IR TV Review: ASSEMBLED - THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER [Disney+]

While the first season of "The Mandalorian" gave us a multi episode in depth approach for its series, likely because of production and spoilers, the aspect of doing a one and done BTS piece for each show makes more sense. "Assembled: The Making Of The Falcon And The Winter Soldier" does its job well. The focus is undeniably on The Falcon as it is his story of awakening so the ideals and the aspects involved play interestingly and accordingly. The added element of how the coronavirus affected both filming ad story development is a unique one perhaps not to be repeated simply because it let the aspect of the outside world creep in a little bit. The balance of shooting is always an interesting perspective too, especially if something is supposed to take place over seas. Most of the Marvel's elements shoot their base structure in Atlanta or the surrounding area. It seems that there is so much background replacement taht one wonders about the actual aspect of doing it live versus something like Stagecraft. The aspect that most of the backdrop was originally going to be shot in Puerto Rico and then moved to Prague not because of COVID but because of earthquakes is telling. But the fact that Madripoor was created in some abandoned alleyways in a suburb of Atlanta also says a lot The delay also allowed more of the integration of the Louisiana backstory which gives The Falcon's journey a little more weight.

It is interesting seeing also the make up of the production creative team between the lead writers and showrunner along with Kari Skogland, the director who is a fantastic choice but one that would not be assumed. As a result, despite something like the opening salvo, there are some more lingering character moments. The lead vigilante also is an interesting play. In the comic she was played by a man but beyond that the fact that Karli is played by Erin Kellyman who had a memorable but brief role in "Solo: A Star Wars Story" as a vigilante nomad is telling. In making her the villain of sorts, it does provide an interesting dilemma as to what The Falcon is trying to accomplish. Julia Louis Dreyfuss' character is discussed but this reviewer's perspective is that her introduction in "Black Widow" is the one that is meant to be first so it will be interesting to see that play out. Bucky Barnes is a wild card since he is played a little close to the vest considering his long mythology in the movies and yet he provides a lot of insight. The aspect of what resolution is is a fleeting one for him as it is with Zemo (played by Demian Bichir) who is also playing to a different endgame. "The Falcon And The Winter Soldier" as wrapped up in "Assembled" offers many solutions but also many answers but it it will be interesting to see what angle or point they com from. B

By Tim Wassberg