Marvel’s ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’ hit Disney+ in 2021, picking up after the massive events of ‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019). It follows Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes as they navigate a world without Steve Rogers, tackling new threats and personal struggles. The show aimed high, blending action, character growth, and real-world issues, but not every swing landed perfectly.

Four years on, some parts of the series feel dated or mishandled, while others shine brighter with time. I’m diving into five ways the show hasn’t held up and five ways it still feels fresh and impactful. Let’s break it down.

Ways It Aged Poorly

Weak Villains Dragged the Story

‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’ (2021) struggled with its antagonists. The Flag Smashers, led by Karli Morgenthau, aimed to be complex, fighting for a borderless world post-Blip. But their motivations felt vague, and Karli’s shift from idealist to violent extremist was rushed. The reveal of Sharon Carter as the Power Broker also fell flat, lacking buildup or emotional weight. These muddled villains made the stakes feel lower than they should have in a story about global chaos.

Weak antagonists hurt the show’s rewatch value. Without a compelling threat, the action sequences, while flashy, don’t carry the same punch. The series needed sharper writing to make these characters resonate, and their lack of depth feels more glaring now.

Pacing Issues Slowed the Momentum

The six-episode format felt stretched at times. Early episodes spent too long on setup, like Sam’s family struggles or Bucky’s therapy, without tying them tightly to the main plot. Later, the show rushed to wrap up major arcs, like John Walker’s downfall or the Flag Smashers’ defeat. This uneven pacing made the story feel disjointed.

Looking back, the show could have used tighter editing or a clearer focus. The slow burn didn’t always pay off, and the rushed finale left some threads dangling. It’s a flaw that stands out more on rewatch, as the excitement of new MCU content fades.

Political Themes Felt Heavy-Handed

The series tackled heavy topics like racism and nationalism, but its approach sometimes felt clumsy. Moments like Sam’s bank loan denial or the police confrontation hinted at systemic issues, but they were resolved too quickly or simplistically. The show raised big questions about America’s flaws but didn’t always dig deep enough to answer them.

In 2025, these scenes can feel like surface-level gestures. The show’s ambition to address real-world issues was bold, but the execution often leaned on clichés or easy resolutions, making some moments feel dated or unearned.

Underused Supporting Characters

Characters like Baron Zemo and Sharon Carter had potential but were sidelined or mishandled. Zemo, played with charm by Daniel Brühl, was reduced to a quippy sidekick after his complex role in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ (2016). Sharon’s arc as the Power Broker felt tacked on, with little screen time to justify it. These characters deserved more focus to shine.

Their underuse feels like a missed opportunity now. With the MCU expanding, seeing Zemo or Sharon reduced to plot devices stings, especially when their past roles promised richer stories.

Over-Reliance on MCU Tropes

The show leaned heavily on familiar MCU elements—big fight scenes, surprise cameos, and tie-ins to past films. While fun for fans, this made it less accessible to newcomers and sometimes felt like a retread of ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ (2014). The squirrel suits, CGI-heavy battles, and predictable twists didn’t always add anything new.

Years later, this reliance on formula stands out. The show could have taken more risks to stand apart, but its safe approach makes it blend into the MCU’s crowded lineup.

Ways It Aged Masterfully

Sam Wilson’s Journey as Captain America

Sam Wilson’s arc, played by Anthony Mackie, remains the heart of the show. His struggle to accept the Captain America mantle as a Black man in a flawed country was powerful. The finale’s speech, where he embraces the role while calling out America’s injustices, still hits hard. It’s a defining moment for the MCU’s new era.

This storyline feels even stronger today. Sam’s journey reflects ongoing conversations about identity and leadership, making his transformation into Captain America timeless and inspiring.

Bucky’s Redemption Arc

Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes got a chance to shine, grappling with his past as a brainwashed assassin. His therapy sessions and efforts to make amends, like his confession to Yori, added depth to a character often stuck in the background. These quiet moments grounded the action.

Bucky’s arc holds up beautifully. His struggle with guilt and search for peace resonate universally, and Stan’s performance keeps these scenes fresh and emotionally raw.

Chemistry Between Leads

The banter between Sam and Bucky, from bickering to begrudging respect, is a highlight. Their dynamic, built on shared loss and contrasting personalities, brought humor and heart. Scenes like their couples’ therapy session or rolling in the field are pure gold.

This chemistry remains a strength. Mackie and Stan’s natural rapport makes the show endlessly rewatchable, and their friendship sets a high bar for MCU buddy dynamics.

Isaiah Bradley’s Haunting Story

The introduction of Isaiah Bradley, a Black super-soldier abused by the government, was a gut punch. Carl Lumbly’s performance gave weight to this tragic figure, whose story mirrored real-world injustices. His scenes with Sam added depth to the Captain America legacy.

Isaiah’s story feels more relevant than ever. It grounds the MCU in history, making the show’s exploration of race and sacrifice enduringly powerful.

Setting Up Captain America: Brave New World

The series laid crucial groundwork for ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ (2025). Sam’s evolution, the introduction of characters like Joaquin Torres, and the exploration of the super-soldier serum’s legacy set the stage for the next chapter. The show’s focus on a post-Blip world added new layers to the MCU.

This setup pays off as the MCU moves forward. The series feels like a vital stepping stone, making Sam’s Captain America era exciting and relevant.

What’s your take on ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’—which moments still hit for you, or what fell short? Drop your thoughts in the comments!