The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Ep 1-6 Ranking
Every time something gets better for one group, it gets worse for another. - Sam
(Spoiler Warning!!!)
We’re back with a new series ranking! Today, I’ll be talking about The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Out of the four Disney+ series released so far, TFATWS is my third favorite. It is the only show that doesn’t have the highest stakes and absolutely no connection to the multiverse, which is good. The social commentary elevates the show because it gives it more realism; it is one of my favorite aspects of the series. The series is more of passing the torch. Both Sam and Bucky have internal conflicts that make it harder for them to realize their highest potential. For now, let’s talk about each episode and where they rank, in my opinion.
(1) Episode 5 - Truth
The way they showed Walker dealing with the death of Lemar and trying to control himself was outstanding. The 2 on 1 fight was brutal. It was well done. They were a lot of cuts, but you could still follow it clearly. At the end of the brawl, it was emotional. Sam held the bloody shield, and I felt some regret in his eyes. All this could have been avoidable if he kept the shield. The score made the scene feel poetic. Everyone is going their separate ways. Bucky resolved his issues with Zemo; I hope Zemo comes back to the MCU. Walker got denounced as Captain America, but he met with Val, who could be a recruiter. Sam went to Isaiah Bradley. This is the best part of the episode. His conversation with Sam made him decide whether he should be Captain America or not. The series wasn’t about race, but the underlying theme was. It just felt so real. I was very emotional because of Isaiah’s history. His performance outshined others, and having less screentime is impressive. I enjoyed the heart-to-heart Sam and Bucky had. At that moment, Sam felt like the figure Steve was to Bucky. I loved that the pain and suffering of his people made Sam take the mantle of Captain America. He will always fight for them. I appreciated the tease at the end of the episode because it made you want more. I wanted to see Sam in an upgrade, a Captain America upgrade.
(2) Episode 4 - The Whole World is Watching
The opening scene in Wakanda was astounding. It had already hooked me in because of Sebastian Stan’s acting. There was already tension after the flashback since the Dora Milaje wanted Zemo for T’Chaka’s death. There were different ideologies considering the shield and the serum. Different views come from different backgrounds. Something may mean more to someone else because of their upbringing or history. It is interesting. Things started to get really good once Walker and Lemar found Bucky, Sam, and Zemo. They all wanted Karli, but not for the same reason. Walker couldn’t control his emotions because he wanted to prove to the world that he could be Captain America. I knew from the second he hit Zemo with his shield that he would be getting the serum. The Flag-Smashers had three battles to fight against now. After being embarrassed by the Dora Milaje, Walker took the serum. The serum changed people differently. Karli got more threatening as well. I mean, she threatens kids. Sam, Bucky, and Walker teamed up to fight the Flag-Smashers. I loved how you could tell Walker took the serum because of the little actions his body did. Karli killed Lemar, and it set off Walker. He didn’t warn the Flag-Smasher; he wanted to kill. This episode gave more depth to him, in my opinion. The last shot of Walker holding the bloody shield is iconic. One of the best from the series.
(3) Episode 6 - One World, One People
Sam’s Captain America suit was spectacular. It’s like it was ripped straight from the comics, and I appreciate that. The final showdown between the Flag-Smashers and the heroes was okay. It was all over the place, so at times, I felt out of it. Karli was off the rails at this point. She dragged down everyone who was with her. I know they knew that her actions weren’t okay anymore. Cap’s moves were unbelievable. The way he used the shield and his wings were badass. I was delighted with what they did. Walker had a small redemption arc. I wouldn’t say he is fully redeemed, though. He has a long way to go, but I respected his decision to help others instead of himself. I did not like Sharon being the Power Broker. It ruined the Carter name. It is a good twist for other viewers, though. Sam’s first speech as Captain America is touching. I liked when he talked about him getting stares or people didn't like him in the suit because it is true. In the series and the real world, people did not like that Sam was Captain America; it is jarring. I admired Zemo’s dedication for killing the rest of the super-soldiers. He is a man of his word. I was excited to see Walker in his US Agent suit. Comic accurate again! I disliked the short conversation between Bucky and Yuri. I didn’t feel anything. My eyes were filled with tears when Sam brought Isaiah to his exhibit; it was so heartwarming. There was a happy ending for Sam and Bucky. I didn't care much for the post-credit scene, even though it is adequate for future projects. Lastly, I loved the change in the title card. Captain America and the Winter Soldier!
