On Your Left: A Falcon And Winter Soldier Review (Ep 5)

Hey Guys! GT is here to tackle the 5 BIGGEST takeaways from Falcon and The Winter Soldier Episode 5: Truth!

A Poisonous Sense of Purpose

John Walker paces and grieves over the loss of Battlestar, taking a moment to ruminates on his regrets & mistakes until he takes a knee & buries it deep inside because in his eyes its "Time to go to work". Faced down by Bucky and Falcon, he blames them for not being a team, just as he blames the man he killed for Hoskins' death despite not landing the blow, then blames Bucky and Sam for the conflict that ensues with him losing the Shield. One thing John Walker is NOT is accountable.

Wyatt Russel brings out the looming shadow hanging over the John Walker character since his private discussion with Hoskins about "the worst day of his life". He has a deep level of grief he's buried inside of him, but the worst day of his life also awarded him with "3 shiny medals" to remind him of it. The duplicitous nature in which John is then able to justify horrible acts so long as he gets the mission accomplished is a dangerous road that has lead Waker right here. His unhealthy coping mechanisms ramped up by an even more aggressive and insecure John Walker drive him further into his heart of darkness.

Walker dodges a court-martial for his actions, but is other than honorably discharged and stripped off all ranks and benefits of service. Walker's response in his hearing rings true in many ways. The idea that John Walker was simply the man the military made rings true to many veterans suffering from PTSD. THEY trained him to be ruthless and effective and rewarded him for being just that. Marvel has a strong reputation with discussing the government's shoddy history with veterans after and sometimes even during service. Walker's being thrown to the side without any real mental health-related assistance or care to ensure he has support after being the man they made him speaks to that. Just then he meets Valentina Allegra de Fontaine who extends her hand to help Walker. Valentina's mysterious lifeline offers Walker a 2nd chance in Julia Louis Dryfus' surprise MCU debut, having originally been slated to debut in Marvel's Black Widow. Through happenstance, she finds her first appearance here due to the delays caused by the pandemic. The character once held the title of “Madame Hydra”. Could this be a return of the fascistic organization, or something different? Either way she has dangled the bait in from of our Faux Captain America, let’s see if he takes it.

A Score Settled

Zemo faces Bucky Barnes at the Sokovia memorial, which marks the exact incident that set Zemo spiraling, and created his hatred of the Avengers. Zemo tries to persuade Bucky to kill Karli, as she is radicalized beyond repair. Bucky declines and turns him over to the Dora Milaje. But not before Bucky asks for one last favor...

In what appears to potentially be the final scene for the character of Baron Zemo, both Zemo and Barnes seem to have finally let go of one another. Zemo has let go of the idea of Bucky as a dangerous weapon that needs to be exterminated, and Bucky relinquishes the thoughts of Zemo as his tormentor. Even then, Zemo mentions to Bucky that he was designed as an efficient killer and should simply use that to take out Karli.

The change of heart for Bucky is the exact opposite of what Isaiah says to him in the earlier episode, Bucky DOES get to decide who he wants to be by choosing not to kill Baron Zemo. He instead chooses to turn him over to the Dora Milaje who will imprison him in the raft, though not without making him sweat a little by pointing an empty gun at his head. Will this truly be the end of Zemo? Hopefully not.

Red, White, Black, and Blue

Sam visits Isaiah Bradley to try and understand his situation and in doing so may get a better understanding of himself. Isaiah tells him the story of the Secret Super Soldiers and his eventual incarceration. This scene is powerful, as Isaiah recounts the familiar tale of exploitation, heroism, and betrayal that faced many a black man in this United States. It was extraordinary to recount Isiah's personal mission to save a captured band of fellow soldiers, his friends that the military had written off merely as evidence, not even considering them “people”. Tough to watch is an understatement, as even in a fantasy world such as the Marvel Universe, consisting of the noblest heroes and most gallant villains, this story of a black super soldier being cast aside and punished, and eventually exploited for his fortunate gifts, is almost TOO real. Bradley reveals that for the same personal and unsanctioned rescue mission into enemy territory that earned Steve Rogers the respect of his command and crew, he earned himself a 30-year incarceration.

When Isaiah comes around to telling Sam that not he, nor any self-respecting black man would ever want to be Captain America, not after what America has done to them, it comes from a place of experience. And man, fair, it’s hard to argue with. Sam has to make a choice when he wakes up in this world. Will it always been the world that threw away Isaiah Bradley, or could it be something better?

