The Falcon and the Winter Soldier S01E01 is the debut episode of an six-part superhero streaming TV drama miniseries. Set six months after the events of Avengers : Endgame, the first episode – “New World Order” explores the Marvel Cinematic Universe (“MCU”) after the 5 year blip, and the impact this has on the world, and of course, on the superheroes themselves.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier S01E01 re-introduces (naturally), the characters originally featured in the Captain America trilogy viz. Sam Wilson/The Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes/the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan). Of course, previously Wilson and Barnes were supporting players in Cap’s shadow but not anymore. The key question is whether Wilson and Barnes will be able to sustain an six-part miniseries.
Based on the evidence presented in this first episode, there’s every chance that the miniseries will be a popular one, especially with MCU fans. Apart from the obligatory action sequences, Episode 1 spends time to explore the logical directions these characters would head based on the profiles depicted in the MCU thus far. A certain chemistry was hinted at in parts of Captain America : Civil War that the relationship of Wilson and Barnes had potential to match the vibe of a buddy movie.
Read our review of WandaVision.
However, in this opening episode, the duo have not paired up yet and viewers get to see how they are separately attempting to make sense of their lives in the new world order — Wilson is trying hard to save the family fishing boat that his cash-strapped sister needs to sell. This sequence dives deep into the financial plights of black families during a time of crisis — with the 5-year blip mirroring the real life global pandemic. Barnes’ storyline does well to emphasise a couple of key psychological issues. One, of a 106 year old man out of time and two, of a former brainwashed assassin who has to make amends for his deeds in order to deal with his guilt.
Apart from these characterisation treads, there is the simmering threat of the Flagsmasher terrorist group to consider, as well as the American government’s launching of a new Captain America. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier S01E01 is recommended viewing!
Now streaming on Disney+.
… still there’s more …