What Really Made 'The Falcon and the Winter Soldier' Unfathomable?

The series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier by Marvel has taken a significant political turn, making it feel more relatable to the current times. However, beneath this political veneer, there are several instances that appear nonsensical and out of place, which many viewers found peculiar.

The Political Shift and its Impact

Usually, Marvel series maintain a focus on character development and story progression, but The Falcon and the Winter Soldier introduces a more pronounced political narrative. This shift feels sudden and out of context, making the overall narrative feel less coherent. The series explores themes of power, justice, and authority, which, while relevant, do not align seamlessly with the previously established tone and themes.

A Case of Misalignment: Sam Wilson vs. John Walker

One of the most glaring examples of this misalignment comes from the character dynamics between Sam Wilson (Falcon) and John Walker (Bunker). In the original Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Sam was portrayed as a caring military counselor and therapist. He was introduced to offer support to veterans struggling with their traumatic experiences. However, in this series, his character arc takes a surprising and unfortunate turn.

Sam antagonizes Walker and Hoskins without hesitation, showing no concern for Hoskins's death. This departure from his initial portrayal creates a disconnect for viewers. Furthermore, Walker’s uniform bears a black US flag, which serves as a signal to kill on sight. This is followed by his discharge for murder. Yet, despite these serious charges, Walker only receives an honorable discharge, which is bewildering.

Walker's character growth and decision to drop his makeshift shield to save innocent lives are admirable, but his screams in the face of the flagsmashers suggest his deep-seated fear and responsibility rather than a failure or cowardice. It's puzzling why fans and critics so vehemently despise Walker, as his actions are morally commendable.

Racism and Alien Conception: A Farce in the Marvel Universe

The series presents an intriguing twist on human discrimination. With Earth facing repeated invasions and genocidal actions by alien races, one might expect a world where humans unite against a common threat. Instead, the narrative introduces a subplot that revolves around racism, which feels out of place and unnecessary. This aspect of the plot exacerbates the nonsensical elements introduced later in the series.

The idea that humans would discriminate against each other in a world where genocidal aliens roam freely is highly illogical. Given the severity of the alien threat, it's more plausible that humans would focus on uniting against these more immediate, lethal threats rather than internal conflicts. The series could have better explored themes related to human resilience and unity against a common threat, rather than delving into racial divides.

Political Absurdity: Walker's Lack of Accountability

John Walker's lack of accountability and subsequent dishonorable discharge is another instance that adds to the absurdity of the series. For committing murder, Walker only faces a dishonorable discharge, which is a slap on the wrist compared to the severity of his actions. The fact that even personalities like Karla Morgenthau show little concern for Walker’s fate is a further indicator of the series's inconsistencies.

The narrative’s handling of Walker's actions is not only internally inconsistent but also fails to provide a satisfactory resolution. For a character whose death would not affect the story's progression significantly, the indifference shown by the other characters is jarring. This inconsistency underscores the series's struggle to maintain a coherent and believable storyline.

In conclusion, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier takes significant political and thematic turns, but some of these changes feel forced and incongruent with the established narrative. The misalignment between character arcs and the overarching political themes introduces numerous nonsensical elements, particularly in the handling of Sam Wilson's and John Walker's characters. While the political undertones are compelling, they are undermined by instances of logical inconsistency and misstep, leaving much to be desired in terms of maintaining a robust and engaging narrative.