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Bucky unexpectedly shows up to assist Sam in repairing his family boat, prepared to leave now that the mission of “taking back the shield” is complete, Sam offers an alternative to Bucky heading out and instead they spend their first constructive time together, “righting the ship”. Once its over, Sam prepares for the crucial next step, gifted with the mysterious favor Bucky called in with Ayo

This is a fun and heartwarming segment, not only because Bucky and Sam finally grow a little closer as actual friends, but to watch Bucky allow himself to have some form of community in his life that accept him, no matter his faults or his past. After years of torment and brainwashing, we even see a glimmer of potential future in Sarah Wilson, much to Sam's chagrin.

Lastly, seeing Sam train with the shield was very much a lovely throwback to the classic “montage” of films like “Rocky”. It was also great to see the way Sam, a normal human, uses the shield, displaying much more acrobatic skill and agility than others who held it. This is combatively going to be a very different Captain America and I am here for it.

Young, Dumb, and Broke(r)?

Sharon Carter, who has been absolutely impossible to predict, speaks to Georges Batroc and tells him she has a job for him, which turns out to be working with the Flag Smashers. Head Smasher Kari is prepared to take down the GRC vote in NYC and promises Batroc his opportunity to kill Falcon will come to him when they enact said plan. What could be Sharon’s endgame in all this? Does she truly intend to betray Sam and Bucky after the events of Civil War?

Kari is steps ahead, especially of her own partners who are surprised to find they're working with career criminals now, but Kari is too far gone. It’s apparent that the show wants you to believe Sharon Carter has the possibility of being the shadowy “Power Broker” who we have only heard mention of but who runs the criminal underground. The “Broker” has already threatened to end Kari if she doesn't bring back the serum she stole. So is Sharon, not the Power Broker? Is Georges really there to take out Kari Morganthal? What surprises and conclusions await us in this series finale?

The penultimate episode was very good and I can't wait to see the new Captain America suit on my boy Sam Wilson. Get ready for the final On Your Left review before we review the ENTIRE SERIES on the Major Issues Podcast!

On Your Left: A Falcon And Winter Soldier Review (Ep 4)

Hey Guys! GT is here to tackle the 5 BIGGEST takeaways from Falcon and The Winter Soldier Episode 4: The Whole World Is Watching!

The White Wolf

We begin the episode with one of the more emotional scenes in this series so far. We see Ayo and Bucky in a Wakanda woodland by a fire, as Ayo administers the code words to test if the Winter Soldier programming has been sufficiently lifted. Bucky freaks out, quickly fearing the overtaking of the program as the memories play over, but as tears shed, he is proven to be freed of the programming once and for all. In the present, Ayo makes it clear that Zemo being freed cannot be tolerated, but affords Bucky 8 hours to rectify the situation. Ayo speaks strongly of guilt and shame felt at the loss of King T'Chaka to Zemo's machinations as T’Chaka chose them to be the anointed protectors of the throne. It’s amazing how those feelings that stay with the Dora Milaje to this day even nearly a decade later.

What's most interesting in this exchange is that it's the first hint of the relationships Bucky Barnes built during his Wakandan sabbatical. Most of what we know about Bucky in Wakanda is he was cryogenic frozen during the climax of Civil War and summoned for the impending with Thanos battle in Wakanda during Infinity War. I would personally love to get more on Bucky's time in Wakanda, preferably as the White Wolf moniker, but you get the impression that Ayo is just as personally disappointed in Bucky's hand in this action as she is the results of it.

A Good Man

It was fun to see Bucky, Sam & Zemo go searching for intelligence in Latvia. Zemo plays his angle more clever then Bucky and Sam did, opting to bribe children with candy to find out when & where Donya Midani's funeral will be. Hot on their trails is John Walker and Hoskins who are looking to stop Karlie and the Smashers once and for all. Walker is feeling aggressive and wants to go in and take them down, but Sam and Hoskins talk him into letting Wilson speak to her. Hoping to connect with her emotionally and maybe establish a trust that will allow him to get through to her..

The conversation is well crafted, as Sam uses his conversational experience to present angles on the situation to Karli that she hadn't considered. Suddenly he gives her a POV that make her sound as bad as the people she believes to be the enemy. Sam is such a good hearted man he expresses sympathy for her fight. Getting to see Wilson and Karli talk was a great scene and really drove the difference between how Sam and John they see this situation. Walker simply sees an enemy to take down, while Wilson sees a troubled person looking to make things better the wrong way. In Sam’s world…there is no lost cause.

An (Im)Perfect Soldier

Unfortunately John Walker barges in impatiently, ready to take Karli down. Karli believes this was part of the plan despite Sam's objections and flies the coup. While they end up losing her, Zemo doesn't. Firing off gun shots that wound her, she crashes over a table and spills the vials of the Super Soldier Serum which Zemo promptly destroys until Walker takes him down. Walker looks longingly at one remaining vial and pockets it.

