Episode 6 - One World, One People.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier's finale gave us an action-packed climax, and it was quite the treat for fans who have been diligently watching the show every week.

The episode picks up with Karli and the Flag Smashers going after the GRC. We get to see a grand entrance by Sam (Anthony Mackie), who is now the new Captain America. He flies in and makes a splash in his new Wakanda-made suit. He is joined by Bucky (Sebastian Stan) in a fight against Karli and her crew. Karli even shows that she is ready to kill people, if it comes down to it.

John Walker (Wyatt Russell) makes a surprising entry as he fights Karli, seeking revenge for the death of his friend Lemar. Later, he is once again visited by Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who gives him a new suit and mission.

This is Sam's episode. After saving the day, he gives an inspiring speech at the end, calling out the GRC and the government. He ask the people in power to ask the right questions and make decisions taking everyone into account. He believed in Karli's cause, and hopes to see it through. He goes back to visit Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) for a heartfelt conversation.

Don't miss the end credits that leave us looking ahead to another season.

The Verdict

While the finale ties up many the loose ends, it did feel a bit rushed. Having only six episodes to unpack all the drama, action and plot, I wasn't surprised that there were some questions left unanswered. I'm glad they shed light on the identity of the Power Broker, as the individual has been mentioned throughout the series.

It's the dialogue that impressed me. At the sight of Sam in his new suit, someone in the crowd says, "That's Black Falcon," and another goes, "That's Captain America." Period. That's all that should matter.

Sam even dishes on race and representation: "Every time I pick this thing up, I know there are millions of people who are going to hate me for it," because he doesn't have blonde hair and blue eyes. It packs a punch and leaves us with much to think about.

John Walker has a neat character arc as he goes from a villain that's despised to a semi-likable hero. He does get a moment to do the right thing in the finale -- I was pleased to see this small, but heartfelt action on his part. It's Wyatt Russell's treatment of John that makes us hate him for his actions, but also sympathize with him as it's the government who forced and cheered him on. He just wanted to make an impact and we get a glimpse that there's more in store for him.

Disney did a spectacular job with the casting, as each actor played his role to a tee. Anthony Mackie makes us fully believe that he is the new Captain America -- one that he contemplated for all the right reasons before fully accepting it. Bucky gets the closure that he needs, as witnessed from the very first episode.

Even Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who barely has less than five minutes of screen time, makes a solid impression with the cheeky banter that she delivers with ease and spunk. I would have liked to see more of Emily VanCamp's Sharon Carter. She plays a pivotal role, but is barely given enough screen time for her character arc to play out.

Overall, the first season was promising and it was refreshing to see race discussed so prominently on a Marvel show -- one that hasn't been done before to this extent. I am looking forward to a second season!

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is streaming on Disney+. New episodes are released weekly. ~Marriska Fernandes