Why did Sam hand over the Shield?

The iconic shield of Captain America is set to become the focal point of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. With the opening episode of the series starting with Sam (Anthony Mackie) handing over the shield, many fans are asking why. At the end of Avengers: Endgame when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) passed down the shield to Sam he felt a sense of pride. However, this quickly dissipated as the feeling of pride was replaced with Sam’s feeling of doubt as he doesn’t feel he can live up to the legacy Steve created. As well as this, the opening episode introduced us to Sam’s family which is another focal point of the series, but also the family will have played a key part in Sam’s decision to hand over the shield.

Sam doesn’t feel he can live up to Steve:

When Endgame’s credits rolled many fans felt the transition for Sam Wilson to become Captain America was the natural direction. But, in typical MCU fashion nothing is ever that simple. After Sam hands over the shield to the government he has a sentimental chat with James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and we begin to understand why he made the choice to reject Steve’s wish.

Luckily the series didn’t wait long to answer the question why Sam didn’t take up the mantle as Rhodey bluntly asks him this. Sam responds by saying “it feels like it belongs to someone else.” What this implies is that Sam doesn’t feel like he can do what Steve did and if he even tries he couldn’t be as successful as the first Avenger. As the pair of pilots walk through the Smithsonian museum we get a further look at the legacy that Steve left. The numerous number of displays which showcase what Steve did makes it clear that it would be no easy feat to fulfil his shoes. This again sparks the debate in Sam’s head as he doubts himself.

This self-doubt which Sam feels is something which occurred in the comics when he took the mantle of Captain America as nobody took him seriously like they had done with Steve. Not being taken serious will also play on the mind of Sam as while playing the confident side-kick he has always had a fear of not being good enough. This was touched on in Captain America: The Winter Soldier when he discusses losing his wingman Riley. While not directly referencing a lack of confidence, the fact he left the forces after the death of his wingman implies he had a drop in confidence. If Riley hadn’t been killed, Sam may have a completely different perspective as nobody close to him would have died on his watch and he would be more naive to situations. Therefore, due to his loss he may not want the responsibility because he is scared of something happening when he is meant to be in charge of the situation just like Steve was.

It’s pretty clear that Sam doesn’t feel like he can live up the legacy Steve created and the past Sam has is something else which weighs him down and makes him feel unworthy of being Captain America.

That being said it is likely that Sam will take up the mantle by the end of the series. The journey he goes on through the series will explain to Sam that Steve choose him as his successor because of his moral compass rather than his abilities. It was never about living up to his legacy; it was about doing what is right when others may disagree. Throughout the series we will see Sam learn this lesson as he teams up with Bucky (Sebastian Stan) to battle the threat of the Flag Smashers, Zemo (Daniel Bruhl) and anyone else who may appear.

Wilson Family Seafood:

While the pressure and expectations of living up to Steve Rogers played a major impact in Sam handing over the shield to the government, the impact of his family will have also been a factor in his decision. The struggle of the Wilson Family Seafood business was one of primary sub plots of the opening episode. Sam helping his family is a distraction to help him forget about his job, but it is also something the strong willed Avenger prioritised after the blip.

Without question, taking up the mantle of Captain America would have resulted in Sam not being able to be with his family as his missions would have always taken priority. We also have to remember that before the blip Sam spent many years on the run after Captain America: Civil War which would have meant he was absent from his family. As a family man spending so much time away from his family would have caused some upset for Sam and thus it has to be stated that he didn’t take up the mantle of Captain America because of them. Sam will want to make up for lost time and becoming the new cap would not allow for him to do so.

Verdict:

Taking up the mantle of Captain America was always going to be a difficult decision for Sam and when you consider his journey throughout the MCU we begin to understand why. He never felt on the level of Steve and always idolised him so being his replacement is something he doesn’t feel like he can or anyone can achieve. Then when you add on the family of Sam Wilson which the series has introduced and Sam has more of a reason to decline the mantle.

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