Walker is all business as he again attempts to aggressively bring in Zemo, but is intercepted by the Dora Milaje who handily defeat him. Zemo escapes in the distracting conflict, and Walker dejectedly says "They weren't even Super Soldiers". He later asks Battlestar if he would ever taken the serum. He implores Walker to think of all the people they could've saved if they had. Walker's frustrations continue to mount with failure after failure. He just can't seem to get the hang of any situation and now, only inches away from him is the temptation to be something more. How could he resist?

Falling Star

Karli gets a message that the Power Broker is breathing down their necks and unless they can return the serum soon, he will end them. After this threat is realized, she chooses to escalate the situation by calling and threatening Sam Wilson's sister. Sam meets Karli at her request, but the meeting gets physical again very quickly with the return of John Walker and Hoskins. Hoskins is captured by the Flag Smashers leading all 3 to converge on where he's being held and it is discovered that John Walker has in fact made himself a Super Soldier.

The battle takes a tragic turn as Lemar Hoskins, right hand man of the new Captain America himself, is killed by one of the Flag Smashers. The death of Battlestar was definitely one hell of a surprise, as we “barely knew ye”. It was a stunning reminder of the reality of super soldiers facing off against regular soldiers, as Hoskins simply could not take that kind of fight. The loss of Battestar creates a deeper wound for Walker as even with the serum, he couldn't save his friend, which Wyatt Russell expresses expertly through his pained and desperate face as he tries to stir him to life.

A Line Crossed

With the Serum running through his blood, and full of rage over losing his partner, John Walker chases down Karli but loses her. He settles for chasing after her partner, the man who earlier said he looked up to Captain America, now running from that very shield in fear. Walker however catches up with him and brutally murders the man in the town square, to the horror of bystanders witnessing and recording this event. As John Walker stands among them, staring back, the camera pulls back to show Captain America's shield stained in blood.

The big differences between John Walker and Steve Rogers are staggering at this point. Steve Rogers can allow for a moment to breathe and let cooler heads prevail. He is willing to talk his way through an altercation. Walker, as we have seen so far, is impatient and insecure. Steve Rogers is often out to subdue his adversary, while Walker stalks his man like a predator because he is a man out to DESTROY his enemy.

When Walker finds himself in the very position Steve did in his battle with Tony Stark, Steve strikes once and knows he's won the fight. Walker punishes this man. He isn't out to deescalate, he wants to hurt him, and bludgeons him to death in front of a stunned and mortified crowd. That shot of the shield covered in blood, marks the ultimate corruption of a symbol of hope, as we now see it becoming a symbol of brutality and vengeance. Frankly, it disturbed me. I'm reminded of the "...Blood of Patriots..." quote, as Walker & Kari are seen as Patriots by their closest collaborators, both of which perish in this episode.

Conclusion

Episode 4 may be the best so far, and has me excited for the next 2 salvos in this series. What will Karli do next? Is Sam's sister in grave danger? Who is the Power Broker? With rumors of a recognizing cameo in Ep. 5, it's a wonder who the Power Broker will be revealed to be and if that Cameo announcement is just a mislead or something more.

Can't wait for Ep. 5!

On Your Left: A Falcon And Winter Soldier Review (Ep 3)

Hey Guys! GT is here to tackle the 5 BIGGEST takeaways from Falcon and The Winter Soldier Episode 3: Power Broker!

Under Pressure

It’s interesting that our Faux Cap John Walker, who we last saw nipping at the heels of Bucky and Falcon, is growing frustrated with his lack of success. Even when his right-hand man Lamar reminds him of futility of the situation, Walker shows he's willing to ask for forgiveness instead of permission to get the job done. Cap’s shoes are some big ones to fill and the pressure seems to be getting to ol’ Johnny. I guess not everyone is built like the legendary Steve Rogers.

We see Battlestar seems willing to go along for now, but is he willing to follow Walker everywhere? How strong is their bond? How far will Walker take them both to win? What's keeping him on Sam and Bucky's trail? Hopefully we flesh out their history but this Cap has definitely got an edge.

Agent Carter?

After months of her being promoted we finally get the return of Agent 13 and she's...kind of awful now. A significantly changed woman, her actions during the schism between Avengers made her a fugitive, and without the support of anyone up high, she escaped persecution by heading to Madripoor and living off the grid. The most heartbreaking part of her reunion with Sam and Bucky was the overwhelming indifference this Sharon seems to possess. Now a hardened Sharon Carter, her view of the Avengers has corrupted into hypocrisy.

Seeing as she was such a vital member of SHIELD in the past maybe she doesn’t realize her leverage in the situation. Surely in right place and time, she could extend her hand to ultimately make a deal that could get her back in America and the government’s good graces right? Then again maybe her shades of grey are permanent. Sharon Carter could very well be the infamous Power Broker.

