Celebrating July Fourth with Captain America

 by Ray Keating

Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 3, 2024

 

Since I was a kid, I’ve been a big Captain America fan. Captain America, a.k.a. Steve Rogers, not only tapped into patriotic little Ray, but, as I’ve written before, Captain America comic books planted in me a love of reading. That, of course, led to my own efforts as a writer.

So, here are some of my favorite quotes from Captain America for July Fourth, Independence Day…

 

“Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world – ‘No, you move.’” 

- Captain America, 

from Amazing Spider- Man #537 by J. Michael Straczynski

 

“As long as freedom may be threatened – Captain America must follow his destiny – wherever that may lead!”

- Captain America

from Captain America #100 by Stan Lee

 

“I will not tolerate – I will not allow – any talk of the necessity of necessary evil. I have spent my life on that line and every time I’ve seen someone cross it, death and horror and shame was what followed. So I refuse to entertain it.”

- Captain America,

from New Avengers (Vol. 3) #2 by Jonathan Hickman

 

“You know, the last time I was in Germany and saw a man standing above everybody else, we ended up disagreeing.”

- Captain America

from The Avengers movie

 

“The price of freedom is high, it always has been. And it's a price I'm willing to pay. And if I'm the only one, then so be it. But I'm willing to bet I'm not.” 

- Captain America

from Captain America: The Winter Soldier movie

 

“I fought your kind every day of that war, Zemo! You mocked democracy and said that free men were weak! Well feel this grip, Zemo — it's the grip of a man who loves liberty! Look into the eyes of your foe, and know that he will die for his freedom! The world must never again mistake compassion for weakness! And while I live — it had better not!”

- Captain America, 

from Avengers #6 by Stan Lee

 

Thanks to all of the comic book artists and writers who worked on Cap in his stand alone book and part of the Avengers, and got me interested in Captain America, including Cap’s creators Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. God bless, America!

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more.

 

Never miss any new book by Ray Keating by joining the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship with Ray Keating at

https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship.

 

Various books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 19 books in the series now.

 

• The Alliance of Saint Michael novels – Cathedral and Subversion – are at Amazon. 

 

• Order The Weekly Economist III: Another 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, and The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist at Amazon.com.

 

• Signed editions of Ray’s books are at www.raykeatingbooksandmore.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Thumbs-Up for Straczynski on Captain America

 by Ray Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

May 21, 2024

 

I’ve been a fan of Captain America since I was a kid. Indeed, as I’ve mentioned before, Captain America Marvel Comic books instilled a sense of joy for reading in me, and that led to reading more and eventually becoming a writer.

On a different front, I recently found and have delighted in the 1990s sci-fi television show Babylon 5. J. Michael Straczynski created and continues to be the driving force behind the Babylon 5 universe. Straczynski also has an extensive resume as a comic book writer, and starting last year, he’s been writing a run on Captain America comics. 

 

When I’ve parachuted in to read some comics in recent years, while there have been wonderful exceptions of solid storytelling, too much has offered uninteresting tales, poor-to-mundane artwork, and sometimes painful agendas. Questions came to mind. Among others, where have the great comic writers and artists gone, and where are the formidable new ones? 

So, Straczynski on the Cap title intrigued me. After all, Straczynski penned one of Cap’s all-time great speeches in comics (in a Spider-Man title - see below). 

I just finished the trade paperback collection of the first six installments in the series. I wasn’t disappointed.

 

Straczynski serves up an interesting story that jumps back and forth between Steve Rogers’ (before he becomes Captain America) early run-ins with Nazis in America, and current-day Cap helping others – from fellow superheroes to local neighbors – and taking on a dark, powerful evil. I also appreciated the role played by gangster Meyer Lansky with a young Rogers.

 

Straczynski drives home the essential issue that there really is no rest in terms of fighting against evil and for peace. This point coupled with the timeframe for part of this tale hit home for me as my Alliance of Saint Michael historical fiction touches on related challenges in the 1930s – with Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel soon to be followed by Subversion.

 

And yes, the forms that evil can take often repeat themselves.

