‘Avengers: Infinity War’: Exploring Bucky and Captain America’s Reunion
If you haven’t seen Avengers: Infinity War yet, we’d recommend not reading any further. We’d also recommend staying in the happy little bubble that exists before you step into the theater, you’ll miss it once it’s gone.
You know that feeling you have when you watch Requiem For A Dream and you sort of have to sit there for a while and just process? Seeing Avengers: Infinity War gives the same feeling.
Two big MCU heroes stood out in this one: Bucky Barnes and Steve Rodgers.
Their spirit is hard to ignore, even after several movies. Both Bucky and Steve always find a way to surprise the audience and further solidify their places in the hearts of fans in each film.
When we saw that Infinity War trailer, when they are reunited in Wakanda, we were seriously excited. It’s about time they got a little bit of peace. We didn’t expect, however, for it to be so short lived.
The thread that connects Bucky and Steve is one of the strongest ties in the MCU. Facing death and destruction, mind control and super serum, and the way life gives and takes – they’ve been through a lot.
When Bucky has his brain scrambled – he still knows Steve. At least, he knows that Steve means something to him. He is programmed to forget everything and become a blank slate, but that bond didn’t sever. This is explored in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and even at the beginning of Civil War.
Steve is just that ‘16-year-old kid‘ again anytime someone brings Bucky up. They ground one another, even if they have no idea they are doing it. Their bond draws in a very dedicated and passionate group of fans around the world.
‘Stucky’ is one of the most popular ships on Tumblr. Rightfully so. The relationship between them is really something special. No matter what you make of it, it’s their friendship that is really the base of that fandom.
As Bucky calls out Steve’s name with that broken voice right before he goes, our hearts may as well have evaporated. That scene was only made harder by watching Steve question frantically where Thanos is, after the last soul makes it’s way to his possession.
Thor says nothing. He just stands looking more defeated than we’ve ever seen him. With the pain he’s experienced, that says a lot.
Steve falls to his knees and touches the ground where Bucky stood seconds before. By then, with the many other heroes fading away, and several other deaths, you can tell that there is no way anyone is getting out of this battle unscathed.
You can see Avengers: Infinity War in theaters now.
‘…but I knew him’
