The Falcon and The Winter Soldier: 5 Things Fans Want To See In The Show (& 5 They Don't)
With The Falcon and the Winter Soldier set to release on Disney+ near the end of March, fans are getting more and more excited about the premire. Fans of these two characters are thrilled that they will be getting more focus as in the films they function more as sidekicks or even sometimes an antagonist in Bucky’s case.
There are a lot of promising storylines both from the MCU and the comics that can be incorporated into the series, but there are also some things that fans really don’t want to see. Here are some areas the series should focus on as well as some things fans hope it avoids.
10 Don’t: Falling into sexist or other problematic tropes
If there's one area where the MCU has struggled over the years, it’s with issues of sexism, racism, and homophobia. While the franchise has definitely gotten better in including representation and getting rid of troubling jokes, there are still mistakes.
The trailer for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier included a moment of mild sexism that had some fans concerned and hoping this isn’t going to be a trend in the series.
9 Want: Endearing moments between Bucky and Sam
For a lot of fans, the antagonistic friendship between Sam and Bucky is one of their favorite things. There have been some moments like this in the MCU movie already such as Sam refusing to move his seat up for Bucky.
Based on the trailers, it appears there will be more of this dynamic at play. But, also, fans would like to see these two become closer as friends as time goes on.
8 Don’t: Making the story too much about U.S. Agent
Big fans of Marvel comics probably know a lot about this character, but fans of the MCU probably haven’t heard much about him. However, what happens in the comics is usually just a jump-off point, and many people are wondering how the introduction of this character will work in the TV series.
While U.S. Agent could make for an interesting and poignant antagonist, most fans hope that Sam Wilson gets the chance to really be Captain America at some point.
7 Want: Acknowledging that Steve was important to them both
The ending of Steve Roger’s story in the MCU was rather controversial, and many fans were unhappy as they thought it was out of character. The way Steve left for the past raises many questions about plot holes, but it was also strange how he left his close friends so suddenly with barely any conversations.
The show should try to address this in some way, and, even more importantly, it needs to recognize that Steve was important to both Sam and Bucky and try to have them deal with his departure.
6 Don’t: Not including any serious or important themes
Sam and Bucky do often rib one another, and there is a comedic element to their relationship in the MCU. While many fans really enjoy these kinds of interactions and want to see more of them, there’s also a risk of leaning too far into the comedy.
Based on the trailers, some of the themes are heavy, and the series should try to address these in a nuanced and interesting way.
5 Want: To see Sharon Carter become a well-rounded character
Sharon Carter is a female character who didn’t really get her due in the movies, and a lot of people are hoping that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier rights this wrong.
Agent 13 is a powerful, motivated person with an interesting history in the comics, but so far, we've only seen her as a side character. While she’s not the lead character, many fans want her to get more of her own story that gives her autonomy and a well-written narrative.
4 Don’t: Turning Sharon into a love interest
On the flip side of this, there is a worry amongst some fans that Sharon will just be turned into a love interest again. This is exactly what happened to the character in the Captain America trilogy as she was used as a possible love interest for Steve only to be cast aside afterward and for Steve to end up with her great aunt Peggy.
Seeing as the series is only slated to have six episodes, trying to force a romance with one of Steve’s best friends seems weird. Not every female character needs to date a man in the MCU, and hopefully, Disney recognizes this by now.
3 Want: To explore more of Sam and Bucky’s personalities and traumas
Both Sam and Bucky have strong fan bases even though they haven’t been the focus of their own movies. While they were more supporting characters up until this point, many people really want to learn more about them.
They want to see them become more well-rounded, and fans especially want Sam to get more of his own story. There is a lot of backstory there that was introduced, such as with Sam losing Riley and his experience in the Armed Forces, that could really be explored.
2 Don’t: Turning Bucky into the lead
While both Sam and Bucky are in the title of the show and seem to be somewhat co-leads, a lot of people rightfully want Sam to take the forefront as more of the lead. Sam Wilson as Captain America is something from the comics that at times tackled relevant themes of racism in the country.
Sam taking on this mantle is too important to side-line.
1 Want: A focus on Sam as Captain America
Some people are a bit concerned that most of the show will be about Sam having to prove he’s the next Captain America. And, while there is potential for some relevant social and political messaging, it needs to be handled correctly and with a lot of nuance and sensitivity.
It’s also essential that Sam is seen as just as much Captain America as Steve was. There is also a lot of material from the comics to pull from in this case that fans want to see come to life.
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