Starring the bad boys of the MCU, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, or should we now say, Captain America and the Winter Soldier, has yet again delivered with a surprisingly darker, realistic, and grounded story rooted in centuries of systemic racism that are much more relevant than ever before. While the show endeavored to stand out from the rest, it also managed to provide emotional closure to arguably the most tortured character in the MCU: Bucky Barnes aka the Winter Soldier. Despite the show’s success, it has faced a few valid criticisms for its shaky fight sequences, odd-timed jokes, and pacing issues. But nonetheless, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier did a terrific job of setting the foundation for Phase Four since cinemas across the globe are still operating in a limited capacity due to the ongoing pandemic.
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While the show might have delivered six stunning episodes to wrap up its first season, the season finale did raise a few pertinent questions that must be answered.
10. What’s Next For U.S. Agent?
While Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan shone throughout the series with their buddy-cop-styled friendship, it was Wyatt Russell who truly took the show to the next level with his impeccable performance. His portrayal of John Walker was so indulging that the actor reportedly received death threats for ‘ruining’ the legacy of Steve Rogers. Nonetheless, John Walker’s arc is far from being over despite being stripped of his title. However, in the season finale, Walker was recruited by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine aka Madame Hydra as the U.S. Agent. Though the U.S. Agent is typically shown as a villain in the comics, the showrunners’ decision to make him an anti-hero has surely left a lot of room for further development.
9. What is the Power Broker Planning Next?
As far as betrayals go, Sharon Carter turning out to be the Power Broker surely left everyone surprised. As the great-niece of Agent Peggy Carter, Sharon adopting the villainous approach has surely left us bewildered. But in her defense, the U.S. government was not fair to her despite granting pardon to the Winter Soldier for his heinous crimes. In the season finale, the Power Broker was last seen to be talking to a mysterious individual regarding their future plans, since now she has taken up her previous job at the CIA.
8. Where Are The Thunderbolts?
Since the beginning of the show, Baron Zemo’s return had led to a lot of speculations that the Thunderbolts are finally coming. But unfortunately, there seems to be no development for the said team. However, with Zemo still alive, albeit imprisoned, it’s only a matter of time before the Thunderbolts make their grand appearance.
7. M for Madripoor, M for Mutants?
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier visited the mysterious city of Madripoor which is situated in Southeast Asia. While casual fans might not be knowing about this fictional island, the principality of Madripoor is a big deal for the Marvel Universe. For starters, the island is the favorite vacation spot for the unkillable mutant, the Wolverine. Interestingly, the series did tease about the inevitable homecoming of the mutants by briefly showing the Princess Bar, which is co-owned by Wolvie. This brings us to our next question…
6. Is Adamantium On The Cards?
While this might seem like a far-fetched question, the introduction of Madame Hydra and the existing power struggle between the U.S. government and the Kingdom of Wakanda might serve as a plot device to bring Adamantium into the MCU. With Wakanda controlling most of the Vibranium reserves and weaponry, it won’t be surprising to see the U.S. government working in cahoots with a few ‘mad geniuses to create Adamantium.
5. Is HYDRA Back Again?
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While the series had its own share of brief cameos and teases, the most surprising of them was Julia Louis-Dreyfus appearing as Madame Hydra. In the comics, Madame Hydra is a recurring love interest of Nick Fury, which can be potentially explored in the future. After the revelation of HYDRA controlling S.H.I.E.L.D. in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the organization has been quiet for some time now. But with Valentina Allegra de Fontaine back, HYDRA might be planning its next step now.
4. What’s Next For Baron Zemo?
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For his numerous crimes and murder of King T’Chaka, Baron Zemo was imprisoned in the Raft by the Dora Milaje. But without any hint of surprise, it’s only a matter of time before Zemo breaks out from the prison and starts devising his next great plan to once again disband the remaining Avengers.
3. Is The World Ready For A Black Captain America?
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier made some hard-hitting points about the systemic racism that still pervades our society. From nabbing Sam Wilson for being a black man to Isiah Bradley’s chilling backstory, even the world of MCU is not yet ready to have a black Captain America. But then, it was Steve Rogers himself who entrusted Sam to keep the shield. With Captain America 4 in talks with Anthony Mackie in the lead role, it is yet to be seen how the world reacts to a black Captain America.
2. Can Sam Legally Have The Shield?
In the series, it was mentioned that the legality of owning the shield was in a gray area. While the U.S. government tried its level best to keep the vibranium shield for itself, Sam took it for himself as the next Captain America. Now the question arises, will the U.S. government let Sam have the shield without putting up a fight?
1. Will There Be A Second Season Of TFATWS?
Related: Captain America 4 In Development From Falcon and the Winter Soldier Showrunner
The first season of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was far from being perfect. However, the buddy-cop-styled series did manage to win a lot of hearts with impeccable performances by Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, and Wyatt Russell. While Anthony Mackie will have big shoes to fill as the next Captain America, fans want more of Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes. As per reports, even Sebastian Stan is hoping for a second series to further explore the realistic and gritty world of the MCU. With shows becoming more popular, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Kevin Feige green-light the second season soon enough.
