The Falcon and the Winter Soldier social media embargo has been lifted, and those given the opportunity to view the show's first episode in advance are now sharing their initial impressions on the MCU's second Disney+ original series.
A NEW CHAPTER OF THE MCU
Umberto Gonzalez of The Wrap called the first episode "very cool" and teased a "surprise appearance:"
I saw the first episode of #TheFalconAndWinterSoldier and dug it! The opening action sequence is very cool, has a surprise appearance, and I like where the story is going as we get deeper into Sam And Bucky's backstory. pic.twitter.com/J2XOv5UKzt
Kevin Polowy of Yahoo Entertainment assured Marvel fans that the series would "help with WandaVision withdrawal:"
Watched the first episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier and no spoilers, would like some more immediately. This should help with WandaVision withdrawal.
Eric Davis of Fandango described the premiere as "somber & dramatic" with a "Good mix of fights and story:"
I've watched the first episode of #TheFalconAndWinterSoldier & it's solid. Definitely more somber & dramatic at the start than I was expecting (which is a good thing), but also features the best Falcon action we've seen yet. Good mix of fights & story. I'm sold & hungry for more pic.twitter.com/5gZ9acB0Md
What I love most about this series & #WandaVision too is that you just get to know these characters on a level that instantly brings you closer to them than you've ever been before. Both Falcon & Bucky are going through some heavy stuff in this one, that's for sure. pic.twitter.com/3YrnrergE0
Brandon Davis of Comic Book said that lead actors "[Anthony] Mackie & [Sebastian] Stan are really good in very different ways:"
I watched Episode 1 of #TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier! It has some dope action sequences with CA: TWS vibes! Not the pace I expected but spending time with Sam's family and Bucky's mental state is great development. Mackie & Stan are really good in very different ways. pic.twitter.com/9xwnz4v1eI
Amy Fulcher of Fandango mentioned how she took notice of a "Phase 4 recurring theme" while watching the episode:
Sure, it's totally different than #WandaVision, but "Falcon and the Winter Soldier" holds to the Phase 4 recurring theme: the real damage from #Endgame was the emotional trauma.#FalconAndWinterSoldier #DisneyPlus pic.twitter.com/0bWhFtxiOi
Jacob D. of Discussing Film praised the show for "Brilliant writing" and "strong action sequences:"
Got to watch #TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier yesterday, which is a widely different series to #WandaVision Brilliant writing so far and some strong action sequences. My favourite part is how grounded the series is, really allows the audience to learn more about Sam and Bucky https://t.co/mys4LAo6ec
Tessa Smith of Screen Rant claimed "fans are in for an action packed treat:"
If the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is any indication of the whole season, fans are in for an action packed treat! Looking forward to diving more into these two incredible heroes! @falconandwinter episode 1 is 48 glorious minutes and ends with a WHAT moment! pic.twitter.com/KVok64KXjx
Jenna Busch of JennaBusch.ne t mentioned the episode's "powerful character moments:"
I got to watch the first episode of #TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier, and I loved it! Very different tone from #WandaVision, but really cool! Spectacular battle scene and powerful character moments. I can't wait to hear what you guys think! pic.twitter.com/sqoiAjtMjG
Liz Shannon Miller of Collider said she is "hyped to see what's next, especially once the title characters actually start to mix:"
The first episode of #TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier feels like the first 15 minutes of another solid exciting Marvel adventure. (With credits, it's 47 minutes long.) That said, I'm hyped to see what's next, especially once the title characters actually start to mix. pic.twitter.com/PyDRtOfLID
Stephen Weintraub of Collider said that the series is "loaded with action" but that his favorite parts were "the quiet scenes:"
The first episode of #TheFalconAndWinterSoldier is loaded with action that you’d expect to see in an MCU movie. But for me the best stuff were the quiet scenes that showed Bucky dealing with his past and Falcon trying to figure out his post-blip life. Big thumbs up. pic.twitter.com/LZeM45Eovf
Mike Ryan of Uproxx said "I'm a huge Falcon fan so I’m glad this exists:"
Saw the first episode of FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER. So far so good? Tough to tell after one episode, but I’m a huge Falcon fan so I’m glad this exists. Also there’s a character that shows up that is a definite, “Ohhhh, so that’s what this series is about,” moment.
The Direct's own Liam Crowley called the show "An expert blend of high-energy action with rich character-driven drama."
Got to check out the first episode of #TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier, & my hype for the next six Fridays has skyrocketed. An expert blend of high-energy action with rich character-driven drama. Many moving pieces at play, & I’m fully invested to see them come together. All in. pic.twitter.com/jckbDTmf8f
The Direct's Richard Nebens said that "Marvel keeps up the winning streak."
Watched the first episode of #TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier yesterday, Marvel keeps up the winning streak. Just a little tease of action, major character development for Sam and Bucky, and it sets the stage for some insane stuff happening later. Buckle up for a wild #MCU ride.
THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER IS MIXING IT UP
The vast majority of the reactions to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier 's premiere express excitement for what the rest of the show has in store. Many also pointed out how the show is grounded and action-packed, a stark contrast to WandaVision which focused more on comedy, mystery, and magic.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is shaping up to show audiences the range that the MCU's Disney+ slate will have. Marvel's presence on the platform is going from a finale to a sitcom-based series about a witch to a more serious one about two former military men figuring out how to continue on the legacy of their friend and fellow soldier.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier premieres on Disney+ March 19.
