The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Episode 5: What Does The Shield Mean?

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier is only getting better. Each episode, we tend to name it as better than the rest. However, I feel very confident in saying episode five is the best one yet. As the longest episode in the season, this episode had everything. It never felt rushed and any pauses in the story were absolutely earned and necessary. There was a heavy weight on this episode, with a very satisfying payoff towards the end. Might I say that we are finally going to get Sam as Captain America?

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios

Slight Spoilers

The episode, of course; had to tackle the events of the previous episode. And while many of us surmised what might happen to John Walker after he used the shield to kill a Flag Smasher, it was an interesting turn that the story took with him. If any of us thought that John Walker would only be here for this story only are now mistaken. It’s clear that the MCU is setting up for something else with John. Something else in regards to that awesome cameo that was made. The MCU is definitely setting up for their own band of misfits. Their own…Suicide Squad.

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios

On top of all of the cool things this episode did – Bucky and Sarah’s interactions, that little Sharon Carter moment, THAT end credit scene – the biggest part of episode five was revisiting Isaiah Bradley. The show’s visit to Isaiah was slightly rushed in the beginning. Many of us thought that was the only time the show would touch upon what happened to Isaiah – which, would be disappointing for a show that claimed that they would touch upon these issues. Learning more about Isaiah was important. It was powerful. And it was what Sam needed to hear. From there, Sam seemed like a new man. We always knew he was worthy of the shield, but now he’s figuring out how to make the shield his own.

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios

Where Will We See Zemo Again?

I enjoyed the Bucky and Sam interactions, as well as where Zemo’s story went. Again, another story left open-ended, because I think we all know what the MCU wants to do with people like Zemo and John Walker. I’m very excited for that. Episode five has set up for an explosive season finale and I want to see Sam in full-form. This is ultimately Sam’s show and it’s about time we see that pay off. And I think it will.

What Does The Shield Mean?

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios

Before I wrap everything up, I wanted to comment on what this show is doing so well. It’s asking us, what does the shield and the mantle of Captain America really mean? In regards to Steve Roger, we just saw that the shield was a symbol of hope and was essentially Earth’s version of Mjolnir. Only the worthy may wield it. With John Walker, we saw the legacy of the shield be sullied. And with Isaiah, we’re seeing that this legacy was never as squeaky clean as maybe we foolishly thought. With Sam reclaiming the shield as his own, with Bucky’s support; I think we can see a new slate of Captain America. One that’s honest and completely different from the past.

Rating: 4.5/5

What’d you’d think of episode five? What do you think will happen in the season finale?

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