So I just caught up with the latest episode of Falcon and the Winter Solider, and there was a few plot points that really intrigued me. Baron Zemo continues to quietly steal every scene, the conflicts with Shuri were intense and beautifully choreographed, and the insight into how the Blip had affected world migration highlighted a lot of how the Flagsmashers have come to power. The most compelling scenes (SPOILER ALERT) are with Off Brand Cap, and his unsuccessful struggle with his own weakness in trying to live up to Classic Cap, culminating with Off Brand Cap using the last surviving vail of super soldier serum to take bloody revenge after the death of his best friend.
See the problem yet? I haven’t mentioned Falcon or the Winter Solider, because there simply wasn’t a lot going on them in this episode.
My wife and I were talking about this the other day and going through classic “buddy cop” style movies where reluctant partners come to respect each other and defeat a challenge or evil foe. I was going to write about Lethal Weapon, Tango & Cash, or even Enemy Mine (there’s small prize for anyone who has enjoyed this 80s sci-fi as much as I did!), but my better half came up with the perfect example of the rivals-to-comrades plot.
Toy Story. Stay with me on this.
From the moment Buzz Lightyear is introduced, his presence upsets Woody’s relationship and position with the rest of the Toys and with his owner Andy. Buzz, meanwhile, cannot accept the fact that he is a toy and not a real space ranger. Woody is the one who tries to get rid of his rival Buzz, knocking him out of the window and resulting in Woody being ostracized by the other toys. When Buzz and Woody meet up again, their conflict sees them left behind by Andy, and only after the pair are taken by the destructive boy Sid do they start to work together, culminating in their eventual return to Andy. The conflict, actions and decisions arising from this central relationship are the primary movers of this plot – and because of it, you become invested with both characters. You can understand how the new changes are scary to Woody, who doesn’t want to be abandoned. You can also sympathize with Buzz, who is only just beginning to understand his (very small) place in the world.
Good Writing Matters, and here’s my problem with Falcon and the Winter Soldier. For a show that was billed as being about Sam and Bucky’s rivalry and partnership, time and time again they take a back seat in the story. Their relationship and differing motivations should create the conflict or resolution that pushes the events forward as they help or get in each other’s way. Instead, they let other characters take control of where this plot is going.
As a result, this story is still falling flat for me. The show is still improving, and I’m holding on in the hope that Bucky and Sam will take center stage. We’ll just have to wait and see!
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