The Falcon and The Winter Solider episode 2 introduces a huge twist to the MCU's super-soldier saga — the other Captain America. In episode 2, "The Star-Spangled Man," Bucky (Sebastian Stan) introduces Sam (Anthony Mackie) to Isaiah Bradley, the forgotten super-soldier.
The second episode of the Marvel series shows that there are more super-soldiers in the world than just Bucky and Steve Rogers. The show's central duo teams up to take on the Flag-Smashers and learn the hard way that the group has superpowered individuals among its ranks. After seeing what they're dealing with, Bucky decides it is time to introduce Sam to the man who had the power and courage of Captain America without the acclaim that Steve received.
Bucky was made aware of Isaiah and his super strength in 1951, as he managed to tear off Bucky's cyborg arm with his bare hands. He thought they could use Isaiah's experience as a super-soldier to figure out how the Flag-Smashers recreated the serum. But what Bucky didn't expect was how angry and upset Isaiah would be about the ghosts of the past being dredged up again due to his experience as Captain America being a painful one. His response underlines just how important the Black experience in America is to The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, and Carl Lumbly is just the actor to help tell that story.
Carl Lumbly, who plays Isaiah Bradley in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, is an established actor whose career spans more than 40 years. Recently, Lumbly appeared in Supergirl as M'yrnn J'onzz, former high religious leader of the Green Martians. He also appeared in Doctor Sleep as the ghostly version of Dick Hallorann. One of his most memorable roles in the last few decades was that of Marcus Dixon in Alias. Dixon was protagonist Sydney's (Jennifer Garner) close friend, confidante, and fellow secret agent. Lumbly has also appeared in movies like Men of Honor and A Cure for Wellness.
Lumbly has a knack for playing characters that are tough with a sensitive side. Those characteristics will prove to be a benefit to his role as Isaiah. Since he is such a well-known actor, it's safe to assume his role on The Falcon and The Winter Soldier will grow beyond a one-episode cameo. The reveal of his character changes so much of what the audience previously knew about super-soldiers, so it will likely continue to be further explored. His brief appearance in the second episode shows that Isaiah had a hard life: While Steve was celebrated for his abilities, Isaiah was forgotten. While Steve was ultimately regarded as a hero for taking the Captain America shield and going rogue, Isaiah was court-martialed and thrown in jail for 30 years. While Sam may be a celebrated superhero, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier shows he still experiences racism and bias. Isaiah will likely play an important part in Sam understanding his place in the post-Blip world as both a Black man and the man chosen to carry the shield. His eventual relationship with Isaiah may eventually even convince Sam to finally take up the mantle of Captain America in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.
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March 28, 2021 at 05:20AM