(4) Episode 1 - New World Order
The opening scene of the series took you back to Avengers: Endgame. It felt like we were in that moment again for a second. Sam got a new suit after years of having basically the same attire for multiple movies. The action scene through the canyon was so impressive since the series is on Disney+. It had a movie budget, but it doesn’t change that it is made for TV. Besides that, I really enjoyed the first episode giving us more backstory on both characters. I connected more to the Winter Soldier; he had a more complex backstory. It is heartbreaking how an innocent man got thrown into a horrible experience. His battle with his inner demons is so intriguing. I wanted Sam to struggle, and that is what we got from him. I didn’t expect him to give the shield up because I knew what would happen. Sam’s backstory was corny to me, but I’m glad we got at least something. I did love how the Blip had a massive effect on the world. I hope they continue to connect the Snap and Blip with future events. It is a big deal and needs to be treated as such. The way they ended the episode with a new Captain America was a great idea. I remembered seeing it for the first time, and I was stupefied. I couldn’t believe they actually did it. And this guy out of all people? I already disliked him for no reason. It was really striking.
(5) Episode 2 - The Star-Spangled Man
This episode gave us more backstory on John Walker. I already disliked the guy, but this one tried its hardest to pull you back in. I think Sam and Bucky having different feelings towards the decision was significant. Both had different experiences with the shield and Steve Rogers. The banter between Sam and Bucky was top tier, though. I felt like they weren’t reading off a script and just being themselves. They went to Germany to stop the Flag-Smashers, and surprisingly Walker and Lemar helped them out. They didn't like Walker either. I mean, they didn’t really give him a chance. I admired how different Walker and Steve were with the title. Steve wasn’t much of a government person since Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Walker was all about government. We got a better understanding of the Flag-Smashers’ motives. I, personally, believed they had great motives. They were reasonable. One of my favorite scenes involved Isaiah Bradley, the forgotten African American super-soldier. Carl Lumbly's performance was exceptional. It felt like he was damaged for so long, and you felt that as well. Disney went big with Sam being racially profiled. I didn’t know they had it in them. I was amazed. I thought Sebastian Stan’s brilliantly delivered the line when he talked about Steve. It made me choke up a little bit. Zemo’s tease at the end of the episode was excellent. Make me wait a week for him.
(6) Episode 3 - Power Broker
Alright, I didn’t care about the Power Broker plot at the end of the series. It is the made reason why the episode is ranked at the bottom. The way Walker wanted to be respected but wasn’t given it was crucial. I knew which route John was going to take because of the comics. I enjoyed seeing him getting closer and closer to his breaking point. Zemo was one of the highlights of the episode. It was a joy seeing him back in the MCU. He was more calm and relaxed than he was in the movie. I thought it was important that we got a different version of him but with the same beliefs. It is how a lot of iterations are in the comics because of different writers. Madripoor was beautiful. Something about it made it seem like a vibe to be in. I loved seeing Bucky pretend to be the Winter Soldier. The man is just a badass plus his score is remarkable! Sharon Carter returned to the MCU as well. She had a solo action scene, and it was savage. Karli turned into a full-on villain in this episode, and it was superb. I agreed with her until she blew up a building with people. You want your villains to have an appreciable motive but have hesitant actions. The episode ended with a big cliffhanger. The Dora Milaje came for Zemo. I got chills with the Wakandan score.