The Falcon and The Winter Soldier - Episode 2 : Review

As the episode itself does let's just have a real fast Episode 1 recap. I am going to slightly spoil Episode 1 here but this is a review for Episode 2 so if you haven't seen Episode 1 why are you even here?

Episode 1: 'New World Order'

I think they wanted to open with a bang and therefore had an action set piece ready for each main character that would then lead you into the character's personal stories. But all this really did was make the pacing really off and the transition from Sam's real life to Bucky's nightmare was just straight up bizarre. But other than that it was mostly standard set up stuff with some interesting comments on border free world and how superheroes make a living.

Alright with that said let's get into Episode 2. I won't spoil anything initially and when I'm about to start spoiling things I'll make it clear so you don't have to worry.

Episode 2: 'The Star-Spangled Man' (Spoiler Free)

Overall, the pacing of this episode was much better. The story really starts to come together too. The chemistry between Sam and Bucky is a joy. The music choices slap. It's a solid second episode that has left me with questions I want answering, characters I enjoy watching and a story I'm excited to watch unfold.

This is your warning. Imma start spoiling any moment.

Episode 2: 'The Star-Spangled Man' (SPOILERS)

Even after all this time the American government hasn't figured out how to make Captain America's mask not look dumb. The introduction to our new Captain America and his interview with that woman was had very strong Homelander and Madelyn vibes. Very quickly trying to take over situations with a fake smile, showing no regard for mental health and the second things don't go his way throwing threats around. He is not a good man and he is going to be problem.

Almost immediately I wanted Sam and Bucky to ignore government procedures and the law. Which they pretty much do. Also, it needs to be said that if someone tells you their name is 'Battlestar', stopping the car and leaving is a completely acceptable response.

'Battlestar' is not the only terrible name in this show however, as 'Flag Smashers' is legitimately shocking. The idea of a border free world where all people are one is not a dreadful idea though and I'm sure there's plenty of people in our real world who would love such a thing to happen. Preferably with less terrorism to reach the goal though.

The main action set piece here was very 'The Matrix Reloaded' inspired with two trucks barreling along while everyone has a fight around and on top of them. Except when knock off Captain America fell off and landed on a car he didn't finesse it like Morpheus and jump back up to kick some ass. It was great action though it has to be said.

I would love to know who is texting the main bad woman 'Karli' with such threatening messages and I'm 100% certain we'll find out soon because that's how T.V. works.

Can we take a moment to think about the implications of the system being horrifically racist even to it's heroes. That even though you were a hero of the past (Isaiah) or are a hero of today it doesn't stop the automatic racial profiling built into the system until someone points out you're literally an Avenger.

The therapy scene that follows this moment was a lovely buddy cop vibe and once we got passed the defensive humour elements a real truth about Bucky's feelings was revealed. Sam, not so much, who doesn't quite seem ready to open up and also referred to a super soldier as a 'little girl' to ridicule Bucky... So I mean, he might be a little problematic we'll see how it goes.

Some final points I have are that one member of the Flag Smashers who sacrificed themselves clearly didn't need to do that. The music sting as Zemo's name was mentioned was wonderful and you know who else was imprisoned with a chess set... That's right, Magneto. This being the second Disney + show you can connect to Magneto if you want to so where is my boy and how can I find him. Please send any information you have he's been missing for so long I'm getting worried.

This episode was a good time, I'm excited to see where we go from here and how far Disney and Marvel are willing to push the stances against particular government ways especially racism. Because that's going to rile some feathers and they generally avoid that.

Thank You!

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See you next week!