Is it just me, or does each episode of Marvel’s hit new miniseries The Falcon and The Winter Soldier just keep getting better and better? The show started off with a bang and has been on an explosive, uphill trajectory ever since.
In this week’s episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, aptly titled “The Whole World Is Watching,” things got a bit messy during Zemo, Sam, and Bucky’s trip to Latvia. We’ve picked out some of the best moments from the episode that occurred amongst all of the commotion.
Winter Soldier Deprogramming Complete
The episode opened with an incredibly emotional flashback scene that was a punch to the gut for viewers — Ayo and Bucky in Wakanda, six years prior, confirming that the Winter Soldier trigger words finally had no effect on him. Sebastian Stan really took this scene to the next level with his portrayal of Bucky’s anguish and relief, and this scene was fundamentally necessary to help continue to paint a full picture of Bucky’s journey of healing and redemption. More on that scene here.
Sam’s Conversation with Karli
Before discount Captain America came stomping into the room ready to throw a fit, Sam was really starting to make some progress with the Flag Smashers’ Karli Morgenthau. Leaning into his sometimes forgotten past as a counselor for veterans with PTSD, Sam knew that this was the only approach that Karli would potentially respond to. The stark contrast in Sam and Walker’s methods and patience is a prime example of why Sam Wilson is the superior Captain America, and why John Walker absolutely should not be allowed to wield the shield.
Zemo Destroys the Super Soldier Serum
Well, that’s one less thing to worry about. Though Sam certainly wouldn’t agree with Zemo’s very blunt method of just shooting Karli, he did accomplish something very important in the process: he made her drop the remaining vials of the Super Soldier serum. Zemo then proceeded to smash and stomp on them one by one, which was a relief until Walker knocked him out with the shield and stole the single vial that had survived. Regardless, shout out to Zemo for (mostly) getting the job done.
“Bye, John Walker” — Sincerely, the Dora Milaje
Few scenes can claim to be as satisfying as the Dora Milaje literally wiping the floor with John Walker and subsequently holding the shield over him afterward. Though it’s unfortunate that this ultimately led to Walker’s terrible decision to take the serum because he was furious that they bested him, it was still worth it to watch him and his arrogant self get tossed around by a group of badass women. Bonus points are also awarded to Bucky’s sarcastic comment “Looking strong, John” as he and Sam casually watched the fight taking place before bothering to help.
Bite-Sized Honorable Mentions
- Erin Kellyman’s overall charisma and mastery of commanding scenes amongst her people as the leader of the Flag Smashers
- Ayo calls Bucky White Wolf
- “But there has never been another Steve Rogers, has there?” — Zemo
- Zemo pulls an El Chapo
- Sarah holds her ground against Karli
And the worst moments, you ask?
First and foremost, those incredibly disturbing final minutes of the episode. Just when you thought we couldn’t hate John Walker more, the problem has reached a whole new level now that he’s Super Soldier with serious anger issues. Let’s get this guy out of that suit ASAP, yeah? And the event that triggered his rage in the first place: the unfortunate, untimely death of Lemar Hoskins aka Battlestar. Despite the fact that he was John Walker’s partner, Clé Bennett’s character could have ultimately been redeemable when all was said and done. Without Hoskins as his more reasonable, grounded moral compass, Walker is far too dangerous to remain unchecked.
Episode 4 of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is now streaming exclusively on Disney+. Episode 5 will land next Friday, April 16. Stick around for our weekly episodic recaps, theories, reviews, and more.
