The Falcon and the Winter Soldier episode 3, titled "Power Broker", throws our heroes deeper into the murky waters of post-Blip society. Bucky’s quest to uncover the truth behind the Super Soldier Serum leads him and Sam Wilson to a daring prison break, a face-to-face encounter with the enigmatic Baron Zemo, and a trek to the mysterious island nation of Madripoor. But just as our heroes delve deeper into their mission, the episode reveals the true extent of the Flag Smashers’ destructive ideology and introduces a new obstacle: Wakanda’s Dora Milaje, who are now hunting Zemo for his past sins.
The Escape of a Baron
Continuing the storyline from the previous episode, Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes, and John Walker, the new Captain America, are on the hunt for Karli Morgenthau, the leader of the Flag Smashers. Their investigation takes them to Munich, Germany, where they encounter individuals harboring resentment toward Captain America. Zemo, meanwhile, reveals his intricate plan to Bucky, proposing a jailbreak as a means to achieve their mutual goal. While Sam initially objects, Bucky reminds him of the sacrifices they’ve made for the greater good, emphasizing the necessity of their actions.
The Labyrinth of Madripoor
The trio boards Zemo’s private jet and heads to the fictional island nation of Madripoor, a haven of both lawlessness and extravagance. Madripoor is depicted as a city divided, with a chaotic Lowtown and an opulent Hightown, mirroring the dichotomy of the world they inhabit. Zemo instructs Bucky to play the role of the Winter Soldier, and Sam assumes the identity of "The Smiling Tiger", navigating the city’s underbelly in search of the Super Soldier Serum’s origins.
A Shadowy Deal
Zemo, drawing upon his past ties to the Power Broker, a shadowy figure referenced in previous episodes, leads them to Selby, an informant who possesses valuable knowledge. He offers her a deal, revealing the Winter Soldier persona and its associated codewords in exchange for information. Selby points them towards Dr. Wilfred Nagel, the scientist behind the latest iteration of the serum. However, before they can unravel more information, Selby is tragically killed by an unseen assailant, forcing the trio to flee.
Sharon’s Return
As Sam, Bucky, and Zemo escape through the perilous Lowtown, they’re rescued by a surprise ally: Sharon Carter. Their former S.H.I.E.L.D. comrade, labeled a traitor by her government, has transformed into a successful black market operator in Madripoor. Sharon’s presence adds another layer of intrigue to the story, showcasing the consequences of being ostracized from society and the lengths individuals might go to survive. Sam seeks a pardon for Sharon in exchange for her help in locating Dr. Nagel.
Nagel’s Revelation
Sam, Bucky, and Zemo discover Dr. Nagel operating from a hidden lab on Madripoor’s docks. During their interrogation, Sharon is forced to defend them against relentless bounty hunters. Nagel discloses a crucial piece of information, revealing that after the events of Hydra’s downfall, he was recruited by the CIA to isolate the Super Soldier Serum from an American soldier’s blood— likely Isaiah Bradley, who was first introduced in episode 2. However, Thanos’ Snap interrupted his research, and the project was abandoned after the Blip. Nagel’s work was subsequently funded by the Power Broker, who seeks to control the serum.
Zemo’s Unforeseen Move
As the interview progresses, a desperate Zemo, driven by his intense hatred for the Super Soldier Serum and the havoc it wreaks, unexpectedly kills Nagel. The act is highly controversial and leaves Sam and Bucky questioning his motives. Simultaneously, bounty hunters attack the lab, setting off a fiery inferno that forces everyone to flee. Amidst the chaos, Zemo disappears yet again. However, his escape remains temporary as his past actions have caught the attention of a powerful force.
The Dora Milaje Strikes
The episode takes us to Vilnius, Lithuania, where Karli is orchestrating a daring raid on a GRC facility. Her actions, fueled by her belief in a world devoid of borders, are shown to be driven by deep personal loss. Having lost her mother, Donya Madani, to what appears to be tuberculosis, she’s determined to use the serum to heal the world from similar injustices. However, she also proves to be a deeply flawed and potentially dangerous figure. Her actions lead to the deaths of innocent citizens, pushing her further into the realm of villainy.
Bucky, while separated from Sam and Zemo, begins to notice a trail of metallic spheres, leading him to the doorstep of an unexpected visitor— Ayo, the second-in-command of Wakanda’s elite guard, the Dora Milaje. She has pursued Zemo across borders to deliver justice for his past actions. The implication is clear— Wakanda, which has always remained a mystery, is now directly involved in the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
The Stakes Grow Higher
The episode concludes with John Walker, fully motivated by his desire to uphold law and order, deciding to break the rules. Witnessing the chaos and blatant disregard for legal boundaries by Sam and Bucky, the new Captain America chooses to operate outside the system. The episode ends on a chilling note as Karli, driven by her twisted sense of justice, detonates the GRC facility, killing innocent civilians. The world is left reeling, with the Flag Smashers’ true nature revealed. Sam and Bucky now face a daunting task, navigating the complexities of an increasingly unstable world, while being hunted by the Dora Milaje and the relentless Power Broker. The episode’s final moments leave viewers breathless, eager for the unveiling of the next episode and the unfolding consequences of all of their actions.
