiana where Sam goes to work training with the shield of Captain America. After meeting with Isaiah, an African-American super soldier whose path was very different from that of Steve Rogers, Sam and Bucky prepare to stop the Flag Smashers as they plot to attack the GRC vote.
As the heroes train, they become closer and Bucky is accepted by Sam's family while they repair the fishing boat that keeps the family business afloat. Meanwhile, John Walker is stripped of the Captain America mantle and approached by a mysterious newcomer. This episode fleshes out Sam and Bucky's personal lives and brings them closer as friends and leads into the action-packed finale.
Power Broker - 8.0
In Episode 3, Sam and Bucky spring Baron Zemo from prison in order to discover where the Flag Smashers obtained their serum. Zemo was previously seen as the villain who orchestrated the events which led to the Avengers in-fighting and eventual split that left some of them on the run as fugitives. Howevr, here, Zemo leads the titular pair to Madripoor, a city run by a criminal network, masterminded by the mysterious Power Broker.
After a run-in with some of the Power Brokers goons, Sam, Bucky, and Zemo are saved by Sharon Carter, a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who was shunned by her country after her involvement in the Avengers civil war. Elsewhere, Captain America and Battlestar confront members of the Flag Smashers and decide they can't handle the fight on their own. The Madripore setting in this episode appealed to fans and Zemo was in top form.
The Whole World Is Watching - 8.8
Sam, Bucky, and Baron Zemo are on the trail of the Flag Smashers and holed up in one of Zemo's mansions in "The Whole World Is Watching." Unfortunately for the Baron, the Wakandan warriors known as the Dora Milaje have tracked the trio there with intention of bringing Zemo to justice for his murder of the king of Wakanda. The very act that set off the events of the civil war between the Avengers. After a brief scuffle, Ayo gives Sam and Bucky some leeway with Zemo in order to complete their mission.
While this goes on, the new Captain America is hot on the trail of the Flag Smashers along with his sidekick, Battlestar. Sam, Bucky, and Zemo converge on the anti-nationalist group as well and a fight ensues, ending in the death of Battlestar and the brutal killing of a Flag Smasher at the hand of a newly infused super soldier in the form of John Walker. The murder is caught on video and shared with the entire world, which could lead to dire ramifications for Walker. Much like the fictional world of the show, viewers were shocked and appalled by the turn of events at the end of this episode, making it the highest-rated on IMDb.