For those who feel short changed by this series, episode five brings something substantial to the table. Wyatt Russell finally steps out of the shadows, taking ownership of John Walker in all his tarnished glory. Brandishing that shield and kneeling like a penitent man, his presence will be forever burned into the collective unconscious. What follows is a confrontation with purpose, driven by narrative need and rich in long term repercussions. In short, this stand off carries the weight of emotional conviction and demands your attention.
For one moment that shield symbolises subjugation, authoritarian oppression and tyranny. Dripping with the blood of an innocent man, John Walker is turned from American saviour to puppet and perpetrator. ‘Truth’ is the making of this character and that actor in the role. It also offers Sam and Bucky the most dramatic substance of any episode thus far.
‘Truth’ is transitional for both, making their separation, reconciliation and mutual respect earned rather than given. Episode five is more cohesive, features multiverse touchstones with context and relies less on situational distractions. For the first time this story feels connected to something broader, with fewer flashy set pieces and more focus on character. Monuments to past transgressions hit home, villainous elements prove surmountable and responsibilities are finally taken on.
Beyond that, Carl Lumbly hammers home the more unsavoury elements of American history through Isaiah Bradley. His reasoned and measured moments on screen prove a high point for the show. Passionate, eloquent and painfully honest in his recollections and rationale, rarely have Marvel been so direct. In that single scene The Falcon and the Winter Soldier changes forever.
It becomes instead a thinly veiled history lesson which criticises barriers to those of colour within an ethically blinkered society. That this provides the catalyst for change is academic, but nonetheless welcome. In comparison the Flag Smashers make less impact despite their importance to story. However, what proves more intriguing than any amount of terrorist cell activity, involves John Walker and a fleeting character cameo.
Taking up no more than two minutes of screen time, but walking away with the whole thing is an extremely sophisticated individual . Savvy and self-assured, this is a major player who offers John Walker relevance at his lowest ebb. Suddenly this latter day Captain America feels dangerous, unpredictable and more importantly part of the universe.
In an episode which is perfectly pieced together, ‘Truth’ adds so much substance and character into its fifty minute run time that redemption is assured. With an equal balance of meaningful drama, integral action and real world gravitas, this is now the show everyone expected.