Sam Wilson - Most Underrated Avenger

The large & daunting collection of film that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has shown off its broad range of heroes over an 11 year run. Classic Superheroes have jumped from the pages of Marvel Comics to the movie screens, and in the process became house-hold names. Even some of the lesser known characters have turned to staples in the line-up, deservedly so. Among all the colorful characters has been a stand-out team member, Sam Wilson or The Falcon. Anthony Mackie portrays The Falcon in the characters appearances in the MCU, and has created a character worth more than just being referred to as Captain America’s side-kick. Sam Wilson has been a consistently strong and interesting character who has yet to be at the front & center where he belongs. Sam is the most underrated Avenger, and is a uniquely crafted MCU hero, which is what sets him apart from the line-up. The character is always open and honest, which provides a foundation for unparalleled bonds and relationships. Thus, making for interesting development that goes to show that he’s the Avenger the audience needs to see. Sam Wilson is more than just a superhero, he is a good man.

From his first MCU appearance in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson has proved himself to be an open, honest, and kind man that allows himself to be emotionally vulnerable if it can help someone else. This is what allows Sam to create special and iconic MCU relationships/bonds. His first interaction with Steve Rogers after being lapped by the guy ends with him sharing his own personal experience about adjusting to ‘normal’ life to ensure that Steve is comfortable. He doesn’t treat Steve like he’s anything more than just a good friend, teasing him about what music he’s missed since being in the ice even though they’re basically strangers. It’s not something Sam has to do, in fact, he calls out to offer this comfort after Steve begins to leave just because he feels like it might help him.

“It's your bed, right?... Your bed, it's too soft. When I was over there I'd sleep on the ground and use rocks for pillows, like a caveman. Now I'm home, lying in my bed, and it's like…” (Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2014). Sam does this same thing when Steve shows up to a PTSD group meeting where Sam is counseling other veterans. Sam shares his experience of losing a best friend, how he’s happy to be back in the world, and encourages Steve to find what makes him happy. Sam’s kindness then extends to Natasha later on in the film when he immediately notices she’s been shot, and he demands she get help though they’re all in handcuffs, and again, he doesn’t know her very well. Sam is the kind of man who sticks by and cares about people. Perhaps the sweetest example of this occurs near the end of the film when Sam is right with Steve, at his bedside after he was injured... playing Marvin Gaye's "Trouble Man". The relationship that Sam establishes with Steve (and Natasha) is the foundation of that film, and is what later makes the Cap story-line in Avengers: Endgame as powerful as it was.

The reason that these relationships with Sam worked so well and became so essential is simply because of Sam Wilson’s character. Sam is just the kind of Avenger the audience needed when he was introduced, and still needs now as a main character. He’s consistently been a smart, level-headed, and honest man that gave 100 percent support from the beginning. Sam’s willingness to provide his home as a sanctuary to Steve and Natasha with no questions asked in Captain America: The Winter Soldier was just the start. He shows loyalty to Steve, but is not just blindly following either. Sam sticks by Steve’s side during Captain America: Civil War to help this best friend of his (who Sam was attacked by previously) after taking co-lead on their mission to find Bucky previously (and surely had to take full lead on during Age of Ultron when Steve was preoccupied). But when he does this, Sam makes sure to consider all their options before continuing.

“She tell you to stay out of it? Might have a point..." “He'd do it for me..."“In 1945, maybe. I just want to make sure we considered all our options. The people that shoot at you usually wind up shooting at me too.” - ('Captain America: Civil War'. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2016).

Sam shows no signs of blind loyalty or an unfair bias towards Steve and his ‘side’ because he has morals. He asks about Rhodey’s well being after the big group meltdown because he cares no matter whose ‘side’ he may be on and when he felt it was right to do so, he gave Steve’s location to Tony. “Hey, it's alright. Look, I'll tell you… but you have to go alone and as a friend.” (Captain America: Civil War. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2016). It all comes back to the fact that Sam Wilson is a great man.

“Not a perfect soldier, but a good man” ('Captain America: The First Avenger'. Directed by Joe Johnston, Paramount Pictures, 2011).

This is what was said to Steve Rogers many years ago, and rings true again in Sam Wilson. It is important to remember that unlike many of his co-workers, Sam Wilson has no super qualities. He holds no powers, yet is one of the most dependable Avengers out there, and that takes strength. The MCU has touched on mental and emotional health in a few of its films (most notably - Iron Man 3), and perhaps most consistently with Sam as a character. Though it’s due to be explored in more depth, the audience has seen Sam talk openly about his trauma and experience on several occasions. The emotional strength that Sam Wilson has is undeniable. Unlike so many others, Sam has always been in-touch with himself and honest. In Avengers: Age of Ultron Sam kept up with his usual level of teasing with Steve, but is also 100 percent ok with admitting that he is not ready to be an Avenger.

“No, I'm not actually sorry. I'm just trying to sound tough. I'm very happy chasing cold leads on our missing persons case. Avenging is your world. Your world is crazy.” (Avengers: Age of Ultron. Directed by Joss Whedon, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2015).

Which in itself can be a tough admission when the job is put on such a pedestal of physical strength. What really nails the accurate portrayal of Sam’s pure-hearted nature was his final offer to join Steve’s time travel mission at the end of Avengers: Endgame. Despite knowing nothing of time-travel and having just returned from a five year gap in his life, Sam asks:

“You know, if you want. I can come with you?” (Avengers: Endgame. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2019).

Putting his friend first, Sam asks if Steve would like some help. And what does Steve respond with?:

“You're a good man, Sam” (Avengers: Endgame).

Sam Wilson is the best of them and deserves the shield that is handed to him more than anyone else.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is overflowing with wonderful superheroes and charming movies. Sam Wilson (The Falcon) is more than just one of many in the colorful variety of characters. He is the most underrated Avenger out there, and is on his way to the top provided the MCU gives the character all he deserves in future projects like ‘The Falcon and The Winter Soldier’ show. He’s been the biggest supporter of his friends and the audience is looking forward to him receiving some support back in a starring role. His honesty and ability to allow himself to be emotionally vulnerable created some of the best MCU relationships, and gave his character outstanding depth. Which is what truly showed that Sam Wilson is the kind of Avenger the audience needs to see, and showed off that he is in fact, not just a good man, but the best man for the job.