The Ballin’ Baron

Zemo is free. "Assisted" in his escape by Bucky Barnes, he leads Bucky and Sam to the infamous criminal island nation Madripoor (a very famous location in the comics) under criminal aliases. This includes Bucky masquerading as The Winter Soldier once more and Falcon trying to do his best impression of “Smiling Tiger”. Daniel Brühl gets to have much more fun with the Zemo character in this. By putting the normally cerebral villain in this setting you end up exposing more of his personality and wit. He also displays a level culture and intelligence and it is revealed that Zemo is in fact, a Baron. His family was royalty when his country (Sokovia…ever heard of it?) was still a piece of the map.

Though he still has many contacts both above and below the criminal underground, Sam hates the idea of teaming with the sociopath, but he understands how far behind they are on the Flag Smashers and is willing to bend before he breaks to stop these Super Soldiers. What is Zemo’s Endgame? Guess we will find out.

The Power of A Message

That didn’t take long did it? Last week we sat and heard a big of the Flag Smasher manifesto; One World, One People. On the face of it, the message and loyalty shown by the FS is admirable, especially if they truly believe in their cause. I sympathized with those who had to adjust TWICE to life in the MCU, first when Thanos snapped away half of existence and again when The Hulk brought them back.

That all changed this week as Karli Morgenthau crosses a new line in her push to get results. The Ginger Haired Anarchist blows up a building with a bunch of innocent people inside, and doesn’t so much as blink. When asked about the casualties she mentions in a rather cavalier way that “This is the only language these people understand”. Seeing how many bodies Karli is willing to pile up for her cause has me doubting her actual motives. How much further will Karli go to make her point and spread her message, and how many more will die to do so?

A Sign of Things to Come?

Moving forward towards some more potential leads Bucky and Sam have another heart to heart. Sam still sees the Shield has a burden on anyone other than Steve Rogers, and that’s when something funny happens. Barnes confesses that he is willing to take the shield and uphold the mantle of Cap, his best friend. He already revealed his disappointment in Sam for surrendering it, and now Bucky is ready to risk everything to steal it back because of what it means to people, but especially to him. They end up in Latvia, and what they're there for isn't made clear quite yet. But what they find is.....Wakanda Never Forgets.

A member of the Dora Milaje makes herself present to Bucky after having found her bread crumbs. It's hard not to imagine this reveal was meant for T'Challa before the untimely death of Chadwick Boseman and that is a shame. Regardless it is great to see that the warriors of Wakanda live on and this one, in particular, is here to put King T'Chaka's killer back in his hole.

……but that all I got this week! Tune in Next Week, True Believers!

On Your Left: A Falcon And Winter Soldier Review (Ep 1/2)

Hey All! I am GT Rebirth frequent co-host of the Major Issues Podcast and proud member of Comicbook Clique! As a big fan of the MCU iteration of Captain America I thought it would be cool to break down some episodes of Falcon and the Winter Soldier!

Yes, I know there wasn't a double premiere for Falcon and the Winter Soldier like there was WandaVision. I'm just a little late because sometimes when given just a bit of responsibility, I crumble like Ryback under Mark Henry (look it up).

And sadly, that’s the very first thing we see when we get our first glimpse of Sam Wilson in episode one of Falcon and the Winter Soldier. That long shot of him looking at the shield for what he believes is the last time, haunted by the echo of his words when he first held it "... like it's someone else's". Join me as we follow his journey and I tackle FIVE TAKEAWAYS from each episode…starting with this double header.

Freelance Avenger?

Seems like Sam Wilson is doing freelance operations for the military I’m not sure how I feel about this after being on the outs with the government after Civil War, but maybe that's being a hero. You help where you can, and say “damn the grudges”. It couldn’t have been easy for Falcon as a fugitive and his heroics here might be the best foot forward.

We get an introduction to a new MCU character, Joaquin Torres, who works alongside Sam in his missions. This is interesting because Torres initially made his debut in the Sam Wilson: Captain America Series as the “new” Falcon in one of Marvel’s…more colorful iterations on the character. I doubt they will go this route on the show, as it would be hard to portray in the series, but I’m psyched to see him come for the ride. Finger crossed that he’s a huge wrestling fan like in the comics. This episode also reintroduces popular Captain America: The Winter Soldier villain Batroc (played by the incomparable George St Pierre) to the MCU. Seeing both of these characters immediately put a smile on my face.

We also hear through Torres about the ‘”Flag Smashers” an anarchist group, hoping for a world that resembles things before everyone returned from “the blip”. While their mantra sounds peaceful they are just a few steps away from being a terrorist organization, something our heroes should keep an eye on.

