The Falcon and The Winter Soldier premiered on Disney+ not too long ago. The show premiered with the titular characters leading their personal lives, only until in episode 2 where they reunite. Episode 2, “The Star-Spangled Man,” sees Bucky being a little sad and angry with Sam’s decision of returning the Cap’s shield. While the show focuses on Sam’s efforts to carry on Captain America’s legacy and Bucky confronting his past, it will dive deeper into the emotional front of both the titular characters losing their best friend (Steve Rogers) as well.
In the first episode, we learn that Bucky is ignoring Sam’s messages. This comes months after the events of Avengers: Endgame. It’s unclear what exactly Sam wanted to do with Bucky, but we believe that he just wanted to make sure if he was doing well or not as they were cut from the same cloth – losing Steve. Fast forward to episode 2, Bucky decides to go to Sam after he learns that Sam gave up the shield that was handed over to him by Steve, as he wanted Sam to continue his legacy. Bucky learned this after he saw what Sam’s decision lead the government to do. It was all television and it baffled Bucky. Sam’s decision to give up the shield resulted in the government finding a new “national superhero”. Hence, Bucky stopped his recovery with PTSD and accepting his past as the Winter Soldier, and decide to confront Sam.
Bucky could be angry at Sam for various reasons. One being the new Captain America – John Walker – being just a PR Mascot for Captain America’s efforts in World War II, as Steve stood for something substantial and not just promotion and all the facade. Steve even went against the government and defied orders to actually serve the country and its people. Even though Steve was always aware of the consequences, he never really cared about it as long as he saved his country, even if it meant sacrificing himself.
Bucky’s second reason for being angry at Sam is a little deeper and self-introspective. Bucky revealed in his joint therapy session with Sam that Steve chose Sam to be his successor because he believed in him and his abilities to be the new Captain America. But Sam giving up the shield and defying responsibilities could prove that Steve was wrong about Sam after all. This provokes Bucky to doubt himself. When he thinks that Steve could’ve been wrong in such a big decision of his life, then he might be wrong about Bucky being a good person as well. This hinders and Bucky’s recovery, at the core of which is a belief that his actions as the Winter Soldier weren’t truly his choices – inspired by Steve’s unwavering faith in him.
What do you think of Bucky’s emotional turmoil? Let us know in the comments below! The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is directed by Kari Skogland. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier stars Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Emily VanCamp, Wyatt Russell, Noah Mills, Carl Lumbly, and Daniel Brühl. New episodes air Fridays on Disney+.
