The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 5 delivers the most powerful & emotional moment yet, setting up for an epic finale.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has been a pretty solid series right from the start. With incredible writing that has you hating John Walker with a passion, yet loving to hate him at the same time, it just gets better and better. Episode 5 of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has been teased as an emotional episode, and a special cameo by a new to the MCU character has been hinted at — but nothing could prepare me for this episode. Nothing.
Before this one, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 4 was my favorite, but this one has pulled into the lead for so many reasons. Warning, below will be spoilers for episode 5 of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier so if you have not yet seen this one, wait and come back later.
Warning: Spoilers For The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Episode 5 Truth
This episode started off with an epic scene between John Walker, Sam Wilson, and Bucky Barnes. It was a long time coming and after John brutally murdered someone with the shield, it is about time it happened. They confronted him wanting to take the shield from him and then we got one of the best, most action packed, battles in the MCU. I know what it means to say that, but I said it. Not the best, but top five hands down.
There is so much to unpack in that scene alone because it deals with how Sam and Bucky are feeling and addresses the rift between then. John goes off the wall and breaks Sam’s wings, then gets his arm broken. It is a struggle, it is brutal, and it is so fun to watch. The best part is John is left without the shield, and later brought into custody by the United States Government.
Readers of Marvel comic books have several things to be excited about in this episode, starting with the appearance of Madame Hydra. She is a supervillain terrorist leader and it just makes sense for her to try to bring John Walker into her circle. Played by the brilliant Julia Louis-Dreyfus, this is a major set up for what is to come in the future of the MCU. She is a casting choice I never would have thought of in a million years, but dang she is perfect — and she looks incredible. I cannot wait to see where this goes.
Another thing to keep in mind is that after John Walker broke Falcon’s wings, Sam told Torres to keep them. This is of note because in the comic books Torres becomes Falcon, which is another thing to add to the long list of Young Avengers set up that the MCU has been giving us.
Bucky turning Zemo over to the Dora Milaje is perfect on so many levels — and the White Wolf reference just made it even better. Of course they want him to serve his time and pay for what he did to King T’Chaka, but this also means that we could be seeing Zemo in the future. He isn’t dead — although I did think Bucky was going to pull that trigger — and if you aren’t dead in the MCU, you could be coming back. What they did with Zemo in this series was amazing. They gave him what he deserved and made him an amazing villain. I hope to see him again.
One of the hardest scenes to watch in this episode, in the series as a whole actually, is the conversation between Isaiah Bradley and Sam Wilson. This needed to be done, and it was done so well. Isaiah lets viewers, and Sam, in on what happened to him. Everything horrific that was done to him because of the color of skin. He is a hero, he saved lives, and he ended up in jail being tested on for 30 years because of it. When he tells his story it is impossible not to cry, and easy to see where he is coming from and why he feels the way he does.
He ends the conversation by saying that the government will never allow there to be a Black Captain America. And if they would, no self respecting Black man would allow it to happen. Sam understands, but at the same time, I truly think that he will take up the mantle and become the new Cap. Although I do have my fingers crossed for a conversation between him and Isaiah after he does.
One of the best parts of this episode is the dynamic between Bucky and Sam. Their relationship is blossoming, and they are even becoming friend, though neither one of them will admit it. Bucky helps Sam restore his parents’ boat, along with the whole neighborhood which was such an uplifting and incredible thing to see. Bucky and Sarah might even have something going, but Sam tried to lay down the law saying Bucky cannot flirt with his sister.
Bucky helping Sam train with the shield, and then gifting him something from the Wakandans, completely warms my heart. I expect it to be a Captain America suit with vibranium wings — which will be EPIC! Overall I just really loved them together in episode 5.
Sam training to be able to wield the shield without the Super Soldier Serum is a great montage. One that I could watch over and over. To see him put in the WORK himself is just a testament to the kind of person he is. He is a good human being. Gosh, I love him.
This is the first of the series to feature a mid-credit scene, and it is a doozy! While I would have loved to see Sam put on his new suit, it makes sense they are saving that for finale. Viewers did see John Walker going one more step off the deep end, and creating his own shield, even further setting up that he will in fact take on the name U.S. Agent and is not going anywhere. Besides him, fans are also likely to see Zemo, Madame Hydra, and Sharon back in the MCU films.
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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.
