On The Air: The Falcon & The Winter Soldier (2021)

 Marvel Studios' 2nd series for Disney+, The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, spins out of the "Avengers" movies, yes, but it also stands on its own merits.

It's made clear at the beginning that Sam Wilson, aka the Falcon (Anthony Mackie), and James "Bucky" Barnes, formerly the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), are not friends, but reluctant partners on a mission. Barnes is making amends for the wrongs he committed as the Winter Soldier. Wilson would rather be in New Orleans, helping his sister save her business.

What pulls them together are a group of freedom fighters opposed to the US, calling themselves the Flag Smashers. This group has no connection in truth to the Flag Smasher introduced in the comics in the 80's as an opponent for Captain America. That was right about the time John Walker (Wyatt Russell) was anointed as the new Cap, when Steve Rogers took a hiatus from his heroic persona. Walker and his partner, Lemar Hoskins, aka Battlestar, have been sanctioned by the government, but they're not exactly 100% true blue. Well, Battlestar would be, but there's something wrong about Walker, presented here as a former Navy SEAL.

Some more familiar Marvel characters will show up during the course of this six episode series, including Emily VanCamp, reprising as Sharon Carter. Check the trailer:

With Barnes now clean shaven, there is some facial resemblance between Sebastian Stan and WWE wrestler-actor Michael "The Miz" Mizanin. Stan will be seen next in a bio on Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee and his then-wife, Pamela Anderson. Disney would love to have Mackie return for another movie.

Rating: A.