A (Winter) Soldier Without A War

Our boy Bucky Barnes is struggling with day-to-day living and seems to have no real direction without a fight to…well fight. He is very combative in his court mandated therapy, one of several terms of his pardon after years of operating as the mind-controlled “Winter Soldier”. As a way of making amends for his dealings in the past, he has kept himself busy doing keeping tabs on former hydra agents. It's a lonely place of living for SGT James Buchanan Barnes, and the reality is that Steve and Bucky seemingly never got to spend much time together after their heated reunion in Winter Soldier. After Civil War it became about both of them being on the run from their enemies and the government.

Knowing his one true friend is gone is likely heavily sobering, and while there are members of the Avengers that clearly care about him in some way or another, he is for the most part, a stranger to them. In his eyes he will always be "Steve's Friend". After his years of combat, Bucky is staring down a life of solitude, which is a terribly frightening place for anyone in recovery. I'm happy to hear Bucky got pardoned, because I'm happy to see anyone who has put in the work to change, being given a second chance.

No one who is working hard on changing for the best should be punished forever no matter what their, especially compromised, past was.

The World Moves On

Steve represented the best in all of us. Courageous, righteous, hopeful. And he mastered posing stoically. The world has been forever changed. A few months ago, billions of people reappeared after five years away, sending the world into turmoil. We need new heroes. Ones suited for the times we're in. Symbols... are nothing without the women and men that give them meaning, and this thing... I don't know if there's ever been a greater symbol, but it's more about the man who propped it up, and he's gone. So, today we honor Steve's legacy, but also, we look to the future. So, thank you, Captain America, but this belongs to you. - Sam Wilson

It was tough to see Sam dedicate Captain America’s shield to the Smithsonian museum, especially after Steve himself handed it to him. The world has changed in the last 5 years and it's here where we get our first real boots on the ground look at life after the blip was reversed. Rhodey, who attended the ceremony mentions to Sam privately that alliances between nations were severed. Trust is coming at a premium as nations that were allies are now at odds. The global disarray is significant, as are the resources for those returning after years away. While the government does it best to accommodate everyone they can, you can’t help but feel some will fall through the cracks of bureaucracy.

“Uncle Sam”

We meet Sam Wilson's sister and get their perspective on life after the blip, with how much small businesses have suffered from re-adjustment of everyone returning. Also that bank scene? Watching the bank teller so willing to bask in the company of a hero, but not lift a finger to actually help them is painful. There's a distressful moment where the bank teller is highly excited to entertain Sam Wilson as a popular celebrity and as a serviceman, but can't do anything to aid him despite knowing the situation. It’s no secret as to his lack of income being that he was gone for 5 years and he should have been able to bypass qualifications that he applies for.

It's also revealed here for the first time, that the Avengers operate on donations and good will, which is very interesting. The idea that the kindness of strangers is seen as a "dependable" source of supporting income is mind-boggling. While I'm sure Stark's money played some part in keeping people afloat in the past, he wasn't supplying them personal stipends like in the comics. This also absolves Stark of any particular liability when things with the Avengers went sour. I very much enjoyed seeing family man Sam though. It's a side of Avengers you so seldom see, that you'd be forgiven for believing they don't have any friends and live their lives fighting baddies 24/7. Maybe Sam's new dedication to his family situation played a part in rejecting the shield, but I believe it's much bigger then that.

#NotMyCap

We meet the “new” Captain America on the news along with Sam and Bucky as he enters the scene to a corrupted rendition of the Captain America theme. The theme works now as a painful melody, reminding us that the spot Steve held for so long is now filled. I was immediately reminded of the scene where "Government Official" (seriously, that's how his credit shows up as of this writing) tells Sam he did the right thing giving it up, only to immediately transition it to the new Captain America. This feels incredibly shifty and manipulative and as a black man myself, it's truly hurtful to see him get strung along like that which is absolutely the idea. They want you to feel bad about Sam. Way to get get heat "Government Official"!

One of the more interesting choices is the obstruction of John Walker's face, not just under the mask, but even in the ending credits, they cover his eyes when his face appears, somehow preserving the image of him more as an idea then a person. The idea of government sponsored heroics is a frightening one but
you know what's interesting..... there's a lot of people that would prefer that.

Prediction: I imagine John Walker will become a bit overcome by the pressure of the role, but also frustrated with the government interference with the job. Eventually, he will soon find that he's less a super soldier, and more a pro-government figurehead for political leverage. Before you know it, Walker will end up a radicalized independent soldier fighting brutal wars where he sees fit; a political monster of their own design.

Now on to Episode 2…..

Corporate Cap

The Star-Spangled Man with a plan is back! The government control of the “Captain America” brand is evident in making him a bigger public figure as a more manufactured celebrity. The show continues to lean into the Captain America music you recognize being used for John Walker which just forces you to hate it, and subsequently him, a little more. (At least me anyway.) This also introduced Lamar Hoskins as Battlestar, a character I only just now heard of. One could accuse the team up of Walker and Hoskins of being a manufactured copy and paste of Cap and Bucky, with the WOKE lever turned up to 100, but it does appear Walker and Hoskins have some history. They also seem to have a genuine friendship.

