Why a small shield detail in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier proves John Walker doesn’t understand Captain America’s legacy. The new Captain America hasn’t been as peaceful as Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. When it comes to taking down Karli Morgenthau and the Flag-Smashers, John Walker is anything but non-violent and patient. In episode four of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, however, he took things too far and confirmed he’s as far removed from everything Steve Rogers stood for.
In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s episode four, called “The Whole World is Watching,” John Walker (aka, the new Captain America) and Lemar Hoskins (aka, Battlestar) attempt to take out the Flag-Smashers with very little tact. Unlike the original Captain America, John toted his gun alongside his shield. He used the latter to hide behind in battle while the gun sat directly on top. It was a study in contrast and the imagery of carrying around a gun while carrying Cap’s shield suggests John doesn’t understand the meaning behind it or the bravery it takes to be a superhero without the weapon.
As a soldier, John might be used to carrying a gun, but it’s far more of an offensive weapon than a defensive one, typically causing a wide range of harm. It’s also not what Captain America stood for at all. For Captain America, containing conflicts and ensuring civilian safety have always been key. While Steve used a gun during his time fighting in World War II, it was because he was required to do so. After being awakened from his frozen state, Steve recognized his responsibilities were first and foremost to the people and that meant avoiding collateral damage in any and all fights (something far easier said than done, but attempts were made).
As hard as John Walker tries, his attempts to follow the example set by Captain America ultimately fall through. What’s more, episode four of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier hinted John had a dark past despite all the medals of honor — what he did to earn them was not exactly right, by his own account. John said he’s “trying to be the best Captain America” he can be, but the brutality with which he fights says a lot about his violent tendencies. John seems to barely be holding it together, hoping to take out his frustration on the Flag Smashers in a vicious way. He’s incredibly comfortable using a gun and firing it into public spaces to take down enemies, a fact Steve would not be happy about. If anything, John has actually damaged the image of Captain America by using a gun and increased violence in battle.
Captain America had superhuman strength and a Vibranium shield he employed during every battle, so the gun was wholly unnecessary. He also knew using one would put civilians in harm’s way. Plus, superheroes in general — be they the Avengers, Batman, and anyone else touting themselves as vigilantes in the genre — seem to have an unspoken rule regarding the use of their powers, gadgets and other weaponry in place of guns. This is often what separates them from villains and other antagonists, which is why John’s Captain America effectively fails at his job and simultaneously dishonors Cap’s long-standing image in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
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