The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: Season 1

Combining politics and comic books may seem like a new concept. However, comic books have been used to bring awareness to political issues such as alcoholism, drug abuse, assault and many others for years. So, it's no surprise that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier hit upon several hot topic political problems. Racism, world borders and immigration are all explored within the context of the MCU. While there was a slight liberal and woke slant to Falcon and Winter Soldier, I felt that it dealt with political concerns in a fair and balanced way. 

6 months after 'the blip' and the world is trying to piece itself back together again. Half a million people have returned and world governments are in disarray. Country borders are lined with refugees and displaced persons camps, moral ethics of property and rights are being tossed around and with the disappearance of Captain America and the Avengers, there seems to be no one to help or look up to. When Steve Rogers gifted Sam Wilson with the Shield, it was in the belief that Sam had the moral strength and integrity to become the next Captain America.

However, Sam chooses to place the Shield in the Smithsonian and return to his work in the military as the Falcon. Meanwhile, Bucky is struggling to adjust in the 21st century. Although he's been fully pardoned, he is haunted by nightmares, the sins of his past and endless regret and shame. In spite of his psychologists attempts to help, Bucky begins to sink into a constant depression. His time in Wakanda  was his only moment of peace and he wants to find it again. 

As the world divulges into uncertainty and fear, the lines between good and evil become blurred. Do the ends justify the means? 

An anti-nationalist group known as the Flag Smashers start to make waves with attacks on government and military facilities. Led by Karli Rosenthau, she and her followers are highly advanced super soldiers that will fight and kill to get their message out. Meanwhile, Sam giving up the Shield has caused Congress to create a New Captain America for a new world. Captain John Walker is determined to live up the the legendary super-soldier, yet his bravado and need to prove himself clouds his judgement and makes him more of a detriment.

As the Flag Smashers become more and more of a serious threat, Sam and Bucky reluctantly join forces to find Karli and stop her. Even if it means breaking a few laws. In their search they reunite with some familiar faces, but also cross paths with John Walker who is determined to do things his way. Amid Sam and Bucky's endless bickering in the beginning, the two of them develop a mutual respect that begins to turn into a genuine friendship. A friendship that could that could be the difference between life and death, good and evil, war and peace. 

No one would have thought that pairing Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie for the Captain America: The Winter Soldier press junket in 2014 would have resulted in their own series seven years later. Their polar opposite personalities and backgrounds (Sebastian is from Romania and Anthony is from New Orleans) paired with brilliant comedy immediately won people over. In using Anthony and Sebastian's friendship to create a continuation of their onscreen characters was brilliance on Marvel's part.

After Winter Soldier, there was the constant question of who would inherit the Shield. Many people were confused that is was given to Sam and not Bucky. Yet, Sam is by far the most obvious choice. Bucky is still too emotionally and mentally damaged from his time as the Winter Soldier. Sam has always been steadfast, clear minded and apt to making good choices in tough situations. His ability to counsel people who suffer from trauma becomes his greatest attribute. Whether it's Bucky's guilt or Karli's anger, Sam manages to get to the heart of the matter with compassion and understanding. 

Racism is also explored. Primarily with Sam dealing with the reality of a black man who is now put in the position that was created for a white man. Can the world accept a black Captain America? Yes it can and it should. Bucky's anger toward Sam for refusing the Shield is a primary point of contention between the two of them. Spending some time with Sam's lively family in Louisiana brings the two of them to the understanding of what Captain America is, not who he is. Black or white, whether from New York or Louisiana, from the 1940's or modern day, Sam and Bucky prove that Captain America above all is a symbol of the human heart that chooses goodness over power.