 So far John Walker isn't really the outright heel of the series, just a dude that made a decision that very few fans agree with, although the government seems ecstatic with the change. Walker will likely gain a level of underdog sympathy for the backlash, but I'm not sure it'll be enough to sell any "Walker Did Nothing Wrong" merch. None of that sympathy will be coming from Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes either. While Sam did his best to be flexible, he makes it clear he gets to do as he wants without that governmental license and this gets under Walker's skin. Bucky has no time for any of it, seeing Walker for the tool he is, even if Walker doesn't, and constantly ready to take the Shield back by force even though that would violate his rules. The jury is still out on Faux-Cap but he doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon.

One World, One People

The Flag Smashers goal is revealed, as they seek to return life to as it was prior to the “vanished” people returning, where borders seemingly came down and there was a collective unity among all the remaining survivors of the snap. Nothing like shared trauma, am I right? That very shared trauma is what has bonded these Flag Smashers to not only to their cause, but to each other, as well as inspiring a ground swell of people as a support network. Their message is so effective, they have regular civilians who keep touch with their movements and manifesto on the internet, which to be fair is not too unlike the citizen support the Avengers receive. 

 These Flag Smashers are willing to trade lives to preserve the mission, but only their own? For how long is a plan like that sustainable?  In some ways it's hard not to sympathize with the Flag Smashers' message. Especially if there is something to a worldly unity during the Blip, and the return of the vanished put bad people back in their positions of power. Regardless I don’t thin the ends justify the means. The big mystery coming out of Ep 2 is that these Flag Smashers are also super soldiers. How can this be? What we do know is that Erskine's formula was lost with him, but the project continued for some time after. We're led to believe that Zemo murdered the other Winter Soldiers we saw in Captain America: Civil War, but even that isn't even what it seems...

“Maybe he was wrong..”

Bucky's deeper frustrations come to the surface this episode. He doesn't understand why Sam doesn't understand what Steve bestowed on him. And if Steve, the greatest man Buck has ever known was wrong about Sam, he has to have been wrong about the good he sees in Bucky too. Sam seems to have a hard time truly expressing what having the shield made him, and how he felt burdened by everyone's expectation of him. I genuinely believe he's mentally struggling with holding it up the mantle. It isn’t just all the pressure of not being the embodiment of Captain America, but also being a black man as Captain America, and the extra expectations that will come with that role.

 We should also remember that each of their lives have been closely knit to Steve Rogers. Sam Wilson is only in this lifestyle because of Steve, who essentially inspired him to re-enlist to a life of service. Bucky Barnes is a free man because Rogers was willing to make himself a fugitive to prove Bucky isn't who they thought he was. While the world saw a murderer, Steve stood by Barnes because to Steve it was simple; "he's my friend". Their attachment to what that man did for them has caused them both to be deeply entangled in properly honoring the memory of their fallen friend in different ways. Myself, I'd probably crumble under the weight of the Shield as well, but I'd wanna say I’d hold on to it. If he'd wanted it in a museum, it'd be there, but he gave it to me, right? 

The Secret Super Soldier

When they realize that they are facing off with Super Soldiers, Bucky reveals "Isiah" to Sam, a secret he seemingly kept from everyone. Isiah Bradley is black super soldier from decades ago that Bucky encountered as the Winter Soldier, something he never told Sam and Steve. Seems like they are going with the Isiah Bradley from the comics as one of a few other Captain Americas. Is Eli Bradley close behind? While the idea of a secret black super soldier is a new idea for Sam Wilson, the suppression of black war heroes is nothing new at all. Names like Bessie Coleman & Jessie Leroy Brown often go unsaid. The many forgotten black soldiers in WWII remain nameless to much of our youth, so this commentary is apt. 

Isiah asks Bucky, "You think you can just wake up, and choose who you wanna be?" 
For Sam this is a luxury only for for white people, knowing full well he doesn’t have that option. For Bucky, this means Hydra, and means he can’t simply be forgiven for his years under mind control. For me, it's an idea. The inability to change who you are is something Sam is fast reminded of and Bucky must learn as the Baltimore Police drive up to speak to Sam, even asking if he's bothering Bucky. It’s a bleak reminder that even when Barnes reminds the authorities that Sam is an Avenger, they only see a potentially dangerous and upset black man. Bucky stands up for his friend but shows his ignorance to the situation by suggesting he simply give the officer his ID. This was never about the ID Bucks. 

