The following contains spoilers for The Falcon And The Winter Soldier episode 4.
In only four episodes, The Falcon And The Winter Soldier has given fans a glimpse at several characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe they didn't know if they would see again. One of those is Ayo. A high-ranking member of Wakanda's Dora Milaje, Ayo has appeared in a handful of MCU movies before, but never with a part as significant as this one.
In the third episode of the series, Ayo comes to Bucky Barnes with the reveal that she plans on taking Helmut Zemo from his custody to get justice for Zemo's assassination of Wakanda's King T'Chaka. She even gives him a timeline, granting him the courtesy of getting help from Zemo in his investigation for the day. Unfortunately, Ayo doesn't get her wish in episode 4. Instead, when she and other members of the Dora Milaje return for Zemo, they're met with a fight. That fight doesn't initially come from Bucky. It comes from the new Captain America John Walker. When Bucky tries to intervene, it definitely doesn't go the way he wishes. The confrontation between the two might be even more significant than some fans realize.
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier Reveals Ayo And Bucky's History
Even before the events of The Falcon And The Winter Soldier take place, the audience knows Bucky spent a significant amount of time in Wakanda. What they don't know is exactly what happened while he was there. The movies go from showing Steve Rogers and T'Challa placing Bucky back in stasis to Shuri chatting with him. His time in Wakanda leaves him able to resist the Winter Soldier program's trigger words. He also has a new arm with the same technology that provides protection for the Black Panther suit.
The fourth episode, however, reveals a bit more. Shuri isn't the only Wakandan to work on deprogramming Bucky. Ayo personally oversaw the process according to the flashback. When Bucky is terrified that he might hurt people in Wakanda, Ayo is more than confident in her ability to take him on - and in Shuri's work. She's the one who dictates the trigger words to him, waiting to see his reaction after each one. When he reacts emotionally but doesn't return to the Winter Soldier state, she tells him that he's free. It's a sentiment his therapist uses earlier in the series as well, but it appears to hold more meaning when Bucky's in Wakanda and initially released from the Winter Soldier's hold on him.
Ayo Does Not Call Him Bucky
Thanks to the nickname Steve Rogers once gave him, James Buchanan Barnes goes by a lot of names. Formally, his therapist calls him James. Sam Wilson alternates between calling him Bucky or Buck depending on the situation. The public knows him as the Winter Soldier. In Wakanda, however, he earns the moniker of White Wolf.
When Ayo and Bucky first meet up on the street after she follows him, she calls him White Wolf. So far, Shuri is the only other person to use that name other than Bucky himself. Whether it's simply a nickname or an earned title isn't clear. The name, however, clearly means a lot to Bucky. It's also important to Ayo.
When Ayo brings the Dora Milaje to take Zemo, the confrontation that ensues is largely with John Walker. As Bucky intervenes, however, Ayo voices her disappointment. She also no longer calls him the White Wolf. Instead, Ayo addresses him by the more formal James. It's clear that Bucky knows he's made a mistake given his reaction to her change in demeanor. It would be a nice touch for fans if the show addressed just what meaning White Wolf holds in Wakanda.
Ayo Disabling Bucky's Arm Demonstrates A Lack Of Trust
When Bucky finally joins the fight that includes the Dora Milaje and John Walker, he's in for a surprise. Not only is Walker quickly disarmed as the Dora Milaje handle Captain America's shield better than him, but Bucky is disarmed - literally -as well. It only takes Ayo seconds to hit a few specific spots on his arm and shoulder to completely disconnect the arm Shuri provided him.
When Sam asks Bucky if he knew Ayo could do that, the shock is evident on Bucky's face. He clearly believed that the people he met in Wakanda trusted him after helping him gain his freedom from the Winter Soldier programming. Ayo making quick work of his arm to end their fight proves that's not entirely true.
Bucky Barnes is left to reconnect his arm as the Dora Milaje leave, but he's also left with much to think about. As a result of their confrontation, he knows that Ayo's disappointment with him stretches farther than just her own feelings. If the arm gifted to him had a fail-safe to disable it, it's possible Shuri didn't trust him as much as she let on. For someone who has been struggling to accept their freedom and that they can move on with their life, it's a low blow. His actions as the Winter Soldier, as far as Bucky's concerned, might never stop haunting him.