The Falcon and the Winter Soldier reveals the dark side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Disney+ series spent the majority of its first episode focused on Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes’ personal lives. In the six months since the end of Avengers: Endgame, a lot has changed in the world. Half of the population snapped by Thanos is back and superheroes like the Falcon and the Winter Soldier are adjusting to their new realities. While the MCU films have largely centered upon an overarching narrative, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is digging deeper to reveal the other side of a story less explored.
Following his return in Endgame, Sam has continued working alongside the U.S. military, aiding them in missions as Falcon. However, being a superhero isn’t exactly a paying gig and Sam, along with his sister Sarah Wilson, are struggling financially. Sarah, who’s been holding down the fort for five years, wants to sell their father’s fishing boat to ease the strain, whereas Sam wants to keep it and find another way. Meanwhile, Bucky is atoning for the sins he committed as the Winter Soldier while brainwashed and working with HYDRA. He’s also going to therapy in an attempt to finally cope with his PTSD.
On the surface, these things may not be as exciting as high-octane action sequences and battles with villains. However, the choice to focus on Sam and Bucky as people is not only fantastic for their character development, but showcases a different, more realistic side to the MCU. It adds several layers. Whereas the films are heavily focused on moving the plot forward, less time is given to explore the world the superheroes dwell in. In just one episode, however, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier provided a deeper look into the lives of two men fans have only ever known in the field. However, Sam and Bucky aren’t out saving the world all the time and the Disney+ series reveals what their lives look like when they’re not out being superheroes. It’s very human and far more relatable than their heroic adventures.
In the case of Sam, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier showcases the ugliness of systemic racism. He isn’t able to secure a bank loan because he’s not trusted to do so, with the loan officer coming up with reasons that sound more like unnecessary road blocks. Despite the loan officer knowing who Sam is and wanting a picture with him, the scene reveals how the system works against him as a Black man. Being a superhero doesn’t magically fix Sam’s struggles. Life is tough and the Disney+ series takes the time to explore these situations, as well as who they are as people in their day-to-day lives.
The same can be said of Bucky Barnes, who’s actually shown recuperating from his days as the Winter Soldier. Avengers: Infinity War showcased a bit of his redemption post-brainwashing. However, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is getting into the nitty gritty of what that actually means and looks like. Bucky has done horrible things in his years with HYDRA and the Disney+ series isn’t about to forget his past. It’s a good thing The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is allowing its characters to breathe and settle into their everyday lives. Ultimately, the series is a reminder that there is life beyond being a superhero and it’s darker and more realistic than what the MCU films have shown thus far.