The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 2 “The Star-Spangled Man” review – more action PLUS hilarious Sam & Bucky moments!
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier started off with an action packed episode, and the second episode continued right on with it! The second episode of this new Marvel show is titled “The Star-Spangled Man” so I knew we were going to dive more into John Walker, AKA the new Captain America. While we go get a little bit more of his back story, I didn’t enjoy how the seemed to be wanting to make me like him. He is US Agent in the comic books, and I am hoping eventually he will start being called that.
Warning: Spoilers For The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Episode Two “The Star-Spangled Man”
Comic book fans did get a lot of great references in this episode — including a possible glimpse at another Young Avenger (Patriot). I was happy to see that we finally got Sam and Bucky together, although I do love how they kept them separated in the first episode, because these two have some serious chemistry on screen. I was cracking up at their one liners, and how they constantly poke at each other. I have a feeling by the end of this six part season, they will be much closer. And I am here for it.
The therapy session scene was hilarious, but also dug deep into what Bucky is feeling right now. Why is he so upset about Falcon giving up the shield? Well, because if Steve was wrong about Falcon, Steve was wrong about him — and that is something that he just can’t handle right now. My heart breaks for him more and more every episode. He is going through some stuff — and he has a lot to figure out about himself before he can truly move forward.
We did get a Sharon Carter name drop, but unfortunately she has yet to show up. With such a short season, we are already one third of the way through. Fans have also not seen Zemo yet — well, not really. There was a quick glimpse of him at the end of the episode, and we know that he will be in the next one as Sam and Bucky are on their way to see him now.
I personally love how this show is trying to point out how African Americans are treated — not only with Sam being asked to show ID, but also when it comes to how Isaiah Bradley was treated. There was a Black Super Soldier and practically no one on Earth knew about it. On top of that, how was he thanked for being a hero? By being thrown in jail for thirty years.
In the comic books, Isiah is a Captain America for a time, and his grandson, Eli, is Patriot in the Young Avengers. There was a young man living with Isaiah — so we can only hope he might just be joining the new Avengers team when we do get it!
Knowing that the Flag Smashers are a group of super soldier powered people sets up a lot of problems. Even if they have a good message to spread, they are totally going about it the wrong way. I am very much looking forward to what becomes of them, and just how they are getting the serum, in the coming episodes.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 2 brought us another great action scene, as well as some more depth into these characters and the story this show aims to tell. Honestly though, some of my favorite scenes were just the banter between Bucky and Sam. I love their chemistry, and their attitudes, and I cannot wait to see them grow closer over the course of the show — because we know that has to happen, right?
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About The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier. The pair, who came together in the final moments of “Avengers: Endgame,” team up on a global adventure that tests their abilities—and their patience.
Directed by Kari Skogland with Malcolm Spellman serving as head writer, the series also stars Daniel Brühl as Zemo, Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter, and Wyatt Russell as John Walker.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is on Disney+ now!
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.