Sam Wilson is the New Captain America
The Falcon Captain America and the Winter Soldier Episode 6 Review
Doggone it, Marvel. You’re hitting us right in the feels with this one. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has been an eventful six-week ride. It’s had a lot of ups, lot of downs, and even moments that will live in meme infamy. However, it was all worth it in the end to see Sam Wilson get to the spot that Steve wanted him to reach. Sam Wilson is our new Captain America, and he owns that shield!
The New Captain America
Picking up where the last episode ended, Karli and the Flag Smashers raid the GRC meeting and hold everyone hostage. Just when it looks like she’s going to get away with it, who shows up? Sam Wilson, the new Captain America!
When I saw Sam in the new costume that Bucky got him from Wakanda, part of my brain wanted to squeal like a little kid. We’ve been waiting since Endgame to see Sam as the new Captain America, and he does not disappoint. I loved his costume. In addition to paying tribute to his Captain America costume in the comics, the white overlay over the red and blue really contrasts with Steve’s blue over red and white. It makes being Captain America his own. And he manages to kick the Flag Smashers butts in an extended action sequence that does the MCU proud. Sadly, it also ends with Sharon Carter killing Karli Morgenthau. However, this was the only way that things could end for Karli.
But kicking the bad guys butts is only half the job of being Captain America. The other, more important half is inspiring people to be better. And when the dust settles and Karli’s dead, Sam gives an amazing speech that calls out the GRC for their apathy to the people they’re supposed to be helping
Standing up for the Little Guy
This is the kind of thing that Steve Rogers would do. It doesn’t matter who they are. If Captain America sees someone failing to help those in need, he will call them out on it. Because beneath the Stars and Stripes, that’s what Captain America is all about. It’s not about serving the US government, but embodying the ideals that America was built on. Fighting to make sure that people are living up to them. And above all, helping those who can’t help themselves.
Ever since last week’s episode, I had been watching Captain America: The First Avenger several times. And it reminded me that Cap’s meant to stand up for those who can’t help themselves. Karli only managed to do what she did because too many people felt powerless about their lives. It’s a reminder of the problems we face in the real world. And instead of ignoring what Karli had to say, Sam learned from it. As a result, it helped him grow to be the hero Steve knew he could be.
Everyone Gets Some Kind of Happy Ending…
Once the dust settles and Sam embraces his new role as Captain America, most of the characters get a happy ending.
Bucky begins to make peace with his past as the Winter Soldier, and I can’t tell you how satisfying it was to see it happen. Watching him apologize to the old man whose son he killed was painful, but in a good way. Like ripping the bandaid off an old wound now that it’s begun to heal.
As for Isaiah Bradley, the cynical super-soldier, he gets his own happy ending. Granted, he was already living with his grandson, but he was a man haunted by his past. However, thanks to Sam, the truth about his deeds comes to light, and he gets acknowledged for it in the Captain America exhibit in the Smithsonian.
Source-Disney+, Disney, Marvel Comics, Marvel Studios 
Source-Disney+, Disney, Marvel Comics, Marvel Studios
I loved this scene, and what it represents. Isaiah was right: America had treated him unfairly, and he had every right to be mad at his country. At the same time, though, Sam was right. If they gave up, then all the pain would be for nothing. It’s a powerful reminder: never forget the past, but don’t let it define you.
Heck, even Walker, of all people, gets a kind of happy ending. He avenges Lamar, and he gets a new start as the US Agent. Most importantly, though, he seems to come to terms with the fact that he wasn’t the right guy to be Captain America. He even works with Sam and Bucky without any arguments. Honestly, I think he’s happier this way, and I hope he gets a chance to redeem himself.
Even Zemo gets a happy ending, as his butler kills the remaining Flag Smashers.
…Except for the Flag Smashers
The only ones who don’t get a happy ending are Karli and the Flag Smashers. But there was no way that they would get out of this alive. Karli had driven herself into a corner with her actions, and it ends with her and the Flag Smashers dying.
In hindsight, I think Karli was Marvel trying to repeat the success of Erik Killmonger. People loved Killmonger, because out of all the villains in the MCU, he was right about he was fighting against. I think Marvel hoped that lightning would strike twice with Karli. However, I don’t think it did. At least Karli inspired Sam to live up to his role as Captain America, so there’s that.
The Power Broker
The mystery of the Power Broker had been a recurring question throughout the series. And, in a surprise that I did not see coming, we get the reveal of the Power Broker. It’s Sharon Carter!!!!
I was genuinely surprised by this revelation. I had no clue that it was Sharon! So it seems that Peggy’s niece became even more cynical in her time on the run than we thought. And as a result of Sam, she’s been pardoned and got her old job back. In other words, now she’s got more resources than ever.
I am torn about this revelation. On the one hand, I liked the big surprise and want to see where this goes. On the other, I wonder if Marvel plans to redeem Sharon in the future. Only time will tell. However, it’s made clear that this isn’t the last we see of the Power Broker.
The Adventure Continues
Unlike WandaVision l, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier doesn’t hint at any concrete stories in the future. However, it does change its name to Captain America and the Winter Soldier. So, I think it’s safe to say that we’ll be seeing more of Sam and Bucky.
As a whole, I really liked The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. It may have stumbled at times, but it’s a worthy addition to the MCU. Definitely worth binge-watching!
I Give “One World, One People” a 5/5
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