Though the reasons for Bucky's PTSD (spending decades as a brainwashed super assassin with an indestructible metal arm) are out of this world, the consequences thereof are depressingly real and all too common.Īs Sam tries to talk the Flag Smashers down peacefully, viewers learn that they abhor nationalism, the belief that one nation or people is better than others. Bucky is clearly suffering from PTSD and dealing with some of the most common symptoms real-world veterans have to address, and being unable to sleep is one of the most significant health concerns veterans have to face after returning from deployment. It also fits perfectly in line with the show's determination to incorporate real-world issues into its fantastical narrative.
#Falcon and the winter soldier movie#
It's the first point of real connection between the two, and it makes sense for this series, which acts almost as a spiritual successor of that movie in many ways, to reference it. They talk about how, after having to sleep on the ground during their tours of duty, their beds feel like a "marshmallow" that will just let them sink right to the ground. That's a small gripe, however, in an otherwise stellar outing that serves as the perfect, palate-cleansing counter to WandaVision's weird, wonderful ride.Fans of " Captain America: The Winter Soldier" might remember when this exact phenomena was referenced by Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson in their first conversation.
While faithful followers will eat up every Easter egg, nod, and callout to what's come before, more casual viewers might find themselves a little lost. If the show stumbles at all, it's in its inaccessibility to newcomers. In fact, some of the series' best moments come not when the characters are battling supervillains, but when they're helping out a family member or friend, or even facing their own inner turmoil. While it contains the key elements we've come to expect from the property, its episodic nature allows it to dig deeper, significantly expanding on characters that were previously overshadowed by the core team of crime fighters. Everything about the show, including - most critically - its heart and humor, will feel comfortably familiar to anyone who's laughed, cried, or cheered during a Marvel film.ĭespite sticking to the franchise's reliable formula, though, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier never feels like a tired retread. But it's not just the flashy special effects and thrilling battles that have made the jump from the movies to Sam Wilson's and Bucky Barnes' episodic adventure. This is immediately apparent in the Disney+ superhero series' action scenes: extended, seat-of-the-pants sequences packed with enough polished production values to rival any that have splashed across the big screen.
If Marvel's WandaVision was like a fancy, gourmet meal containing some ingredients you couldn't quite pronounce, then The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is akin to a heaping pile of comfort food just begging to satisfy your cravings.