Falcon and the Winter Soldier: Grief, Trauma, and Racial Justice

The upcoming series Falcon and the Winter Soldier promises to delve into complex themes, with grief likely taking a secondary role compared to the primary focus on trauma and the resolution of past mistakes. Here, we explore how racial justice will be at the forefront of the narrative, alongside the character development of Sam Wilson (Falcon) and Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier).

Emotional Resilience Over Grief

Comparatively, grief in the series Falcon and the Winter Soldier will not be a major theme, as the show’s primary narrative arc will center on the characters dealing with trauma, making amends, and letting go of guilt. This storyline sets the stage for a powerful exploration of the human condition.

Colonial and Racial Politics

Falcon and the Winter Soldier will not follow the buddy cop genre, where Sam and Bucky start as reluctant partners but end up as best friends. Instead, the series will adopt a six-episode "buddy two-hander" format, but one that is explicitly political. This political commentary, particularly regarding race and extremism, is set to be Marvel's most direct engagement with these themes.

Racism and the Superhero Narrative

The overarching story will challenge the notion of racial justice and explore if the world is ready to accept a Black Captain America. This narrative will also feature prominent antagonists such as Baron Zemo and John Walker (US Agent).

Baron Zemo’s Return

Baron Zemo will play a significant role, making his triumphant return after last appearing in Civil War: America Chavez. He is likely to be the driving force behind the anti-patriotism movement, pushing the boundaries of acceptance.

John Walker and the Super Patriot

The character of John Walker, inspired by the comic books, will also be a central figure. Walker, who gained immense power akin to Spider-Man's, calls himself the Super Patriot. He represents a different approach to the superhero narrative, one that lacks ethical alignment and moral clarity.

Exposing the True Nature of Power

The series will delve into a detailed exploration of the use of power. In the comics, the U.S. military and government sought to control Steve Rogers, stating that he belonged to them due to the super-soldier serum and his Vibranium/Adamantium Shield. Rogers, however, refused and turned in his costume and shield. This act of defiance led to Steve Rogers’ transformation into a vigilante hero, known as the Captain.

The Battle Between Cap and the Super Patriot

John Walker attempted to assassinate and kill villains without ethical restraint. This led Steve Rogers to become a vigilante, wearing his old costume and calling himself the Captain. The eventual battle between Steve Rogers (the Captain) and John Walker (Captain America) paved the way for a new chapter in him re-taking his shield and costume.

Sharon Carter’s Involvement

Aiding the duo will be Agent Sharon Carter, seen since Captain America: Civil War at Peggy Carter’s funeral. As Peggy Carter's niece, she has likely played a pivotal role in ensuring the legacy and integrity of the Sentinel of Liberty. Sharon Carter’s presence adds an additional layer of political and moral complexity to the narrative.

Government Pressure and Moral Dilemmas

With Steve Rogers' passing, the government is likely to try to make Walker either US Agent or Captain America, a move that will certainly irk both Sam and Bucky. This attempt at co-opting the legacy of Captain America highlights the moral dilemmas faced by both characters, furthering the series' exploration of ethics and national identity.

Conclusion

In summary, Falcon and the Winter Soldier will be a multifaceted show blending political commentary, racial justice, and intense action sequences. It remains a gripping exploration of the human condition, the complexities of power, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in a world that struggles to accept change.

I hope this clears up any confusion and provides a clearer understanding of the themes and narrative arcs that you can expect in the new series.