***The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Spoilers ahead***
Disney+ has continued to set the bar extremely high for streaming platforms with their introduction of various short series. Kicking off with WandaVision, the expectations for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier were exceptionally high. Despite the expectations made by consumers, these two shows are completely different regarding content and production style. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has been exceptionally enjoyable thus far (however I may be biased from my love of Sebastian Stan), and with one episode left, fans are beginning to speculate as to how the first season of the series will end.
Based on the latest episode (episode 5), we can see that the characters we’ve become to know and love are developing. We can see that after Bucky’s disappearance after the fight with John Walker, we see him reunite again with Sam on his family ship. After much talking, Sam tells Bucky it’s time he finally makes amends and not just avenge the people he had done wrong as the Winter Soldier. This conversation alone can show Bucky’s development, since he’s willing to tell Sam why he was so upset over S.H.I.E.L.D. and why it was personal for him. Then, Bucky leaves to go and attempt to not only find some peace for himself, but to offer peace to those he had wronged in the past.
After Bucky leaves, we can see Sam training with S.H.I.E.L.D. I think that this montage shows that Sam is willing to take on the role of Captain America, or something similar to it. I am also led to believe that Sam is willing to take on such a role because we can see at the end of the episode, Sam opens a case from Bucky, which is from the Wakandans. The episode ends before we can see what’s in the case, but I certainly think it’s either a new pair of Falcon wings, or his own Captain America suit. We can also assume that Torres will become the new Falcon since Sam had left his wings with him.
I also think that fans will be able to see Steve Rogers one last time, since his death has not been completely confirmed by Marvel. I know in the last episode Sam had said that Steve was dead, but I think there still may be a funeral scene, or possibly a flashback of sorts. I think that we will be able to see Steve Rogers get his proper send off at the end of this series.
Fans can also be led to assume that Sharon Carter is the power broker. I think this is a logical prediction since Carter has been on the run from the U.S government since Avengers: Civil War, but has made a lavish lifestyle for herself out in Madripoor. However, it’s also very likely that Carter is not the power broker, but she definitely plays a suspicious character.
Overall, I definitely think that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has been an excellent series thus far. From finally seeing a bond and friendship form between Sam and Bucky, to seeing Bucky happy for the first time in a long time, this series has not only fulfilled the wants of a friendship between Bucky and Sam, but has also managed to cover heavy topics. By integrating problems from the real world, such as poverty, displaced people, and racism, into the show and its content, I think Disney has created the perfect balance of depth and humor. I look forward to the season finale as well as what Loki has in store for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.