Finding Zemo

Sam and Bucky make the obvious choice to go after the only man who knew anything about the remaining super soldiers in the last few years; Zemo.  Helmut Zemo is something of a unique bird for Marvel Villians. When we last saw the villain, it didn't exactly end in a “punch ‘em up”, because Zemo isn’t a physical threat. He is a relatively normal person. He is however an incredibly intelligent strategist and a skilled manipulator.

He is a man that takes no joy in his work, but simply believes it is work that must be done. Is Zemo's revenge against the Avengers unfinished after Civil War? Are there any Avengers left with Stark and Natasha dead and Rogers off the table? Hawkeye retired back to his family, Rhodey seems to be working with the military, so maybe Zemo sets his eyes on a new target.

We will soon enough. 

In conclusion…

…this was a very good 2nd episode. The secrets of the super-soldier program have been thrown into disarray. Who gave it to them? What makes it work? So many questions I can't wait to have answered. The reveal of the Isiah secret super soldier was very enjoyable and leads to 2 harrowing instances of the treatment of black people.

Prediction: In time, John Walker will discover just how much of his role as Captain America is a pro-government publicity stunt and lose faith in them. Also Leah, Bucky’s date will turn out to also be a Super Soldier. Join me next week as we tackle episode 3! Also don’t forget to leave your comments and predictions below!

DC's Doomsday Clock Disappointed Me (and why that's ok)

There’s nothing like your first major comic book crossover. They say you can always remember your first time, and I sure do. I remember when the slighter older man typing out this piece was in his late 20s, living from major motion picture to major motion picture, enjoying his fantastical stories of superheroism. I really dug superhero films and couldn’t get enough. In between those long stretches of film releases, I begin to feed my desire for stories of costumes heroics through serial and episodic TV programming and was ultimately semi-satiated with shows like Supergirl and the Justice League animated TV show. While shows like The Flash or Daredevil served as a fine resource for my superhero addiction, it proved to be a finite one. If one was ambitious enough, watching all episodes of the current comic book TV shows of the Arrowverse, or Marvel on Netflix would take only a few weeks. I was ready for something bigger.

Connected universes like the “Arrowverse” sparked my interest in comic books.

When the well of TV and movies ran dry, my hunger for the capers I'd come to love was still not satisfied. At this point, I made the conscious decision to jump into the intimidating world of comic books, a vast well of tales that for some, will never end. I did not embark on this challenge lightly. The superhero comic book lexicon is America's craziest never-ending story (whose cast includes a massive dog that teleports). Despite the many soft comic book reboots throughout the years, you're essentially walking into a story that's already started without you, with some starting nearly a century ago! Huge events have already happened, and then happened again, and then happened thrice over. You can start a story only to learn some notable characters have already died, while other change mantles or retire. Your favorite villains may overstay their welcome with retreads of familiar stories, while some tried and true villains are nowhere to be found.

It's that “leap before you look” kind of risk that can yield scary results. Am I willing to get lost in years of history and continuity only to be overall disappointed in the story? It was a hell of a gamble. These issues get worse when you finally find a book you like, but that book gets a bit too referential and depends on you knowing the details of what happened decades before to understand what is to come. Navigation through this flowerbed of content can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a solid starting point.

DC announces DC Rebirth in 2016

On May 25th, 2016, DC Comics dropped its first issue of "Rebirth", a company-wide status quo in the form of a comic that would set the stage for its reboot. The emotional story of Wally West trying to escape the speed force was a powerful tale, with the effort rewarded by Barry Allen, when he finally embraces him asking "How could I ever forget you?". The character of Wally up to that point had only existed in the memories of long-time comic book fans. Wally had been missing since 2011, deemed unnecessary when it came to the New 52. His return as part of DC Rebirth was a love letter to long-time fans and an invitation for new fans to fall in love with Wally all over again. Wally West was the true representation of a bygone era that was lost with the company’s New 52 initiative. The New 52, for many, was an alienating project that got to pick and choose what characters mattered. I guess our red-headed Wally wasn’t one of them.

Although it did wonders for new readership, the New 52 was ultimately seen as a betrayal for some, as they considered the reboot a heartless cash grab, that erased decades of history. Some comic book fans can trace their commitment to these characters and stories for generations, their loyalty deeply entrenched in the extended history of some of their heroes. Wally West was one of the heroes comic fans didn’t want messed with. Not only did West stand out by being one of the few “sidekicks” to ultimately usurp his mentor Barry Allen as THE Flash, for many comic book fans he was THEIR FLASH. For years Wally’s Flash was being introduced to children through animation and comics as a declaration of the evolution of the genre by moving past the old guard. The New 52 may have ignored Wally, but with his Rebirth return, the dream of a new status quo that could please every reader seemed closer to fruition.

