The Falcon and the Winter Soldier S01E01: New World Order (Full Reaction)

New World Order- Thank you so much for such a great reaction to this first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, my dear friend! I enjoy this show very much. In spite of a few problems that I have with this show overall. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is one of only two Marvel shows that have been made so far for this Marvel Cinematic Universe that I really like. And I love certain story arcs within this show. I especially love Bucky's overall story arc throughout this show very much. First... I really love that this show allows us to see the lives of both of our main characters... Bucky and Sam, outside from just them fighting against the world's enemies, and with the Avengers. And while I do enjoy a majority if Sam's overall story arc throughout this show too, I mostly watch this show over and over through the eyes of other reactors like you because I love, love, love Bucky's overall story arc! Because we get to see how he's really coping and dealing with having been forced to be a killer while he had been a prisoner of war in the hands of Hydra for so, so many years. Over seventy years. It's really devasting. Bucky's story arc is heartbreaking, because he's suffering from not only all the guilt he feels from having killed so many people for Hydra, but now he's also suffering from so many horrendous nightmares every time he tries to sleep. And he's having to make amends to as many of the people he's wronged while he had been the Winter Soldier... A condition within the rules he must follow according to the deal he's made so that he can hopefully become pardoned for his crimes as the Winter Soldier. I'm just grateful that at least the government is somewhat acknowledging that Bucky is no longer guilty of his past crimes because he had been brainwashed and mind controlled by Hydra and the Russians. Even though there a quite a number of people and government officials that still see him as a monster, in spite of the circumstances Bucky was forced to endure while in Hydra's hands. I also very much love seeing Bucky trying to make his amends, as he's seen befriending this old man named Yori, whom we later come to learn had a son, who Bucky tragically killed not too long ago while he still had been the Winter Soldier. And while Bucky's reasons for befriending Yori are truly tragic, I love seeing him be a friend to him, and seeing how similar their personalities are, given that Bucky... while he still looks young, is really an old man just like Yori because Bucky is one hundred and six years old. Seeing Bucky's silent suffering is really tragic, but Sebastian Stan's (Bucky) acting is absolutely phenomenal! Within this episode, as well as throughout this entire show. And I feel for him. I can see and especially feel all of the emotions we are meant to feel, thanks to Sebastian Stan's phenomenal acting. So yes... Bucky's story arc throughout this show is absolutely and easily my favorite. As for Sam and his overall story arc involving his sister, Sarah and her boys, as well as their family's legacy in the boat... I enjoy Sam's story arc for the most part as well. Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson is a great character throughout the MCU, and I like his sister Sarah as well. I like getting to know the real Sam beneath him just being the Falcon involved with the Avengers. I also like his friendship with a new character introduced in this show... Joaquin Torres, his friend within the military. I like seeing Sam help Torres with his mission involving the Flag Smashers, which comes to be one of the new big plots throughout this show. And Torres is a good guy. In regards to Sam choosing to give up Steve's shield and to turn it over to the government so that it can become a part of the Captain America exhibit within the Smithsonian Museum in Washing D.C.... I absolutely understand why Sam feels as he does upon Steve handing it down to him. I understand why Sam feels unworthy to take up becoming the next Captain America. I mean... Who wouldn't? Steve left big shoes to fill. Steve Rogers is a hero to not only all of America, but to the whole world. And he is even worthy to be able to wield Thor's Hammer. The world loves Steve. So, I definitely understand why Sam is struggling to accept that he is worthy enough to wield Captain America's shield as he did. However, I do believe that it is a bad idea for Sam to give it over to the government, knowing how very capable they are of making such colossal mistakes. Mistakes beginning with Sam giving them Steve's shield. Because now... The government has proclaimed there is a new Captain America, after taking the shield away from Steve's exhibit and turning it over to this new hero. Someone no one knows. Big mistake, and surely no good can really come from this. And from the devastated look in Sam's eyes in the end upon seeing him watching the revelation of this new Captain America on the news, Sam is not happy that the government has taken the shield out of the display and has now turned it over to a complete stranger. Especially without informing him of their decision to do so. As Sam should be devastated, as well as his sister too. The real question is... How will Bucky react to this news? Bucky was after all... Steve's best and closest friend, and he has been ever since they were kids, and through the 40s. In regards to what I don't like about this show... My problems with this show come later, and I'll let you know when my issues with it come up. But my issues come mostly within Sam's overall story arc, which is one of the few reasons why Bucky's overall story arc is by far my favorite throughout this show. This... And because Bucky is my absolute favorite character throughout this entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. Followed closely by Steve Rogers/Captain America, and Clint Barton/Hawkeye. I love Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes! :) And now... I am excited to seeing you continue on with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and I really loved watching this first episode again through your eyes. So, thank you once again, Reds! :) Sincerely, Heidi

Heidi Elizabeth Marcum