 

I appreciated that the writing stayed faithful to the Steve Rogers-Captain America character; enjoyed the writing; and, for the most part, the artwork in these first issues in Straczynski’s run on Captain America. I look forward to reading more.

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more.

 

Never miss any new book by Ray Keating by joining the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship with Ray Keating at

https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship.

 

Various books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 19 books in the series now.

 

• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel is at Amazon. 

 

• Order The Weekly Economist III: Another 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, and The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist at Amazon.com.

 

• Signed editions of Ray’s books are at www.raykeatingbooksandmore.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

My Indy Adventure, Part VII: Indiana Jones and Captain America?!

 by Ray Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

July 9, 2023

 

Not too long ago, I was chatting with Lou Mongello, host of the awesome WDW Radio Podcast. And referencing his enjoyment of Disney, he said (and I’m paraphrasing), “Ray, Disney bought my childhood.”  He was pointing to purchases made by the company covering Marvel Comics, Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

I knew where Lou was coming from. My love for reading took root as a child in the pages of Marvel Comics featuring Captain America. As a result, Captain America always has and will hold a special place in my life.

 

As for Star Wars, yes, I was a fan since my teens, with the big, mythic storytelling of George Lucas capturing me. However, I admit that my love for science fiction originally sprang from Star Trek.

 

And Indiana Jones? When Raiders of the Lost Ark hit theaters, I was just turning 18. And along with It’s a Wonderful Life, Raiders took my appreciation for movies to a much deeper level. There was so much to learn from classic Hollywood in terms of storytelling, including that a breathtaking action-adventure movie could do a great deal in terms of characters as well.

 

And as a writer today, I remain influenced by Indiana Jones, Captain America, Star Trek, and Star Wars, along with authors like Ian Fleming and Tom Clancy.

 

Having said all of this, during my current Indiana Jones adventure with the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, I came across a shirt online that seemed specifically designed for me. 

 

On my Facebook feed, I stopped scrolling one day on an ad from something called “Hubcloset.”

 

There it was – a shirt featuring Indiana Jones and Captain America! Wow.

 

The shirt cost just under $28, and with a few clicks, the deed was done. Upon arrival, I found the button down shirt to be comfortable and true to its online presentation, that is, with Indiana Jones and Captain America standing next to each other clearly during World War II. Indy says, “Cap.” And Captain America answers, “Doc.”

 

Am I the only one who would like to see the adventure that Indy and Cap were on here?

 

Alas, I don’t expect that to happen. But I have the shirt.

 

Previously…

 

“My Indy Adventure, Part I: Visiting the Indiana Jones Den of Destiny” by Ray Keating

 

“My Indy Adventure, Part II: Indiana Jones and the Hawaiian Shirt” by Ray Keating

 

“My Indy Adventure, Part III: Indiana Jones and the Search for the Comfy T” by Ray Keating

 

“My Indy Adventure, Part IV: New Reviews of Raiders, Temple of Doom, Last Crusade, and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” by Ray Keating

 

“My Indy Adventure, Part V: Indiana Jones and the Search for Disney Movie Profits” by Ray Keating 

 

“Movie Review – My Indy Adventure, Part VI: Angst and Enjoyment  for ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’” by Ray Keating

 

Plus…

 

“‘Indiana Jones: Adventure Series’ Has ‘For Fans, By Fans’ Feel” written and photographed by Jonathan Keating

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael novels; and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right? 

 

Consider books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. You can order the latest book in the series – Under the Golden Dome: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Get the signed books here, or paperbacks and Kindle editions right here. AND pre-order For Better, For Worse: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – Kindle editions or signed books.

 

• Order The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Kindle editions and paperbacks via Amazon here and signed books here. And don’t forget the first book in this growing series, i.e., The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks at RayKeatingOnline.com or paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions at Amazon.com.

 

• Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel. Signed paperbacks and/or paperbacks, hardcovers and the Kindle edition at Amazon. 

 

• The Lutheran Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement, inspiration and consolation from the Christian faith.

 

• Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  –  signed books  or at  Amazon.

