Following on from the risky but effective genre-bending WandaVision, Phase 4 of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe continues with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which in essence is more in line with the MCU’s usual fare. With WandaVision‘s point of difference dividing both fans and critics alike, would the somewhat safer, more traditional set up of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier hit the bullseye or miss the mark completely?

After a brief and rather sombre opening that works as a quick reminder that Steve Rogers passed the mantle of Captain America to his friend and ally, Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, the series then jumps headfirst into the action, with a familiar foe and a rather stylish high-altitude, fast paced action sequence worthy of any big screen blockbuster. As an added bonus, it also reminds us that Sam Wilson is a badass in her own right and can more than hold his own in a fight.

The tempo then takes a drop off the side of a cliff as the writers work to establish the groundwork of the story which takes place six months or so after the events of Avengers: Endgame. In essence, Thanos’ plan worked; the world’s resources were more evenly shared, people were united and they felt like they had a place in the world. When all those who were ‘dusted’ returned after The Blip, those who had built new homes and lives for themselves found themselves displaced, disillusioned and disappointed, leading to the rise of the The Flag-Smashers led by Karli Morgenthau, an extreme activist group fighting for ‘One World, One People’.

Sam Wilson, struggling with self-acceptance and self-assurance, doesn’t consider himself worthy enough to take on the responsibility that comes with carrying the shield and decides to donate it to the Smithsonian museum, where it will have pride of place in the Captain America exhibit. Unfortunately for Sam, the American government has other ideas and appoint their own Cap; decorated war hero John Walker. Whilst Walker slowly starts to crumble under the weight of the shield – “Don’t you know who I am?!” – Sam reluctantly teams up with his frenemy Bucky, aka The Winter Soldier, to take down The Flag-Smashers, meeting some familiar faces along the way.

There are quite a few moving parts so spreading out the story over six, fifty-minute episodes makes sense, in principle, allowing enough time for some proper character development and to ramp up the tension. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite work in its execution and there is a distinct, drawn out movie feel rather than the punchy build up that episodic media can bring. Exciting and excellently choreographed action sequences are punctuated by some long-winded, occasionally tedious, chunks of filler and the balance between the two is slightly off.

Where WandaVision subtly and expertly covers themes of grief and loss, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier focuses more on social, political and racial commentary. And whilst some elements are delivered with some thought and care – Sam’s struggles to get a loan with the bank, despite being a bonafide hero for example – others are a little too heavy handed in their approach.

This attempt to cover all angles and see things from all sides means that there isn’t really a true villain to root against. Although the majority of the conflicts centre around Karli and her Flag-Smashers it feels as though we are supposed to sympathise with her because she is is young and those in positions of power have failed her, and just overlook her willingness to murder innocent civilians to further her cause. Much in the same way that the years spent building Thanos up to be a heartless and chilling villain became a little redundant with his impassioned speeches about committing mass genocide for the good of the galaxy and its resources.

Wyatt Russell’s John Walker is a bit of a pantomime villain as the new Captain America. It was obvious that it was never going to stick and his devolution was predictable to watch. Despite his actions – I applaud you if you managed to avoid spoilers – he still gets something of a redemption arc and a happy ending. Even the mysterious ‘Power Broker’ isn’t given enough substance or intrigue to make them particularly threatening, and the big twist… saw that coming a mile off.

Despite the show’s title, the Falcon and the Winter Soldier aren’t quite on equal footing and although Sebastian Stan does have some powerful and poignant moments throughout, including ridding himself of the demon that was the Winter Soldier persona and seeking penance and redemption for the sins of his past, he does unfortunately fall a little to the wayside towards the end of the series.

Ultimately though, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is Sam Wilson’s story. Yes, there is fun, frolics and fighting, as well as a montage that Rocky Balboa would be envious of, but Sam Wilson’s journey from the wings to the shield is a reflective, introspective and emotional one. Not only does Sam carry the burden of responsibility that comes with the shield, and the desire to honour the legacy that his friend left behind, but, as the first Black Captain America, he carries the weight of generations of African Americans squarely on his shoulders – and Mackie balances it all brilliantly.

Although the poorly handled themes and predictable storyline are almost enough to ruin the show, the great performances from the two central actors, along with some gems within the supporting cast, help push this over the line into fairly enjoyable. The playful banter between Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie is good for a chuckle, both actors have a great relationship off screen and it translates well in their performances and overall, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is worth the watch. It will be fascinating to see how it fits together with all the other puzzle pieces that make up the MCU’s Phase 4.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is now available to stream on Disney Plus.

If you missed it, don’t forget to check out my review of WandaVision – here.