There were plenty of fanfare and rumors about John Walker’s character in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Most were predicting that he would turn bad just like he had in the comics. Walker did indeed fall from grace after he lost his temper when his partner, Lamar Hoskins, was killed by the Flag-Smashers. But is John Walker exactly evil?
While his future may look villainous, there should be considerable debate as to whether John Walker is an evil man, judging by the first season alone. As in the case with other villains, Walker may not be evil to his core; rather, it’s a series of unfortunate circumstances that brought someone like Walker to a nefarious happenstance.
10 John Walker Served In The Military
A lot of villains are known for having selfish ulterior motives (or they just want to burn down the world). But John Walker started out as someone who really did believe in patriotism and showed it by serving his country before taking up the shield.
Walker and Lamar Hoskins, aka Battlestar, fought together on special recon missions, which was briefly discussed before they introduced Walker to the world as Captain America. The pressure Walker put on himself was due to a deep loyalty for his country, not for a more evil motive.
9 John Walker Tried To Mend A Relationship With Bucky & Sam
Despite having animosity towards each other, Sam and Bucky agreed that they really couldn’t stand John Walker taking over Steve Rogers’ role as Captain America. So much so that Bucky resented Sam for giving up the shield that Steve gave to him. Walker, however, made several initial attempts to work with the two rather than discarding them.
Walker saved them both while fighting the Flag-Smashers, attempted to reason with them, and even bailed Bucky out of jail. Despite a less friendlier relationship that ended up taking place, Walker took time to try and build an alliance for the good of the mission.
8 Walker Wasn’t Evil, But overzealous
The failing of John Walker wasn’t due to his lack of ethics, but rather that he cared too much. Walker was headstrong and overzealous, eager to prove himself as worthy of taking up the shield. This could make Walker feel insufferable at times and also seem foolish.
The time where John Walker ordered around the Dora Milaje when they went to arrest Zemo, only to get completely owned, is certainly evidence to Walker’s embarrassing arrogance. But this is not a characteristic of an evil man but of a novice superhero.
7 John Walker Did Respect Steve Rogers
There are some superheroes whose intentions reflect a competitive need for the limelight. While Walker tried way too hard to prove himself, he did respect his predecessor, Steve Rogers. Walker, in his introduction to the world on his old high school football field, told a reporter that he followed Steve’s career closely with a sense of reverence.
A skeptic may think he’s just doing that for show. But in a conversation with Bucky and Sam, he acknowledges that he’s not trying to take Steve’s place. Walker realizes how impactful Steve was and truly acknowledges that even when the cameras are off.
6 John Walker Was Never Evil But Plagued With Self-Doubt
Besides being overeager, Walker’s failing was his crippling self-doubt. In fact, Walker’s extreme methods are to compensate for his constant insecurities about being the new Captain America. The pressure kept getting to him and Lamar had to be a consistent source for moral support.
When Walker decided to ingest the super soldier serum, it was not out of an evil intention for power or domination. Walker took the serum because he felt he could not compete in this world of adversaries with skills way above his pay grade.
5 John Walker Stood Up For Himself Honestly
John Walker needed to face serious consequences after losing his cool and killing a member of the Flag-Smashers. Despite the public humiliation, Walker didn’t try to smooth talk or weasel out of his punishment.
He said he understood why he was being punished and proceeded to air his true feelings on how he felt he was treated. Walker lashing out proves he does not know how to control his temper. But a more evil individual would use a terrible situation for their own gain rather than honestly voicing their grievances.
4 John Walker Finished Out The Mission Of Stopping The Flag-Smashers
Walker’s falling out with the U.S. government could’ve caused him to pursue more unsavory avenues. However, even in the face of anger towards the world, Walker still decided to help out when it came to stopping the Flag-Smashers’ plan.
Whether it was a devotion to Lamar, an anger towards Karli Morgenthau, a sense of responsibility, or all three, Walker showed he wasn’t willing to ditch the mission. Walker could’ve joined a group to take down the U.S. government (though it’s still possible that could happen), but he decided to follow through on the same goal he had as Captain America.
3 Walker Killing A Flag-Smasher For Revenge Was Not Right, But Understandable
This was without question John Walker’s lowest moment. Killing an unarmed individual, even if they’re a part of the radical group like the Flag-Smashers is inexcusable. Unless that excuse happens to be that Walker watched his best friend get killed. Lamar’s death at the hands of Karli Morgenthau sent Walker into a blind rage.
It’s hard to imagine that not happening to anyone if they just witnessed their best friend getting killed. While he definitely should’ve been punished, Walker’s motives were not out of an evil blood lust but out of pain for losing his best friend. When put in that context, it’s harder to judge him.
2 John Walker Spoke To Lamar’s Family Personally
One can make many arguments against John Walker’s character. But one thing they cannot argue against is that Walker truly cares about his partner Lamar. While it was already covered that Walker’s impulsive killing was due to his true love for Lamar, the real act of devotion came when Walker personally visited Lamar’s parents to break the bad news about their son.
It shows a true depth to Walker’s character that he took the time to speak with his deceased friend’s family. A truly evil person would not commit such an act.
1 John Walker Saves A Van Full Of People
This moment definitely proves that there’s a good heart deep down in John Walker. After committing what the public viewed as a heinous and brazen atrocity, Walker redeemed himself in a heroic, show-stealing moment. While fighting Karli in the season finale, Walker spotted a van of UN delegates about to fall.
Instead of chasing Karli and exacting his revenge for Lamar, Walker did an altruistic act and saved the van from falling. Sam’s trusty gadget, Redwing, also came in clutch to save the van after Walker was attacked. Yet, it was Walker’s effort that would be the most remembered and proof that at the end of the day, he’s not evil.
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