 

•  Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know is available at  Amazon  in paperback or for the Kindle edition, and signed books at  www.raykeatingonline.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

“Rogers: The Musical” Arrives in About a Week at Disney California Adventure

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 24, 2023

 

Oh, you lucky West Coasters! You will be able to assemble for the premiere of “Rogers: The Musical” at the Hyperion Theater in Disney California Adventure Park in about a week!

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

As part of the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, a limited-time run of the one-act show will kick-off June 30, and play through August 31, 2023.  “Rogers: The Musical” is scheduled for Tuesdays through Saturdays, several times each day (Check park guides or the Disneyland app for show times on the day of your visit.  On opening day, the show times happen to be 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.)

 
This event promises to be extremely popular, so Disney is recommending joining the virtual queue that will be set up for the show, though it isn’t strictly required (but grab it if you can!). Special viewing areas for “Rogers: The Musical” will be accessible through the virtual queue system via the Disneyland app.  Disney advises, “Distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will begin at 10:30 a.m. PT for the first two show times of the day and 2 p.m. PT for the remaining show times of the day.” Once the virtual queue reaches capacity, any remaining walk-up viewing options will be available by checking in at the Hyperion Theater.

If you absolutely have to make sure you get a seat for the show, you can also purchase a special “‘Rogers: The Musical’ Premium Viewing Experience” package. Available in limited quantities, the $29.00 package at the Studio Catering Co. in Hollywood Land includes a ‘Rogers: The Musical’ popcorn bucket with kettle corn and choice of bottled beverage, plus access to lounge seating before the show, priority choice of seating in the theater, a souvenir lanyard and access to a unique photo opportunity.”

For those who aren’t in-the-know, this somewhat tongue-in-cheek Broadway-style extravaganza is a retelling of the story of Captain America, supported by a super-sized cast of singers and dancers including appearances by Peggy Carter, Nick Fury and select members of the Avengers.

 
If you watched the Disney+ series Hawkeye, you caught a glimpse of the show in episode 1 of the series, where a somewhat embarrassed Hawkeye takes his kids to see the fictional Broadway musical featuring singing and dancing versions of his fellow Avengers.  The 2022 D23 convention also treated audiences to a full-on blast of the show, and now California Adventure guests can get in on the action.

 
The new musical includes original choreography, and five all-new songs with music by Grammy-winning composer Christopher Lennertz and lyrics by Jordan Peterson, Christopher Lennertz and Alex Karukas. Not to worry, “Save The City” from the Hawkeye version of the musical (written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman), and “Star Spangled Man” from the Captain America: The First Avenger film (written by Alan Menken and David Zippel) will be there as well.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

And because any new Disney venture requires snacks and merch, there will be limited time food and beverage offerings, including the “Patriotic Punch,” a Sprite and white cranberry juice with blue raspberry and cherry syrups topped with whipped cream; or the “Red, White and Blue Shake,” a vanilla shake with wild cherry and blue raspberry slushes at select locations across Disney California Adventure Park. The “Cap'n Everything Dog” is a hot link wrapped in pizza dough, topped with everything bagel seasoning; and the “Apple Pizza Pie” is a cinnamon-sugar fried pizza crust, topped with apple and cranberry filling, streusel, and cream cheese frosting. Oh, and if your fandom leans toward Ironman, you might be interested in the “Shawarm-izza” at Shawarma Palace, an Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, and pepperoncini concoction in a garlic-parmesan wrap with marinara dipping sauce.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Popcorn bucket collectors take note: There will be a special “Rogers: The Musical” popcorn bucket available for sale outside the Hyperion Theater, and it comes with red, white and blue kettle corn.

  
The Super Store Featuring Avengers Campus shop in Hollywood Land will be your headquarters for Avengers merch and apparel, but t-shirts, magnets and ornaments for musical merch will be available near the Hyperion Theater.

And to further help you remember this moment for eons to come, PhotoPass photographers will be around to help you commemorate your visit to the show - two Magic Shots will be available for a limited time.  You’ll even be able to pose with Captain America’s shield in front of the Hyperion Theater marquee.

 
If a visit to the West Coast is in your summer plans, you can check for future show times on Disneyland.com or the Disneyland app. (And just a reminder, you will need park tickets/admission and park reservations to enter the park and get to the Hyperion Theater.)

