THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER: 8 Unanswered Questions We Have After Watching The Season Finale

The season finale of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier hit Disney+ earlier today, but both that and the series as a whole has left us with some unanswered questions we're now attempting to figure out...

By JoshWilding - Apr 23, 2021 07:04 AM EST

Filed Under: Falcon and The Winter Soldier

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier's season finale was excellent, while the series as a whole was very good (albeit a little inconsistent at times). Still, as we dive deeper into Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's definitely changed this shared world in a number of significant ways.

It's been a fun ride over the past six weeks, but as is often the case with shows like this, we've been left with some unanswered questions. Some of these can be blamed on apparent plot holes, while others are quite likely a deliberate move on the part of Marvel Studios to keep us guessing.

Either way, we're doing our best to figure them out by attempting to provide some answers...while also figuring out why the Disney+ series would leave us guessing over such crucial moments.

To take a look through this feature, all you guys need to do is click on the "Next" button below!

8. Will Eli Bradley Become Patriot?

Sam Wilson makes peace with Isaiah Bradley in the season finale of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, honouring him with a place in the part of the Smithsonian exhibition dedicated to Steve Rogers. It's a beautiful moment, and the perfect way to end that character's story arc in the MCU.

However, what about Eli Bradley? He's clearly a kid with an attitude, but there are no signs throughout this series that he's inherited his grandfather's superhuman abilities.

Still, he seemingly takes a liking to Sam Wilson, and definitely looked inspired when he saw that statue of his grandfather. The question is, will that lead to Eli suiting up as Patriot, the leader of the Young Avengers? If that is the plan, Marvel Studios is clearly taking a slow-burn approach, and it might not be something that pays off until an eventual season two. We're rooting for it to happen, though.

7. Who Does This Captain America Work For, Anyway?

Steve Rogers "disgraced" the Captain America mantle by becoming a war criminal and breaking the Sokovia Accords. The world has clearly come to understand that he was still a hero, though, and it does appear he's being mourned as a legend following the events of Avengers: Endgame.

John Walker, meanwhile, was given the mantle by the GRC and the United States Government. Where does that leave Sam Wilson? Is he a free agent, or does he too report to a higher power? We have a feeling it's the latter, though it would have been interesting to see this finale devote some time to exploring how those in power have reacted to him wielding the shield.

Marvel Studios has yet to establish the place of the Avengers in the MCU following Thanos' attack on Earth, but we have no reason to believe Sam won't end up leading that team one day.

6. Is That It For The Flag Smashers?

The remaining Super Soldiers are blown up in the closing moments of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, so that's the end of them (they won't be missed). However, what about the concept of the Flag Smashers?

Karli Morgenthau is no more, but there are clearly still those who support the movement. Ultimately, the GRC decide not to move forward with their plans to uproot those affected by The Blip; that doesn't mean there won't always be people who want to fight back against anyone who holds power.

We're sure there are plenty of villains who might want to twist the Flag Smashers' intentions for their own means, but aren't banking on this group continuing in any way. Their logo might pop up now and again, but without the Super Soldiers, there's really not much they can bring to the MCU.

5. Is Zemo's Story Over?

Zemo's arc in the series came to an abrupt end in the penultimate episode when the Dora Milaje decided to take him to The Raft. That was a little weird when it seemed like they were intent on making him pay for his crimes in Wakanda, but at least the finale rectifies that to some extent.

Despite being behind bars, Zemo was still able to manipulate events to the point where those remaining Super Soldiers are killed. That proves the Baron is more powerful than we realised, and something tells us he won't be training behind bars for too much longer (he has no desire to target Bucky, but there are plenty of other superpowered individuals he'd surely like to dispose of).

So, no, we don't think Zemo's story is over...we just don't know where it will go next (or when it's going to continue). We do wish Marvel Studios had laid the groundwork for him to assemble the Thunderbolts in this series, but as of right now, there's no indication that's what they have planned.

4. What Is Cap's (And U.S. Agent's) Place In The MCU?

The GRC's Captain America was clearly meant to be someone they could send on missions to further their own means; he was a soldier who could wield an iconic weapon and represent his country in a way those in charge wanted. As for Sam Wilson, his place in the MCU is a little harder to figure out.

He willingly helps the authorities in the closing few minutes of the finale, but is he a free agent? Steve Rogers immediately started working for S.H.I.E.L.D. upon his return, and only stopped doing so when they fell. Now, it remains to be seen whether Sam will continue working with the military or be his own man, fighting the good fight and stepping in where he's needed.

Like Walker (at least at first), he doesn't have any superpowers, so that could limit what he's able to do. Then again, he tackled an alien invasion as The Falcon, so there's no real reason to suspect he'll be handling "smaller" threats. Either way, both Sam and John are on vastly different paths now.

3. What Endgame Does "Val" Have?

Valentina Allegra de Fontaine appears to be on the side of the angels, but we still know very little about her motivations. Like Nick Fury, it seems like she has a lot of power and operates from the shadows. That's not to say we won't eventually learn that "Val" serves Leviathan or HYDRA, but right now, it looks like she legitimately wants to use U.S. Agent on behalf of the country.

Val isn't the Power Broker and, as of right now, there's no reason to suspect they're working together (to put it bluntly, there's no reason to believe this mysterious character would need Sharon).

We can't help but wonder whether Val is someone looking to put together her own Avengers - either the Dark Avengers or Thunderbolts - and if that's the case, it would explain those rumours about her appearing in Black Widow. If she recruits Yelena Belova there, she already has a Captain America and Black Widow...who's next? We'll obviously have to wait and see.

2. What's The Deal With Sharon Carter?

Sharon Carter being the Power Broker wasn't exactly a shock, and actually proved to be something of a predictable twist. It's easy enough to understand why the former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent might be angry with the world, but her heading to Madripoor to create a criminal empire...well, it's a little weird.

