Back from the Blip and it’s gonna be bumpy with the 1st episode ‘New World Order’
The first episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier ‘New World Order’ has me hooked. It’s the perfect bridge between the movies and Disney+ joining in with original programming. What I first noticed about the premier episode that originally was slated to be the first Marvel series on Disney+ was how much of a movie feel it had from the F/X to direction. Disney put in the money to make sure it LOOKS good, with Kari Skogland keeping the episode visually MCU but still taking into account it’s for the TV and Malcolm Spellman (writer) had the quips that I love so much and had the emotional connection I’ve always felt for Marvel. WandaVision was a more quirky show that the sums of each part was a puzzle that fit once we got to the finale (bit of teaser of other character development in future TV/Movies).
But Falcon and the Winter Soldier has what a lot of shows don’t seem to understand when it’s a continuation of movie/comic book/book with a passionate fanbase. Fans already know what’s going on so we don’t need to start at point A. We just need more of a general story of what it’s about, dig a bit deeper into the main characters and please no rehashing! The show starts off with (what I imagine the pace for the entire series) the bang of action, story arc that explains what’s going on and the stillness for your mind to process it.
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of my review with our two heroes that are connected by friendship with Steve Rogers/Captain America and wanting to find their place in the world.
I am very pleased with how they tie in the Falcon return after the blip wanting to reconnect with his family but seeing what was lost after five years. Things might seem like they are ‘back to normal’ with his putting back on the wings and being in ‘hero mode’ but everyone else may have had time to mourn the loss of Steve Rogers/Captain America, friends and family but it’s still new to him despite putting on a smile and jaunty walk. Sam (Falcon) is learning that HYDRA might not be around but in that vacuum a new big bad the ‘Flag-Smashers’ is ready to reshape the world and will do whatever is necessary. I thought it was interesting that Sam declined being the next Captain America but then I thought seeing a Black man in that suit with the shield well that would drive some folk crazy mad so I agreed with is first instinct to pass on that honor. Really nobody can ever replace Captain America and the guy at the end looked like he might not be a good guy (might be the square jaw and how he looks like people in photos from the 50s).
Sam (Anthony Mackie) might be the Falcon but he’s still a Black man in America who’s spent way too much time with the Avengers. His sister Sarah Wilson (Adepero Oduye) has been on her own since the Blip taking care of her sons and the Louisiana homestead and it’s been a struggle. Sarah is still keeping her chin up with the struggle of being a widow and keeping a roof over her family’s head. When Sam comes in full of hope and confidence he drags her back in thinking that they have been dusted with superhero magic but got a reminder they are still Black when they Bank Manager wants a photo with the Falcon but still won’t approve a loan. It leaves her frustrated and mad while Sam wants to figure out how to fix while still saving the world but isn’t much help at home. Sadly not all of us have rich friends that can write a check or buy a bank.
I really liked the Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) backstory because it was a reminder of what he was like under HYDRA killing everybody and it sort of brought tears to my eye rewatching the episode. It started out with his trying to be slick with Dr. Raynor (Amy Aquino) trying to make him ‘do the work’ to get better. Then his interaction with Yori (Ken Takemoto) his crusty old neighbor friend I thought <sigh> he’s working on connecting with people. How sweet <swoon> than as the episode goes on and I understand the memory and who it was <yikes>. That hurt it really hurt and I <whew> I mean it really made me feel bad for Yori (the betrayal and anger if it were me). Then I thought Bucky is just walking around NYC (???) like a normal person and people aren’t spitting on him but instead he’s enjoying food, a little flirtation and fond memories of his time in Wakanda than I remember he is STILL a straight White guy so it felt real to me.
I am very excited for this The Falcon and the Winter Soldier six-episode mini series. This first episode feels like it’s going to leap feet first into the action and continued story of the MCU TV. Despite the Winter Soldier being a brainwashed evil HYDRA assassin. I’ve always been a fan and am excited to see more of this character as he learns how to be Bucky in a new world. Am hoping to see more of ‘The Falcon’ on his own as a hero out of Captain America and the Avengers shadow. Leave a comment below about what you thought of the episode and what you think will happen in E2.
About Author
