Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier - first episode

After all the theories, mysteries, hilariousness, magic and intense emotions of Marvel's WandaVision, it is now up to Marvel's The Falcon and the Winter Soldier to keep the Marvel train going.

So today we honor Steve’s legacy. But also, we look to the future. So, thank you, Captain America. – Sam

If you've only glanced at some of the trailers, it is clear that this series is totally different from its 'predecessor' Marvel's WandaVision. Starting from the first episode, this feels like a Marvel action movie, just like we know the genre. This time, in serial format. It sounds great, right?

The series kicks off approximately six months after 'The Blip', the moment when Thanos snapped half the world out of existence. We see how Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie, Altered Carbon) has to deal with the consequences of the movie. Captain America gave him the shield with the message that he was now the owner. But having such big shoes to fill is not an easy task. We also see how James 'Bucky' Barnes tries to deal with the consequences of his past, in his own way. His past as a hypnotised hitman is a difficult burden to bear, which is why he's in therapy. That's pretty much the premise.

Starting from the first scene, this is a big action series. The grandeur and scale of the scenes that show Falcon flying through Libyan airspace is truly of Marvel proportions. It looks good, there are explosions, fights, spectacular diving and so on. The Winter Soldier also has a bit of action going on, although we haven't seen his new arm just yet.



What is clearly a part of this series is the emotional remains of a global disaster. The series also focuses on the more personal, human aspects of the titular heroes. Marvel also tackles themes such as racism and discrimination. It is obvious that Sam Wilson isn't walking around in a Captain America suit as he doesn't look like 'The American Dream'. In a scene where he tries to acquire a loan at a bank, the employee is hysterical about the fact that he is talking to the superhero Falcon, but Sam doesn't get the loan. It is clear that discrimination is the deciding factor here.

As far as that's concerned, Marvel is willing to talk about important themes instead of just living in a fairy tale superhero world.

The style of the series truly feels like a typical Marvel movie. It could be the intro to the next Captain America movie. It feels familiar. A great thing, right? But somehow I also feel as if I've seen all of this before. For me, Marvel's WandaVision exceeded expectations and this feels like a step back. Am I the only one who experienced this? Do tell me if this is a feeling you do or don't share and why.

All in all, this is a decent, solid start of the next adventure in the forever expanding and still immensely popular Marvel Cinematic Universe!

A 7.5!