WARNING: The following contains spoilers for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier Episode 5, “Truth,” now streaming on Disney+.
It’s safe to say Avengers: Endgame had the most emotional finale in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far, wrapping up many threads and passing the baton to a new generation of heroes. Tony Stark’s death may have been the biggest gut-punch of them all, but there was also a key moment with an older Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) giving the shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie).
This was of particular interest to fans because it wasn’t clear if Steve had told Bucky about his plans to stay in the past and hand the shield over to Sam. However, the latest episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier shows that not only did Bucky know about this, he played an active role in the decision.
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In Endgame, Steve embraced Bucky and told him it’d be alright before returning to put the Infinity Stones back in their respective locations. His mission was to clip branched timelines and fix history, but fans were shocked when he blew past his time stamp and wasn’t able to be brought home by Hulk. Bucky gave a sly smile, as if he knew Steve stayed behind to make a life with Peggy Carter. This seems especially true considering he said he’d miss Steve, which shouldn’t be the case if he believed Steve was only going to be gone for “five seconds.”
The look of surprise on Bucky’s face when Old Man Steve reappeared near the lake, however, hinted that he might not have been in on the full plan. Some assumed that Bucky sending Sam over to collect the shield and nodding with approval was simply him and Steve being on the same page after being best friends for so long, knowing each other’s moves almost telepathically. Still, while Bucky being an accomplice was mentioned by the creative team, this wasn’t technically canon until now.
In the TV series, as Bucky admits he was wrong to assume Sam wanted the shield, especially knowing how America has mistreated Black people, he confirms that he about Steve’s plan all along. He agreed with Steve’s idea that Sam should take the mantle up and carry on Cap’s legacy, neither one realizing that it was insensitive and presumptuous of them to make that decision. And as Sam embraces the shield at last, when reconciled with how Bucky reacted back then, it all makes sense.
When Steve told him it’d work out and that he’d miss him, Bucky hugged him and echoed their exchange from The First Avenger, when Bucky left Steve behind and went off to fight in WWII. With the roles now reversed, it’s evident that Bucky knew that Steve was leaving to embark on a new life with Peggy Carter. Ultimately, the former Winter Soldier was reassured that Cap had picked a successor that he endorsed wholeheartedly, which explains why Bucky was so adamant that Sam continue that dynasty.
Directed by Kari Skogland, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier stars Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Emily VanCamp, Wyatt Russell, Noah Mills, Carl Lumbly and Daniel Brühl. A new episode debuts each Friday on Disney+.
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