__________

 

Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

 

Listen to Walt Disney, Roy O. Disney, Stan Lee, Captain America, Phineas and Ferb, and More!

Have you checked out the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating Podcast? Each week we turn to a particular person, character or theme in the Disney universe, and see what insights and/or fun we can garner from a quote on each weekday.

Tune in and enjoy right here, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Captain America Week at the Daily Dose of Disney!

It’s Captain America Week starting on Monday, August 22, at the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating podcast. Tune in for some wisdom courtesy of Ray Keating’s all-time favorite comic book character – Captain America!

Daily Dose of Disney with Stan Lee, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, Captain America and More!

Episode #319: Stan Lee on Challenges – Marvel legend Stan Lee makes us ask the key question about challenges.

Episode #320: Mary Poppins on Adventure – Can we follow Mary Poppins on an adventure in our businesses and careers?

 

Episode #321: Iger on Chronic Indecision – Former Disney CEO Bob Iger talks indecision, with Ray Keating adding thoughts on establishing trust on decision-making.

 

Episode #322: Winnie the Pooh on the Journey – Winnie the Pooh talks experience over problems.

 

Episode #323: Walt Disney on Being a Team Player – Walt Disney expected less ego and more collaboration from his people.

 

Episode #324: Captain America on Leadership and Humility – Captain America was “just a kid from Brooklyn,” and that’s a good tip for entrepreneurs and managers.

 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Catch Up on the Daily Dose of Disney, with Tidbits from Lucas, Eisner, Dr. Sweet, Nani and More!

Catch up the latest episodes of the “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast, with such topics as a reporter who predicted the future of Disney; advice from Dr. Sweet in Atlantis, Michael Eisner, Nani in Lilo & Stitch, Star Wars’ George Lucas and The Incredibles’ Brad Bird; and observations on jazz and comic books from Captain America co-creator Joe Simon.

Catch Up with Captain America, Disney Icons, George Lucas, Michael Eisner, Prof Henry Jones, and More!

 Are you caught up on the latest episodes of the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating podcast?

Episode #304: Captain America on Standing Strong – A famous quote from the Captain American comics and from Captain America: Civil War is great advice for business and life.

Episode #303: Disney Icons – Disney’s icons and brand are critical to the company, and while we all can’t achieve what Disney has on this front, entrepreneurs need to think about icons or brands.

Episode #302: George Lucas’ Valuable Career Checklist – Star Wars creator George Lucas talks about finding a career that you’re good at, by going down the list of what you like in life.

Episode #301: Eisner on Meetings and Letting Your Guard Down – Michael Eisner and Ray Keating talk about a workplace where people are comfortable to take risks.

Episode #300: Professor Henry Jones on Children – In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Professor Henry Jones offers advice to follow and not follow regarding your children.

Episode #299: Happy Workplaces Mean Quality Products – The founder of Disney Universities and Ray Keating talk happiness in business.

Insights from Yoda and Captain America

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #244: Director Joe Johnston on Captain America – Johnston enjoyed making Captain America and we enjoy his films, especially Captain America: The First Avenger and The Rocketeer. 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #245: Master Yoda Offers Sound Advice – Yoda offers straightforward advice for business – consider the future when making decisions.

 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Captain America Being Captain America

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #130: Captain America Being Captain America – Captain America serves up the ideal quote for, well, Captain America, and it speaks to a truth in life.

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Captain America and Fear Courtesy of Chris Evans

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #118: Captain America and Fear – Chris Evans decided to play Captain America because he tossed aside fear.

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Chris Evans is Captain America?

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #91: Chris Evans is Captain America? – What happens when the absolute right actor plays the absolute right role? What happens when a company does such a good job that they become the product?

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Celebrate America with Captain America

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #81 – Celebrate America with Captain America – There’s no one better to hear from in the MCU as we celebrate Independence Day than, of course, Captain America.

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

MCU Needs “Loki” to be Really Good (or a Late Review of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”)

by Ray Keating

Review/Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 11, 2021

 

I probably have mentioned this before, but when movie technology finally caught up to comic book superheroes, I was like a kid again. Here were the heroes I read about since my childhood in the pages of comics brought to life in captivating ways on the big screen. And after an incredible run of movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, along came Disney+ announcing that this intertwined story of heroes and villains would be extended to its streaming service as well. Cool.

