Warning - This article contains spoilers for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier .
He's not Tony Stark or Dr. Banner. He doesn't have the flashiest gadgets or super strength. He is Sam Wilson, the new Captain America, and what he brings to the table is special.
The first season of The Falcon And The Winter Soldier has come to a close . And, after six episodes exploring Sam Wilson's struggle to accept the Captain America mantle, the shield is now in the hands of the person who was meant to hold it.
And while action, strength, and resilience are all words synonymous with Captain America, this new Star Spangled Man brings a superpower fans have never seen before.
THESE ARE SAM WILSON'S ROOTS
From the moment fans meet Sam Wilson, he immediately looks to provide comfort and support to everyone around him.
As a retired vet working to help other former soldiers at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Sam demonstrates his ability to relate to others and provide guidance right away.
This is a character thread of Wilson that is carried throughout his journey in the MCU, as he constantly provides a voice of reason and loyalty to Steve Rogers through the events of The Winter Soldier and Civil War.
This was continued in a big way throughout The Falcon and the Winter Soldier , and there are plenty of examples of Sam using his gifts to fight his battles.
SAM LISTENS TO KARLI MORGENTHAU
In an excellent display of contrast, Sam Wilson insists that he talk to Karli Morgenthau to defuse the situation, while John Walker suggests a smash and grab approach.
In this conversation, we see Sam's ability to listen and sympathize with his enemy.
Allowing Karli to know that he agrees with her cause, but not her tactics gives the leader of the Flag Smashers a chance to realize the error of her ways and rethink her motives.
This is right before being rudely interrupted by the perfect soldier who doesn't seem to understand the delicacy of the situation.
SAM EMBRACES BUCKY BARNES
It took Sam and Bucky a long time to come to an understanding about Sam's initial decision to give up the shield. It is clear how impactful it was for Sam to hear Bucky apologize for not understanding his situation.
While Sam could have taken that apology and moved on, he noticed an opportunity to help Bucky get through his struggle of purpose. It was a hard truth for Bucky to hear, but telling him not to allow other people to dictate his place in the world was a turning point for the Winter Soldier.
Sam handles every single conversation selectively, makes it a point to relate to people's hardships, and finds the best way to guide them through problems.
In a great example of leadership, Sam pushes Bucky at a moment he needed to be pushed.
SAM UNDERSTANDS ISAIAH BRADLEY
The relationship between Sam Wilson and Isaiah Bradley is one of the foundations of this show. For it to end with Sam essentially pushing back to Isaiah and telling him they must continue to fight is a powerful concept.
Through conversation and understanding, Sam hears Isaiah's point of view about the world not being ready for a Black Captain America, knowing he would feel the same way had he gone through the same things.
Once again, Sam realizes when it is appropriate to stand up to someone and push past the doubt, despite their common struggles.
In these moments, viewers realize Isaiah's respect for Sam. Sam knowingly goes into a battle with his back against the wall but decides to fight for what he believes. He shows that he can, in fact, do this all day.
WE CAN DO BETTER
The best words to describe Sam Wilson's place in the pantheon of superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe are the words he spoke to the entire world after being told he doesn't understand the complexity of the situation.
"I’m a Black man carrying the stars and stripes — what don’t I understand?
Every time I pick this thing up, I know there are millions of people who are going to hate me for it. Even now, here, I feel it. The stares, the judgment, and there’s nothing I can do to change it. Yet I’m still here. No super serum. No blonde hair or blue eyes. The only power I have is that I believe we can do better. "
This entire speech symbolizes what it means to be Captain America. From the very beginning, it was never about the soldier or their abilities. It was about the person you are and how you see the world.
From this day on, Captain America is a man who uses vibranium weapons to get through his battles. A man who will never miss an opportunity to crack a joke at the expense of his colleagues. A man who will not stand for anyone disrespecting Marvin Gaye.
But, most importantly, Sam Wilson is a man who listens, embraces, and understands people. He is a man who believes that we can not only do better but is also willing to fight for that belief.
So with that being said... LET'S HEAR IT FOR CAPTAIN AMERICA!
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