Marvel Studios released “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” in March 2021 as a mini-series and was created by writer Malcolm Spellman. Following the events of “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier (Sebastain Stan) try to find their place in a different world.

In this series, Barnes tries to make amends for his actions as the Winter Soldier, while Wilson struggles with the decision of becoming the next Captain America. Wilson gives the Captain America shield to the Smithsonian to pay tribute to Steve Rogers and is stunned when instead, the U.S. government names U.S. soldier John Walker (Wyatt Russell) the new Captain America. When a terrorist group called the Flag-Smashers, run by Karli Morgenthau (Erin Kellyman), begins using more radical tactics, Wilson and Barnes must reunite to stop them in “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” (2021).

This show plays as Marvel’s love letter to traditional buddy-cop films. The hilarious chemistry between Mackie and Stan is even better this time around, as it shows elements of friendship and competition. While neither of these characters have had an opportunity to carry an individual story themselves, this series shows that they are more than compelling enough to do so. The character development for Wilson and Barnes is some of the best writing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The plot of this show is equally compelling. Morgenthau is a sympathetic antagonist, while Walker demonstrates that character is just as important as strength, when it comes to superheroes. The show does not shy away from issues of race, instead embracing it as a central theme in the plot. Sam struggles with accepting the mantle of Captain America because he is afraid that America is not ready for a Black man to carry the shield. The show also examines what it means to be a hero on a personal level. Walker struggles in the huge shoes that have been left for him by Rogers, and he consistently demonstrates that not just anyone can be a hero.

“The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” is an excellent mini-series, rivaling “WandaVision” (2021) for the best recent Marvel series. Though their tones are drastically different, they both have a lot to offer to die hard Marvel fans. Both have powerful messages about problems going on in today’s society. While “WandaVision” focuses more on mental health issues, and “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” focuses on race and veteran P.T.S.D. issues, they both are unified in their stunning effect of surprising the audience with their honesty.

This show is a powerful addition to phase four of the MCU, proving that even after 10 years, the Marvel Universe is still going strong. I loved each and every episode of this show. The show’s messages are important even for us non-superheroes to consider. While it got off to a slow start, the pace has increased and has not slowed down since. The entire series is available to stream now on Disney+. I rate it a 5 out of 5 film reels.