One of the best things about the latest episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier was the fact that Sam Wilson finally reclaimed the Captain America shield. After all, fans have been hoping that they would see Sam wielding the shield after several episodes. But what pushed Sam to take the shield back from John Walker?
In The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Episode 5, Sam and Bucky Barnes finally did what they were planning to do in The Whole World is Watching: They confronted John Walker to reclaim the Captain America shield. Walker didn't give it up easily and the fight led to Sam's wingsuit being destroyed. Still, Sam was able to take the shield away.
So why did it take so long for Sam to decide that it's time to take back what was given to him by Steve Rogers? Director Kari Skogland explained to Entertainment Weekly that it was important for Sam to learn to accept the responsibility of picking up an important symbol that was once connected to a white man.
"We wanted Sam to engage in both a public and private conversation of what it means for a Black man to pick up such an iconic historically white symbol. By starting off with his acknowledgement of how important it is as a symbol, and that it is connected to a bygone era, Sam opens the door to the idea that what defines a hero today is not the same ideal as it was when Steve first picked up the shield," Skogland said.
"It is important that we explore all sides to its future as a symbol, given it represents the American flag and the deep history that comes with something that represents equality and freedom," she continued.
It has been a long journey but there is little doubt that the idea of Sam taking the shield will continue to be discussed in the future. In the meantime, we're just thrilled that he has finally accepted his role and is ready to face the world as the new Captain America.
The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Episode 5 is now streaming on Disney+. The series finale is scheduled to premiere on April 23.
Related: The Falcon and The Winter Soldier: Is Sharon Carter Power Broker?
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