Episode 4: The Whole World is Watching
(No, this isn't an episode of Zemo dancing. Yes, it probably should've been)
As "Falcon and Winter Soldier" barrels on with its fourth episode this week, the scope of the story broadens at the expense of the character growth we've been seeing so far in exchange for more robust and thrilling political themes that the Captain America properties within the MCU always thrust into the forefront, even to the point (whether subtly/interpretively or in more obvious fashion) of tying into real-world events.
Before diving into the story of this week's episode, we get a flashback six years ago to see how Bucky's training in Wakanda played out. Better late than never, I guess. We're reminded that Sebastian Stan is a pretty decent actor; you can sense his relief and the weight lifted off his shoulders as they successfully neutralized the threat of the trigger words Zemo used on him in Captain America: Civil War. Bucky seemingly is free of the brainwashing stuff once and for all (hopefully it stays this way).
As the aftershocks of Karli's bombing of the Global Repatriation Counsel (GRC) play out to the mass audiences, we start to get a feel for the pressure the Flag Smashers must feel. An interesting quandary may even be brewing. After the bombing, they regroup together at a rendezvous spot and listen to a television report on their work at the GRC supply depot. As the camera pans from one member to another, the sense of regret and the gut-wrenching turmoil of trying to decide if what they're doing is worth it becomes palpable. Even Karli, their leader, drifts away from the group for a moment by herself. Does she regret their methods for spreading their propaganda? Karli even begins questioning whether they are doing the right thing by creating more super soldiers (as discussed in last week's episode), but one of her followers convinces her they're doing the right thing.
Heavy political and philosophical themes permeate this week's episode, making it the most serious one so far. This felt more like a movie and less like a comedy detective show. The dialogue was smartly written, and the ideas of "the people v. the government" presents each party involved in a little bit different of a light. Each group has its own justified motivations, and it really isn't made clear who is "right." Sam, for instance, begins to understand what the Flag Smashers are truly about, but Zemo warns him that they are still supremacists in their own way, even though they claim to be fighting against the supreme powers currently in charge.
We see this play out as the episode's main story begins. Our delightfully odd trio of Bucky, Sam, and Zemo tries to get any information they can on Karli, including Donya, the woman who died last week; she was a pillar in the Flag Smasher community who helped them get to where they are. Sam even starts siding with Karli's philosophy; maybe things were better during the blip, without government regulation. Now, we start seeing the effects going back to the old ways has had on refugees again, with jobs and homes not as available as they were during the blip.
In the meantime, the trio doesn't come up with much information other than the time and location of Donya's funeral (Karlie surely will attend). Sam calls in a favor to Sharon to help out with covering the funeral. Interestingly enough, Sharon already seems to know the Power Broker is upset and ready to make a move. Could she be working with him? We don't really know how she's survived all these years.
Of course, John Walker and his sidekick Lamar Hoskins show up to add another wrench into this scenario that is already building up enough tension without their antics. The funeral takes place in the foyer of an old building, where Karli gives a sorrowful speech imploring people to remember that we are one people living on the same planet. Sam, of course, overhears this speech while eavesdropping from a second-story hallway in the building. Walker and Bucky handcuff Zemo as they all lie in wait in case someone surprises Sam as he confronts Karli.
After everyone else finishes paying their respects to Donya, Sam and Karli discuss the harsh reality that, though people were kind and accepting during the blip, the GRC threw those people back out on the street after the blipped people returned. Karli argues that the GRC started this war, not her Flag Smashers group. Then Sam says "I agree with your fight, just not the way you're fighting it." Wow, they can't hit home any better than that. It's one of the most common thoughts that permeates America at a time when racism is as rampant as ever. Yes, racism is evil, but are riots and burning down businesses the answer? Can evil only be fought with evil? Does fighting fire with fire actually change anything, or does it simply make you just as bad as the "villain" you're fighting?
But of course, while Sam and Karli are talking peacefully, in comes Walker like he's Leroy Jenkins trying to arrest Karli on his own. Karli, of course, flees, and a chase ensues. Karli escapes and regroups with her followers (Zemo affectionately calls them her "acolytes" later on), but she dropped the serum while under fire from Zemo. Zemo surprisingly crushes each vial, relegating the serum and its formula to a pool of liquid on the ground.
Except Walker finds one more vial that Zemo missed. He sneaks it into his pocket, undoubtedly to use on himself at the opportune moment.
As the guys discuss their next move to track Karli, the Wakanda warriors barge in demanding Zemo. Walker unwittingly instigates a fight that proves to be distracting enough for Zemo to make his move and escape. The Wakandans whip Walker in no time, and you could sense the resignation in his voice when he says "They aren't even super soldiers." The motivation for Walker to take the serum he secretly stashed grows as he proves to be the exemplary American who won't settle for anything less than first place.
Karli, still on the loose, still believes in Sam despite the apparent ambush, and she gives him one more chance to talk. Isn't it interesting how differently we treat people who agree with us? She even tries to recruit him to her side, as if he's weak-minded like the rest of her acolytes.
Back to Walker: remember in Captain America: The First Avenger, when the doctor talked to Steve about why he was chosen for the super soldier serum? He was a good man. As he takes the serum, Walker proves why not just anyone is qualified to be Captain America. After Hoskins is seemingly killed in the episode's final act, Walker goes on a rampage and obliterates one of Karli's followers in a rage. The symbolism of blood all over the shield is a bit forced, but it drives the point home: Walker is not fit to be Captain America (maybe he should take some anger management tips from Banner, huh?). Whether he'll concede that on his own or need to be subdued by other means is something we'll need to wait to see.
Notes:
-For as serious as the episode was, there was still some humor lightly sprinkled throughout. The funniest moment was Sam using the term Tie-tie (read: tee-tee) to describe his auntie.
-With Zemo on the run, it'll be interesting to see who he sides with. Will he join the Power Broker, who is coming for Karli now that she lost the serum? IS Zemo the Power Broker? Time will tell.
-I'm worried the writers will start toying with the idea of Bucky falling back into the Winter Soldier ways. Why else did they feel that NOW is the best time to give us context to the treatment he received while in Wakanda.