The Falcon and the Winter Soldier finale ties together almost all the lose ends, while leaving us enough for an epic second season.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier finale does a great job of tying up most of the loose ends left throughout the series, while still leaving fans enough for a second season — or second series. This episode wastes no time giving the audience what they want, and they do it so well. The finale pulls through as the best episode of the whole thing, bringing tears, cheers, and even a few surprises.
Warning: Spoilers For The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Finale Episode 6 “One World, One People”
There are so many things that worked about this season finale. The best thing they did was give everyone Sam Wilson in his new Captain America suit right at the start. If fans were made to wait any longer, it would have dragged the whole story down. When asked who he is, Sam just nonchalantly says “I’m Captain America.” like it is no big deal and that really works too. It fits his personality so well. It goes without saying that his new suit is FIRE and looks so great with the shield between the wings. He even has a new Redwing.
The finale episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier also does a fantastic job of showing the contrast between Sam Wilson’s Cap and John Walker’s Cap. Walker fights first, protects second. He is irrational and quick to react while Wilson is more calculated and methodical, always thinking of lives first. Walker does get a bit of redemption in this episode when viewers see him let Karl go so he can stop the hostages from falling, but it may be a little too late.
Episode 6 starts off with some incredible action and a long fight scene that brings everyone together — Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Batroc, Sharon Carter, and the Flagsmashers. This is where the cinematography and stunts shine. Seeing the NEW Captain America in action, saving lives, and kicking butt, is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Bucky finally making amends, instead of avenging, pays off for him and we get to see him happy. Like really happy. Which is a great end to his character arc in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. John Walker goes through some changes too, and now has a new suit and a new name — U.S. Agent — thanks to Val.
While it does seem like Sharon and Batroc were wasted a as a whole, the end credit scene gives us hope for a bit of redemption to Sharon’s character — even though she is going down quite a dark path. It does feel weird to say that Batroc was even in this series as he was not used much, and then killed off at the end, but it was nice to see him go toe to toe with Sam.
The Flagsmashers were also a big miss in the series as a whole, but there are rumors that their story line was effected because it was about a virus that the GRC seemingly creates to kill refugees, and understandably Marvel cut that due to what the world is going through right now. Perhaps Sharon’s story suffered as well.
The underlying message in the season has been about racism, and Marvel fully embraces that in this finale. Sam gives an honest speech to the GRC, and actually ends up changing a few minds. That moment is pure genius and they don’t shy away from it at all, showing how everyone around the world reacts to it while watching, including Isaiah Bradley.
The real kicker is seeing just how much Sam cares about the world, and wants it to change. He listened when Isaiah talked to him about the world not allowing there to be a Black Captain America, but he refused to accept that. He always sees the good in people and this series proved that, he even refused to fight back against Karli when she was attacking him to the point where Sharon had to kill her to save his life.
Sam wants the world to change. And he is willing to do anything to make that possible. in this episode he uses his pull to have a whole section added to the Captain America exhibit at the museum showcasing Isaiah and what he did for his country. This moment is incredibly touching, and having Eli Bradley there to witness it just might be what pushes him toward his eventually role as Patriot in the Young Avengers.
There is even a moment when someone in the crowd says “That’s Black Falcon.” and someone else says “No, that’s Captain America.” Sam has done more than enough to earn that shield, and that title, but seeing it all happen, and happen the way it did, is extremely satisfying. The icing on the cake is when the title changes to Captain America and the Winter Soldier — teasing a new series coming soon.
With action, heart, and a brand new suit — this finale perfectly ties up most loose ends, while leaving enough for viewers to be begging for a new season (or series).
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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.