John Walker ultimately helped Sam and Bucky stop the Flag-Smashers in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier finale — why? Introduced in the premiere as the new Captain America, Wyatt Russell's MCU debut was met with backlash from viewers — exactly what his character was supposed to do. While he was backed by the government and adored by the public, like Sam and Bucky, audiences immediately knew that it didn't feel right that he was wielding the shield.

On the heels of the negative reception to the character, Marvel Studios interestingly attempted to humanize Walker, showing that just like Steve Rogers, he, too, felt the pressure of becoming Captain America. From there, he mostly said and did the right things, even attempting repeatedly to ask Sam and Bucky to work with him as they hunted down by the Flag-Smashers. He didn't do anything outright nefarious until he was tested with the accidental death of his partner and friend and Lemar Hoskins, aka Battlestar. This resulted in a newly super-soldier-powered Walker going on a public rampage in Latvia; blinded by his anger, he ruthlessly killed a member of Karli Morgenthau's team in broad daylight, while civilians watched.

Related: US Agent Explained: John Walker’s New Superhero Name & Costume

When he came back to the U.S., Walker was stripped off of his Captain America identity and all the benefits he was entitled to as a veteran. This only led him to be much angrier, and with a little bit of encouragement from Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, he was set out to insist that he's still the Star-Spangled Avenger coming into The Falcon and The Winter Soldier finale, effectively setting up a showdown between him and Sam, the rightful Captain America, and Bucky. While it seemed to have started this way, he eventually had a change of heart in the middle of the battle, opting to help the heroes save lives rather than going after Karli. The turn in Walker might've felt too abrupt, but it actually checks out with his character because, at the end of the day, he's not inherently bad; he's just dealing with some personal issues including what appears to be PTSD, which came from his time in the military. This is the reason why in his emotional trial, he justifiably pointed out how the government should also be held accountable for what happened to him.

Falcon and Winter Soldier US Agent Captain America

John Walker's mental issues were hinted at in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. During times of stress, he would mumble under his breath, seemingly going through a panic attack. He's also extremely volatile, going through bursts of anger during particular circumstances. His personal doubts about not being an effective Captain America that stemmed from the lack of subsequent support from the government and Steve Rogers' personal friends made this worse. Couple that with the humiliating encounter with the Dora Milaje that convinced him that taking the super-soldier serum will solve his woes. However, just like how Bucky's Winter Soldier rehabilitation wasn't as explored in the show, Walker's personal problems were also sidestepped. This makes his final decision in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier feel unearned.

Somehow, even Sam, who's become Captain America, and Bucky were aware that Walker wasn't evil. Sure, his principles aren't as solid as Steve Rogers' and he's prone to making mistakes, but having an idea of what he went through in the military and how it could mess up someone made them empathetic towards him. The question now is how Walker's arc will continue after The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He was given the new persona as U.S. Agent by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Seeing how emotionally volatile he can be, he can also be prone to manipulation, which can ultimately make him a villain even if doesn't intend to be one.

More: What's Next For John Walker In The MCU After Falcon & The Winter Soldier?

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