Depicting a post AVENGERS: ENDGAME era, the MCU reintroduces Anthony Mackie (‘Avengers: End Game’, ‘Outside the Wire’) and Sebastian Stan (‘Avengers: End Game’, ‘I, Tonya’, ‘The Martian) reprising their roles in FALCON & THE WINTER SOLDIER for a syndicated TV series. Due for a mid March 2021 release, the two heroes are set to team up against the villainous Flag Smasher group. Daniel Bruhl will appear as the antagonistic Baron Helmut Zemo (‘Captain America: Civil War’, ‘Inglourious Basterds’, ‘The Cloverfield Paradox’) whilst these mismatched heroes acquire some much needed back up in Sharon Carter played by Emily Van Camp (‘The Girl in the Book’, ‘Boundaries’). Undoubtedly these days TV series do have the benefit of larger budgets, and certainly in the case the backing of the MCU monolith presents what is essentially an a larger budget action series.
One of the more unique elements of this series, is no doubt its not so subtle reliance on The Odd Couple formula. Though it is a long established trope, it has been utilized with much success in the old ‘buddy cop’ movies, where two completely contrasting characters team up – in the same way shown in Starsky and Hutch. This proving that this style does indeed work for the small screen, albeit in this instance the parameters of the MCU do make for a more visually spectacular thrill ride. Audiences these days have more sophisticated palates, however it is hard to deny the mass appeal of the MCU and its associated properties – which present enough excitement to make a fan of any superhero skeptic.
Parts of the trailer this obvious dynamic, with the wise cracking and smart alec Falcon joshing his more stoic and dour colleague in the Winter Soldier. They do play off against each other well, which provides not only for some comedic moments but respite from what will be an action packed television series. Though these two characters may not be considered the top tier characters (that is to say compared to Iron Man, Captain America, Spiderman etc) the huge fan base established by the Russo Brother’s films will no doubt draw much enthusiasm for this latest offering.
