As with "Wandavision" I'm going to review this as if it's a single season show, which at the time of writing appears like it will be the case. Circumstances have allowed me to sit on my thoughts on the show for a couple of weeks, and allow healthy bit of perspective to sit in.

Unwilling to keep hold of a shield that he doesn't feel worthy of, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) hands it over to the Government. He and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) then start to investigate a terrorist organisation that is seeking to establish rights for refugees created by the return of the population, following the events of "Endgame". Their investigation has them turn to old friends, and enemies, for help before the government does the unthinkable, and choses a new Captain America themselves.

Perhaps sensibly, "Falcon" doesn't try and do anything as inventive as "Wandavision" did. It's a much more traditional action 'buddy-cop' type story - though it does cleverly build on the narratives that have been running through the larger story for years. The action scenes, of which there is roughly one per episode are very well done though, and look as expensive and polished and anything we've seen in the movies. One of the themes that works well is bringing in the comics character of Isaiah Bradley, played by Carl Lumby, who tells his story as an African American who was forced to take the super soldier serum and survived, only to be imprisoned at tested on. His experiences juxtaposed against Sam's optimism are a good subplot.

Less successful is the principle antagonists of the show, the terrorist organisation The Flag Smashers. Though Erin Kellyman is excellent, and it's great to hear any English accent other than a greater London/Estuary English one on a show of this scale, I don't feel I ever really got a handle on what their goal was. Daniel Bruhl though, is excellent as the returning Baron Zemo and though the show doesn't really offer any hint of it I really hope the MCU finds a way to use him again.

If "Wandavision" was connecting tissue on the way to the next "Doctor Strange" film, "Falcon" feels like it opens up a range of stories and characters that can be used going forward. Though perhaps a little lacking in surprises there was a depth to the themes and stories that the MCU haven't gone to before, but if this level of quality can be maintained roll on "Loki"