After the roaring success of WandaVision that was embraced by fans and critics alike, Marvel brings us their sparkling new TV show on Disney Plus weeks after the final episode of WandaVision aired. And after just the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier it is clear that while quite different from WandaVision in a lot of ways, the cinema-like quality remains. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is filled with thrilling action sequences, hilarious banter while plumbing new emotional depths. Marvel, you’ve aced it once again. 

 

Set six months after people returned from the Blip in Avengers: Endgame, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) intercepts a hijacked plane in an attempt to rescue a hostage. While in Tunisia, Wilson discovers a covert group of people better known as the "Flag Smashers", who believe life was better during the Blip. Meanwhile Bucky Barnes struggles with the ramifications of his actions as Hydra’s Winter Soldier as he wrestles with therapy and an overwhelming need to make amends for the horrors he has committed. 

 

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has everything you love about the Captain America stand alone films. When I say it’s got action that’s a bit of an understatement and a half. In the first episode there is a sequence that involves jetsuits, jumping in and out of planes and helicopters while dodging missiles that looks like it belongs in some Tom Cruise film. It's thrilling, breathtaking and entertaining stuff.

 

One of the joys of the Marvel Disney Plus TV series is their ability to give time to and develop the more supporting characters of the Marvel film franchise. We discover more of Sam Wilson’s background and family and delve into an incident that still haunts Bucky. 

 

Although episode one is definitely setting the scene for us, it’s not a whole lot of exposition and dead time. In the Flag Bearers we have a threat that is beginning to bubble and simmer just below the surface and there are also some perfect little surprises hiding around a few corners too.

 

If the first episode is anything to go by, every Friday evening we’re going to have to strap ourselves in: it’s gonna be an action stacked, entertaining ride. 

 

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is filled with thrilling action sequences, hilarious banter while plumbing new emotional depths. Marvel, you’ve aced it once again.