Top 10 Things to Remember Before The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
#10: It Takes Place After the Snap
Top 10 Things You Missed in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Episode 5
The main storyline that plays out over six “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” episodes takes place sometime after Thanos snapped away half the universe. During the decimation event, Bucky Barnes and Sam Wilson were both turned into dust. They made triumphant returns in “Avengers: Endgame”. But since it took nearly half a decade for them to come back to life, they're going to have a lot to catch up on. Seeing as Bucky has been forced to hibernate for years at a time before, he might be able to give Sam some tips on how to adjust. Both heroes are about to step into a world that has seen a lot of changes within the last five years.
#9: Madripoor May Appear in the Series
When the island of Madripoor was first introduced in “New Mutants #32”, it was described as the Mos Eisley of the Marvel Universe. Like the Star Wars spaceport, the island was full of criminals and shady figures looking to escape the eyes of the law. A behind-the-scenes photo of the set of “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” showed a Madripoor symbol. This has led fans to speculate that the city Bucky and Sam travel to in the trailers is the infamously illicit island. But if Madripoor is in the show, we have to wonder why the heroes are making a trip. Are they chasing a villain? Or are they on the run and hiding there to escape the authorities?
#8: The Heroes Will Fight the Flag-Smashers
Top 10 Behind The Scenes Facts About The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
A group of dangerous new enemies has surfaced in the trailers. The group of masked enemies we see attacking Bucky and Sam call themselves the Flag-Smashers. And within the trailers, the woman we see putting on a mask is named Karli Morgenthau. In the comics, a man named Karl Morgenthau is the villain Flag-Smasher. He believed the world could achieve peace if nations no longer existed, and was willing to commit acts of violence to see his vision through. His anti-nationalist views make him a great foil for Captain America. If Flag-Smasher’s worldview has spread to an entire group of people, Bucky and Sam will have their hands full.
#7: Bucky Might Still Be in Trouble
Although Bucky fought alongside the Avengers in their last two major battles, he doesn’t have the best track record in the Marvel Universe. After being brainwashed by HYDRA, he ended an unknown number of innocent lives, including Maria and Tony Stark. He was also framed for a bombing and escaped the custody of authorities multiple times. Although he was a free man in Wakanda, it's unclear if he still has to face consequences for the crimes he committed while he was brainwashed. Considering that he tried to take out Thanos and successfully mowed down tons of alien enemies, we think he deserves a full pardon.
#6: Sharon Carter Is on the Run
Bucky Barnes isn't the only hero who’s gotten in trouble with the government. Sharon Carter worked for both S.H.I.E.L.D. and the CIA. Between her strong moral compass and heroic actions, she lived up to her aunt’s Peggy’s legacy several times over. But after illegally assisting Cap and his allies during “Civil War”, Sharon was forced to go on the run. Like Sam and Bucky, she was killed by the Snap, returning to life five years later. It's unclear why she’ll cross paths with Bucky and Sam. But judging on her brief and awesome fight scene, we know for certain that she’s ready for battle. Hopefully, Sharon will be able to restore her reputation.
#5: Falcon Isn’t Necessarily the New Captain America
Top 10 Things You Missed in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Episode 6
At the conclusion of “Avengers: Endgame”, an elderly Captain America hands Falcon his shield. This symbolic gesture seemed to solidify that Sam would automatically take up the mantle. But it might not be that simple. Sam expressed his doubts about being the right choice during the handoff and in the trailers. We also see someone else wearing an imitation Captain America outfit at a sports game. And given that Sam also became a fugitive after “Civil War”, government officials may not be too happy about him possessing the shield. Captain America's gesture was undoubtedly moving. But it's uncertain whether Sam is ready or even able to assume the title when the series begins.
#4: War Machine Will Fly By
Top 10 Things to Remember Before Loki
It was exciting to hear that Colonel James Rhodes A.K.A. War Machine would join the show’s cast. While we don't know what role he’ll play in the narrative, we do know he’s one of the most veteran Avengers left on Earth. Given that he’s got a pretty solid public reputation, stepped up during the snap, and knows how to lead, we might see him in the series as the new Avengers’ leader. Don Cheadle is also set to star in an upcoming show called “Armor Wars”. His appearance in “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” might set up that show’s storyline. No matter how long he sticks around or for what reason, we’ll be happy to see Rhodey soar into the series.
#3: Sam & Bucky's Complicated Relationship
Top 10 Things You Missed in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Episode 3
There's a good reason that the titular heroes seem to have bad blood between them in the trailers. While Bucky was still susceptible to HYDRA brainwashing, he attacked and injured Sam on multiple occasions. And after Falcon helped the former assassin, he had to go on the run. Captain America used to be the common link that united the three men. But with him gone, the two are now forced to spend quality time with each other. Up until this point, they’ve been thrown together by circumstance or mutual friends. The series will be the first time they choose to work with each other. Let's just hope they don't try to beat each other up before the first episode is over.
#2: John Walker’s Comic Book Origins
Top 10 Times John Krasinski Couldn't Keep a Straight Face on The Office
In the comics, John Walker is a veteran with superpowers and a wild history. He was originally known as Super-Patriot and was critical of Captain America. However, he accepted an offer to become the hero after Steve Rogers gave up the mantle. This storyline could easily play out in the show. It’s confirmed that Wyatt Russell will play John Walker in the series. He might even be the man in the imitation Captain America suit that we mentioned earlier. Having Walker around to challenge Sam's claim to the First Avenger title would create a great conflict. And Wyatt Russell has proven himself as a capable action star before. A fight between his Walker and Sam would be both exciting and cathartic.
#1: Their Biggest Enemy Is a Familiar Foe
Top 10 Things You Missed in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Episode 2
From the very first trailers, we knew the show’s most dangerous villain would be the pirate who never skipped leg day: Batroc. Just kidding! Although Batroc will appear, the biggest threat around will be Helmut Zemo. In “Captain America: Civil War”, Zemo wanted revenge against the Avengers, whose battle with Ultron led to the deaths of his family. He tried to tear the Avengers apart by blowing up a conference, eliminating several people, and forcing Bucky to attack his allies. Zemo was eventually caught and locked up. But now that he’s somehow gained his freedom and a comic accurate purple mask, it looks like he’ll continue his crusade against superheroes. If he tries anything, Bucky and Sam will be there to stop him.
