The first 15 mins was movie quality action scene once they keep doing that people are going to be happy. The first episode was very solid. It was so good I was reminded why I defend MCU stuff the fact stuff and has quips and jokes doesn't make the heavier stuff less serious the weight of emotional and meaning stuff works inside the action-comedy formula. Anyways very good episode and view of superhero life outside being a superhero is some of the best stuff in a long time imo. The Avengers organizational setup sucks make for an interesting show and comics but yeah heroes would need life insurance, 401k, and medical benefits.
I find it amusing that they took one black character's birthplace and business (Monica Rambeau's Louisiana birthplace and old fishing business that she ran with her dad) and gave it to another black character, Sam.
"The Marvel EIC Chair has a certain curse that goes along with it: it tends to drive people insane, and ultimately, out of the business altogether. It is the notorious last stop for many staffers, as once you've sat in The Big Chair, your pariah status is usually locked in." Christopher Priest
That might be because Anthony Mackie is from Lousianna more than anything else. His parents also owned their own business. (not shrimp)
Great first ep! A few quick hightlights:
-- Sam gets to jump out of the back of a cargo plane sans chute - a Marvel hero staple!!
-- That first action sequence was awesome. They really know how to kick things off, since the rest of the ep was all character-based.
-- Awesome seeing Rhodey. Loved their conversation. I wasn't sure of the timeline, but these guys both served on Avengers 2.0 with Wanda. I almost thought Rhodey would mention her when he talks about how screwed up everything is, but I've since read this takes place before that.
-- I can only imagine Bucky's anxiety about his shrink bringing out the notebook. He has a bad history with notebooks - she must know how this is a (literal) trigger for him.
-- Heartbreaking to see Bucky hanging out with the father of the guy he killed.
-- I was surprised how heartbreaking it would be to see the reveal of a new Cap. Knowing what it means to Sam is what made it feel like such a gut-punch and betrayal.
This show seems to be setting up a really interesting conversation about nationalism, patriotism, etc. I hope they stay complicated and nuanced with it and don't get preachy, which I don't think they will.
Last edited by j9ac9k; 03-19-2021 at 04:15 AM.
You noticed that, too huh?
But then again that backstory was up for grabs since MCU Monica comes from a line of Aviators/Astronauts.
I also find kinda it hard to believe that MCU Stark's Avengers was effectively a non-profit and all the members were volunteers (the lady Doc from Age of Ultron and Maria Hill were paid by Stark).
Not complaining, though this was a great episode, with a nice cameo for fans of the Cap movies.
Last edited by Vic Vega; 03-19-2021 at 04:15 AM.
Nobody said they weren't political before. It's just that this particular show has the opportunity to hit upon a certain current political situation. We're already seeing it with the "America first" attitude in the speech at the end introducing the new Cap. We'll see where the show goes with it, but it does appear it will try to address today's issues in some form.
I've tried to avoid spoilers and trailers, but I did see Sam and Bucky triaining with the shield in some way. Some people online are saying this means they get the shield away from USAgent, but I think it's a flashback. Maybe that scene set up why Sam didn't think he should have it and why Bucky has been ignoring Sam's texts ... that they had some falling out during that sequence.
That has always been the setup of the Avengers tho, Which is why being run by the government always makes more sense you have people committed to that job only that job and they get paid. Avengers have always been Stark or independently funded and yes that means volunteers, think about there isn't an Avengers level event every day or even every month so it is just them "assembling" up when needed.
Yeah it is pretty weird and ironic that this and Spider-Man: Far From Home are happening round about the same time.
Still loving the nice slower paced character development of this first episode with both characters, coupled with the introduction of both Flag Smasher and US Agent. The cameo with Batroc from Winter Soldier was also a great addition, as was including Rhodes. Hopefully the show can (subtly) show up both the far left via Flag Smasher and the far right via US Agent to good effect (probably before revealing that both are being controlled by Zemo or someone else).