Wally’s return to DC Comics sparked hope in its fan base after the New 52

Even with all the heavy lifting of the Wally story, something even more ambitious was going on in DC "Rebirth". In a series of panels, we see the Dark Knight, Batman, investigating a mysterious item. Suddenly it is revealed to be the blood-stained smiley face button synonymous with the graphic novel Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. Not only did this reveal leave the reader with a reason to come back, but Watchmen as a story was almost untouched to that point. They wouldn’t honestly be planning a crossover, were they? Soon it was made official. In an announcement that would change everything, we were told the mainstay characters of DC were set to meet the characters of Watchmen, in an event book called Doomsday Clock. The news that the heralded Watchmen would crossover with the pantheons in the DC Universe was one of the biggest ever. I had just walked into a larger world of my favorite superheroes, and now I have seemingly walked into an event for the ages! I could not contain my excitement. That's when the Doomsday Clock started to tick down.

So fast forward three years later, and I am burdened by disappointment. I lost faith in Doomsday Clock after only issue #6, once it was clear the book wasn't what I'd hoped it would be. Walking away from this story hurt because, in a lot of ways, I thought this story was mine. It was going to be my first huge comic book event and the first big event in my living journey through comic book storytelling. Unfortunately, it wasn't and after weeks of serious contemplation, and that's okay. As it stood, Doomsday Clock became the personification of my initial fears once getting into superhero comics. I was always hesitant to start comics because I feared I would feel punished for being a new reader, without having years of comic book history at my disposal. I felt DC’s Rebirth was, in many ways, a bridge between die-hard fans and myself. From my initial perspective, I felt misled. An avid Superman Rebirth reader, I was stoked when the finale of “BATMAN/FLASH: The Button" showed the Watchmen button slowly change into the Superman crest. There was going to be a book where my favorite superhero is leading the way? A huge story set to change the maligned New 52 initiative into a DC Comics people recognized? Sign me up! On top of that, this immense crossover will be built up strongly throughout books like Superman, Batman, The Flash, and even TITANS? It was easy to look forward to the event I was told would change the world. Sadly I didn't feel as I thought I would at the end of this journey.

Unfortunately, what I ended up getting was a Watchman sequel that full of new and old characters from a continuity that I had no interest in. I didn’t embark on this journey into Doomsday Clock simply for the Rorschach cameos, and besides some surprises, it's almost like nothing happened for more than half the story. There’s a storyline for the JSA that I simply have no reverence for, a political message that was muddied at best, and as all evidence points to, a rushed ending. Very little of the stories I was told would be essential leading up to this event, felt like they had any place in Doomsday Clock...and that's okay, I guess. I will get to why in a little bit.

First, let's talk about what plagued this story. The editorial problems behind the book were well noted and the delays admittedly did not do any favors. The story was originally set to unfold over a year, with an issue coming out once a month. This went off the rails almost instantly, as rescheduling and delays removed the tension of the story. It also presented another issue. Doomsday Clock had been advertised, like many a line-wide crossover event before it, as an event set to change the slate of DC Comics immensely. Then you had all of the currently printed DC stories, all trying to haphazardly catch up to this event taking place one year later. You couldn't help but feel that all the other comics in DC's line were being affected, simply to line up with this story. Suddenly, certain books were being delayed or stalled, just so they could "tie-in" to the overall Doomsday Clock narrative.

Tie-in culture within the comic industry is prevalent and often means reading outside stories that line up with the overall plot of what your reading. Whether a direct tie-in to an event or as works that are leading to a central plot point over time, when things do not go according to plan, tie-ins can fall apart very fast. These ingredients lead to a stew of ambition but overall failure. Expectations and misinterpretation are the slow-acting coughs of enjoyment. They are the symptom of a greater illness. All they do is build up over time & when you're ready to enjoy the victory, you're stuck in bed with the flu of underwhelming payoffs. A stretch of metaphor I admit, all to reiterate the singular point that I built this story up as my first real event.

The image that started it all

It was a badge of honor to a comic reader, to be able to grasp the overarching narrative, and I felt a little duped by what I thought to be the culmination of all the stories I'd be reading, just to build to this moment, that in the end had little or nothing to do with those stories at all. What was supposed to be my “Flashpoint”, or “Crisis on Infinite Earths” simply became a vanity project for those who thought Watchmen needed a continuation. I had me "I was there" shirt printed and ready. I was the potential new reader they hoped to reach with DC Rebirth and I was proud of my time as an issue to issue fan. Alas, it was never really for me, and that's okay. For those of you that saw it as a beautiful story with a happy ending for Dr. Manhattan, the JSA and the Watchmen universe in general. I'm greatly pleased for you and salute your ability to find enjoyment in this tale. For me, it will always represent my first real stumble on my journey to the comic pages and beyond.

But what do YOU think? Did you like Doomsday Clock? Let us know below!