The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Early Reactions Praise the Series
Next week, Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues with the premiere of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. While WandaVision offered a reprieve from the traditional MCU formula, the latest entry in Marvel’s TV slate looks to be a return to the more action-oriented flavor of the studio’s big screen blockbusters. However, according to some early reviews, the show is much more than that.
Critics were recently given the chance to screen The Falcon and the Winter Soldier‘s first episode. Now that the social media embargo has been lifted, they’ve begun sharing some of their initial thoughts on Twitter. Overall, the consensus is largely positive, with special attention being paid to how well the series develops its pair of unlikely leads. You can check out a few highlights below.
Of course, with WandaVision still fresh in our minds, it’s only natural for critics to compare the new series to its immediate predecessor in the MCU canon. Several reactions conceded that The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is indeed more “traditional” by Marvel standards. Regardless, it’s the action-free moments that truly stand out.
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
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) March 12, 2021
Watched the first episode of #TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier. It’s a lot of fun. It didn’t grab me nearly as much as #WandaVision ep 1 and felt much more like standard Marvel movie fare (not in a bad way). The quiet character moments were my favorite of the episode.
— Chris E. Hayner (@ChrisHayner) March 12, 2021
RELATED: Watch Two New Preview Scenes From The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Really liked the first episode of #TheFalconandtheWinterSoldier. Took a bit to totally grab me but as it goes on, you see where they’re going as far as getting to dig deep on who these guys are in a way we hadn’t before. There quickly is some Bucky stuff that is really powerful.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) March 12, 2021
Additionally, /Film’s Peter Sciretta even suggested that the story plays a big role in setting up the remainder of Phase Four.
First episode of Falcon and The Winter Soldier feels like a Marvel movie in a big way, a lot more so than Wandavision (not a knock). The opening action screen feels like a huge MCU action sequence (and not a tv fight), story feels like it has significant MCU consequences.
— Peter Sciretta loves Star Wars (@PeterSciretta) March 12, 2021
Other reviews (including one from Max Evry of our sister site, ComingSoon.net) singled out how well the show adds depth to Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes as individual characters. They may share top billing, but it sounds like Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan shine just as brightly in scenes where they’re on their own. But when they’re together, their chemistry is unmatched.
Saw 1st ep of @disneyplus & @MarvelStudios‘ #TheFalconAndTheWinterSoldier and -as a HUGE fan of 2014’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: TWS- am happy to report this is a return to that grounded, more human glimpse into the MCU. @AnthonyMackie gets to explore Sam’s place in a very divided world. pic.twitter.com/fkhdLPWvQp
— Max Evry (@maxevry) March 12, 2021
RELATED: The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Debuts Character Posters, Legends Episode
Oh hey I guess I can say I’ve seen the first episode of #FalconAndWinterSoldier? Probably more character development for these 2 characters in these 45 minutes than the previous 10 films. Big scale with some nice “what’s it REALLY like to be a superhero” moments. I’m in.
— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) March 12, 2021
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
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) March 12, 2021
I’ve seen the first episode of #FalconAndWinterSolider, and like #WandaVision, this is something new from @MarvelStudios. A character study mixed with blockbuster visuals, it’s a slow burn, but a showcase for Mackie (#SamWilson) and Stan (#BuckyBarnes). That ending, though… pic.twitter.com/zo3S1f1s5Q
— Josh Wilding (@Josh_Wilding) March 12, 2021
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier premieres next Friday, March 19 on Disney+.
Are you happy to hear that critics are enjoying the series so far? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Captain America Vol. 1: Winter Soldier Ultimate Collection
