Episode 5 of Marvel’s The Falcon and The Winter Soldier introduced a new character in the form of Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Played by Seinfeld and Veep star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Val is set up to be MCU’s new villain in the ongoing Phase 4 series.
Despite her appearance in the episode, Val’s identity remains largely mysterious. She is seen approaching John Walker, after he is stripped of the Captain America title, to recruit him for her own benefit.
Val sympathizes with him about killing one of the Flag Smashers and even goes on to say he should’ve killed them all. She also confirms her awareness of Walker having injected the super-soldier serum into himself and says that it would be good for him if he were to pick up her call later. Furthermore, Val also gives him some important advice by telling him to forget about losing the shield since it doesn’t technically belong to anyone.
Contessa Valentina made her first appearance in the comics in 1967’s Strange Tales #159. She was a member of S.H.I.E.L.D. and was also acquainted with Nick Fury. Following her time in the organization, she went on to lead an elite group of female fighters called Femme Force.
However, it was later revealed that she was a Russian sleeper agent brought in for HYDRA, and later assumed the title of Madame HYDRA.
Thus, Valentina’s arrival into the MCU could mean a resurrection of the terrorist organization. Her recruitment of Walker could even hint at notorious plans of assembling a team of super soldiers.
Nonetheless, this is yet to be confirmed as Val does not reveal who she is working for. Since both S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA were destroyed a decade ago, it seems unlikely that she could be an operative for either of them anymore.
Moreover, with her introduction, earlier fan theories of the Power Broker’s identity have also shifted to her. Sharon Carter was previously presumed as the probable candidate, but with all the mystery surrounding Valentina, there is a good chance that she could be the Broker.
As Episode 5 ended on many cliffhangers, here’s looking forward to the final episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, which comes out next Friday!
About The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is an American television miniseries created by Malcolm Spellman for Disney+. It is based on the titular Marvel Comics characters Sam Wilson aka. Falcon and Bucky Barnes aka. The Winter Soldier.
Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan reprise their roles as Falcon and Winter Soldier respectively. They are joined by an ensemble cast including Wyatt Russell, Erin Kellyman, Danny Ramirez, Georges St. Pierre, Don Cheadle, Daniel Bruhl, Emily VanCamp, Florence Kasumba and guest star Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Following the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” Sam and Bucky team up in a global adventure to fight an anarchist group called Flag-Smashers while setting to protect the legacy of Steve Rogers (Captain America).
Source: Hotstar
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