This is also a huge departure from the comic books, where Sharon is Steve Rogers' primary love interest and a hero through and through. So, why have things changed so drastically for her?

Sharon is quite clearly excited to use the information being part of the C.I.A. affords her to further her cause, but what that cause is...we don't know. It could be as simple as a desire to get rich, but what if she's a Skrull? Those shapeshifting aliens would definitely want to create a super soldier army and access government information, so here's hoping this pays off in Secret Invasion.

1. Where Is Steve Rogers?

This is, without a doubt, the biggest unanswered question The Falcon and The Winter Soldier leaves us with. There have been jokes about Steve Rogers being on the moon, but it's clear now that the world hasn't been led to believe the former Captain America is dead...he's just vanished.

It makes sense that the rest of the Avengers would want Steve to live out his final years in peace, but both Sam and Bucky have alluded to him being "gone" and neither of them reaches out to him here.

The fact Marvel Studios wouldn't address this is pretty damn weird, and it feels like they're maybe still weighing up their options when it comes to what to do with the character. Reliable sources have reported that Chris Evans will return as Captain America, so perhaps the plan is to de-age him.

CAPTAIN AMERICA Star Anthony Mackie Is Disappointed FALCON AND WINTER SOLDIER Didn't Get A Second Season

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70 Comments

1 2

MyCoolYoung - 4/23/2021, 7:40 AM

I didn't expect to learn where Steve was but I expected it at the same time. It was teased all series but I'm starting to think these shows won't have massive ramifications for the future of the mcu. Much more self contained than I thought they'd be.

Sharon got kissed, dissed, and her aunt [frick]ed in days of her future past she's not going to be same person she was back then I just don't know where she'll pop up next.

Sam is his own man and doesn't work for anyone. He has his own contacts and own way of doing things

Reposting this here:

The Finale had some levels of cheese to it, like some of things reminded me the amazing spiderman 2 finale with the people watching and cheering.

Also the "no, he's captain america" we really didn't need the public perception especially with it being so positive then Sam saying he can feel the hate.

I loved Sam as Cap though he was inspiring. His speech delivery isn't on Steve's level but it was still good.

They needed another episode. They kind of glossed over Buckys list. I was hoping to get Yuri's reaction to him killing his son. Did he respond with anger? Just a lot of questions.

I liked the finale and show though 8/10

KWilly - 4/23/2021, 7:41 AM

My guess is Steve is dead (Like Far From Home said) but Josh brings out a good point. I don't think Marvel really knows what they wanna do with his character yet, so they're just being vague until they have an idea.

Until I see him on screen again tho, my head canon says he's dead.

Also, 2 missed opportunities in the finale. 1 being not having Rhodey in some capacity. I mean, they could've had him watching Sam's speech on the TV, or be at the memoriam center again with Bradley.

And 2... NOT PLAYING A MARVIN GAYE SONG AT THAT PARTY MONTAGE SCENE. Lol, I mean, maybe they didn't have the rights to play one, but What's Going On would've fit perfectly there.

inkniron - 4/23/2021, 7:42 AM

Bonus question: How could they add the wing in the museum for Isaiah without having a ceremony for it? I mean, he's presumed dead but even if he wasn't there for it, that would be something they they would invite family for. He got shortchanged again

GhostDog - 4/23/2021, 7:44 AM

@inkniron - I think he liked staying unknown and away to an extent. Just the fact that there is a memorial wing for him and people will know is enough.

I don't know if he would be the type who would want a parade from a govt that IMPRISONED him for 30 years.

inkniron - 4/23/2021, 7:48 AM

@BlackBeltJones - Not that he would want it, but when the gov't admits a mistake they like to do it as publicly as possible so they can fake contrition. They don't sweep things like that under the rug anymore. They want their atta boy.

MyCoolYoung - 4/23/2021, 7:49 AM

@BlackBeltJones - especially considering he believes they still wanna kill him

Repian - 4/23/2021, 7:46 AM

You seriously ask "Who Does This Captain America Work For, Anyway?"

He works for the citizens. It is not sold to a government or any organization.

Origame - 4/23/2021, 8:38 AM

@Repian - yeah. At the bare minimum it's clear he isn't working for a government. You know, like any other superhero.

GhostDog - 4/23/2021, 7:46 AM

The Raft is basically a THUNDERBOTLS DRAFT POOL. I'm assuming more baddies will end up there.

I think an extra post credit scene with someone in a suit visiting The Raft mentioning "needing to keep an eye on Zemo as a prospect" would've hit well.

JustJonNoH - 4/23/2021, 7:50 AM

In the Young Avengers comic Eli tells everyone he gets his super soldier strength from it being in his blood because of his grandfather. However in reality he was being juiced up from the power broker and became a power junkie. Then he got seriously injured and had to have a blood transfusion and his grandfather was his only match and then he got his powers.

DoubleD - 4/23/2021, 7:51 AM

Which movie will all these questions be answered?

Rastarapha - 4/23/2021, 7:53 AM

@DoubleD -

Doctor strange 2

1 2

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THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER: 8 Unanswered Questions We Have After Watching The Season Finale

The season finale of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier hit Disney+ earlier today, but both that and the series as a whole has left us with some unanswered questions we're now attempting to figure out...

8. Will Eli Bradley Become Patriot?

7. Who Does This Captain America Work For, Anyway?

6. Is That It For The Flag Smashers?

5. Is Zemo's Story Over?

4. What Is Cap's (And U.S. Agent's) Place In The MCU?

3. What Endgame Does "Val" Have?

2. What's The Deal With Sharon Carter?

1. Where Is Steve Rogers?

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