The MCU missed an opportunity with Sam Wilson in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, who should have evolved into a new identity, rather than stay as Falcon or become the (third) Captain America. Sam had a complicated character arc in the Disney+ series, which — to its credit — dared to confront systemic issues within American society, including racism, classicism, and, to an extent, the glorification of military violence. The show was poised to make a daring stance in its final episode; however, it instead returned to the status quo, undermining many of the themes it had worked so hard to develop.

In a not-so shocking twist, Sam became the new Captain America in the Falcon and Winter Soldier finale. He debuted a new upgraded suit, dramatically entered a room by smashing through a window, announced his new superhero identity, beat up Batroc for a second time, and even told off some politicians ("do better"). The turn of events was conventional: Sam made a choice that ultimately reaffirms "American values" while the narrative played out in the typical formula for an action movie: The good guys "won," the bad guys "lost," and the story ended with a cliffhanger setting up a sequel.

Related: Where Every Avenger Is During Falcon And The Winter Soldier

The Disney+ MCU series missed a chance to challenge convention by having Sam forge a completely new path. In the comics, Sam Wilson does eventually become Captain America — but he had a rich history before that in which he really explored his own personal values. He voiced displeasure at being a "token" hire for the Avengers. He took on a leadership position at S.H.I.E.L.D. leading the new team, the Super-Agents. He played a key supporting role siding with Steve Rogers in the Civil War series. Sam Wilson choosing to be Captain America in the comics was particularly meaningful because of the circumstances, as well as the road he took to get there. But in the MCU, Falcon's choice to take on the Captain America mantle at the end felt forced.

Falcon and the winter soldier sam took shield to Isaiah bradley

Since the MCU has already diverged so much from the source material, it would have been better to take the Sam Wilson story in a new direction. Falcon and Winter Soldier set up Sam to be increasingly disillusioned — especially after learning the truth about what happened to Isaiah Bradley. While there is a certain logic to him concluding that Captain America represents the people, not the government, it's still hard to accept that he would willingly walk into what was established to be a highly problematic — and deeply propagandistic — symbol.

Generally, Marvel's Falcon and Winter Soldier was disappointing, and Sam Wilson's story is a particularly good example of what went wrong with the Disney+ series. In short, the show aimed high but missed its mark: the six-episode series wasn't long enough to deal with all the many issues it wanted to tackle: PTSD, racial identity, military ethics, activism versus terrorism, human experimentation, personal accountability — and the list goes on. As a result of trying to do too much, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier did too little, with character journeys — like Sam coming to terms with being Captain America — feeling truncated and false.

Although it would have been less tidy, Marvel's Falcon and the Winter Soldier would actually have been more satisfying if it ended without a "new" Captain America. If Sam wants to be a symbol of the people, it's cleaner to start fresh. Given that Sam's new armor was made in Wakanda, this was the perfect opportunity for Sam to embrace his distinct and unique experience as a Black American superhero — and in the process, becoming a symbol of the future, rather than a reminder of a troubled past.

Next: Every Upcoming Marvel Studios Disney+ TV Show

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