 

Unfortunately, the first two series – WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – fell short in the end. Now, the MCU and Disney+ need Loki to step it up.

WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier came undone in assorted ways, but in a major way by losing a lifeline that most of the MCU movies had to the best of comic books, that is, delivering a coherent, exciting, action-packed story while communicating a clear sense of right and wrong, and there being consequences for assorted actions.

 

As I explained in a review of WandaVision, here was a show that started with a fascinating premise that had the audience wondering, guessing and wanting more. But then the show not only turned in a more pedestrian and flawed direction in terms of the storytelling, but it failed in an essential way:

 

WandaVision’s creators ultimately chickened out. They set up a story that cried out for wrestling with evil actions taken by a “hero,” but viewers got nothing, other than a lame, passing “I’m sorry” from Wanda. 

 

Unfortunately, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier never really hit the early heights that WandaVision did, but its ultimate fall was somewhat similar.

 

As for the characters, Sebastian Stan could have been interesting as Bucky, with his attempts to deal with the sins that he committed as the Winter Soldier. While the possibility was introduced, nothing very interesting was done with it, or quite frankly, with Bucky in general.

 

Indeed, nothing much compelling was done with either Bucky or Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson/The Falcon during the entire 6-episode series. I was left wondering if Mackie and Stan simply don’t have enough in the acting tank, or if they were not given enough by the showrunners. The show turns out to be about two of Captain America’s sidekicks, who aren’t really cutting it as the main heroes. 

 

There are other problems as well, such as John Walker – Wyatt Russell as Captain America – too quickly descending into a dark place.

 

But two big issues loom with the overall series. First, the showrunners desperately wanted to say something relevant about today’s racial issues. And there’s nothing wrong with creators saying something through their work. But it’s done here in uneven, clunky ways, with points crammed in here and there in awkward ways. Indeed, there was no subtlety or having such matters fit smoothly into the story. Instead, it was all rather heavy handed at the expense of the story. For good measure, at the expense of Steve Rogers’ Captain America as well, as the writers apparently really liked having characters derisively referring, more than once, to a “blond hair and blue eyes” Cap. While trying to move on from one of the MCU favorite characters in Steve Rogers’ Cap, why do it in such a way as to seemingly tarnish the original Captain America? Perhaps the showrunners didn’t intend that, but it certainly was how it came across.

 

And then there is The Falcon and the Winter Soldier falling prey to the same key shortcoming that hit WandaVision about confusing right and wrong. The view that Sam Wilson takes toward the key “villain,” who is a murderer and terrorist, is bewildering, to say the least. Sam treats her sympathetically, even bringing her dead body down from the sky with wings spread out like an angel. Really?

 

Along these lines, the reasons for the terrorists’ actions were murky, and when finally revealed – well, sort of revealed – none of the characters really knew what to do, including Sam now as Captain America, who served up a rambling incoherent speech. 

 

Both Disney+ Marvel shows, though, point to a reluctance to say something clear about right and wrong. But again, that has always been at the center of superhero comic books, especially as they offered little moral lessons to children. And that carried well into the MCU movies. But not in these Disney+ shows, which leaves one with a question: Why?

 

Finally, it’s troubling for a series when the most interesting character by far only gets a few minutes of screen time, and largely as a tip of the hat to future MCU projects. Julia-Louise Dreyfuss, as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, steals each of her scenes. She’s having a good time, and the audience wants to enjoy time with her as well. It’s amazing what happens when an interesting character is portrayed by a real talent.

Courtesy of Marvel.com

As was evidenced by the last three Star Wars films, faith can be lost with the public when even a beloved series falls flat. But as The Mandalorian also made clear, quality storytelling can restore faith and win back audiences. Here’s to hoping that Loki starts to re-ignite some MCU magic.

 

Yes, Loki needs to be good, really good.

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the  Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Keating has two new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13ththriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com. Past Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And pre-order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story.

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

 

You also can order his book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York  from Amazon or signed books  at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. 

 

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