The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is officially halfway through its story and although initial previews hinted at the show being all about choosing the next Captain America, it’s turning out to be so much more than that thanks to captivating villains that do not fit the typical Marvel bad guy criteria.

In pure storytelling terms, it could be said that the series’ third episode puts an end to The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s set-up phase, its own first act. Prior to this week’s “Power Broker” episode, it was a complete mystery what kind of role characters like Sharon Carter and Baron Helmut Zemo would play, and while both did get a noticeable upgrade from their previous MCU appearances, Baron Zemo pulled off an acrobatic 180 from inconsequential villain to star of the show.

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When Captain America: Civil War came out, Baron Zemo suffered drastic changes from his comic book origins since the writers really didn't think they could fit in his German World War II upbringing with the modern storyline they had envisioned for the movie. In fact, Zemo is barely there throughout the whole plot of Civil War since the film is mostly about the ongoing conflict between two different Avengers groups, again in a very toned down way when compared to the all-out Civil War that took place in the comics.

Baron Zemo living large jet Falcon Winter Soldier

Episode two reintroduces Zemo to viewers by showing the Sokovian Colonel locked in his unbreakable German prison backed by Mozart’s imposing "Requiem in D minor" and even briefly focusing on a chessboard, all part of a scene that serves as an omen for just the kind of villain The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has in store. Then episode three sees Zemo transformed into Sam and Bucky’s only lifeline for getting a hold of the Flag-Smashers and their missing stash of super-soldier serum.

However, here the MCU actually gives Zemo proper character traits whereas in Civil War he was just a man with ties to Hydra out to avenge the death of his family; The Falcon and the Winter Soldier shows another side of Zemo, the one that allows him to be a criminal underlord, how he funded his enterprise of terror and at the same time a more “down to earth” rich guy personality who collects cars and has a trusty old butler just like Bruce Wayne.

That last part is actually quite important to drive the plot since Zemo's connections are what allow Sam and Bucky to globetrot all the way to Madripoor in the first place in a manner that is very reminiscent of a James Bond villain. Of course, with all of this comes a dramatic change in character for Zemo too, as the man that almost commits suicide in Civil War is gone in favor of a Zemo that talks back at our heroes and can also bust out some of the best dance moves ever seen in Marvel history, thus proving the living were really not done with him as T'Challa would say.

Two elements that cannot be praised nearly enough for elevating Baron Zemo so much in a single 54-minute episode are Daniel Brühl's brilliant performance and Derek Kolstad’s writing. The John Wick creator who’s also the mastermind behind Bob Odenkirk’s Nobody and the upcoming Splinter Cell animated series managed to play out an encapsulated story that really feels like its own MCU movie, while still giving updates on just what John Walker and the Flag-Smashers are up to.

On the other hand, Brühl’s acting chops really shine this time around as the one-trick pony that he was in Civil War goes out the window to be replaced by the multifaceted Zemo who acts as the team leader and really ends up saving the day by the time the credits roll, instead of making a run for freedom he just goes away for a while so the gang can leave the scene in a flashy Pontiac. Kolstad and Bruhl turn Zemo into a likable villain, propping him up to be smart and cool to watch before the story has him, in all likeliness, finally betraying Sam and Bucky.

Zemo, Sam and Bucky bar fight Falcon and the winter soldier

Another thing to keep in mind is the many opportunities that suddenly open up for this rebranded Baron Zemo in future MCU projects, after all the new Captain America will need some villains to go up against and there's no one better than a villain with whom he might already have some history. Zemo is, to put it mildly, not a fan of superpowered individuals, it's his whole thing; but even if he comic book Zemo only has anti-aging "powers," his MCU persona could find himself tempted to use a dose of that super soldier juice that's loose out there. Yes, Zemo hates superheroes, but what if his only way to challenge their power is just for him to fight fire with fire? Considering the MCU's Zemo is already a drastic departure from the comics' Baron, it's really not that far-fetched.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier has done a fantastic job setting up its main characters, it's even arguable that Sam and Bucky are the most generic cast members so far, but as the series steps into act two, all these actors will finally confront each other and their opposing agendas. With Kolstad already confirmed to have written episode four, it's safe to expect a very similar cinematic style again and Baron Zemo will remain on center stage for, after all, he's the one to blame for that surprising Black Panther crossover.

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